Hi new to the forum but I figure this is one of the best places on the net to ask about the T-34. I was wondering if any OT-34's with the cupola were used at the Battle of Kursk. Also were there any regular T-34's with the cupola at Kursk. All the info I can find said that the cupolas were mid production on the T-34/76 and it appeared on the 43 model but were they introduced before Kursk. Thanks.

I find an OT-34 with cupola in action in the summer of 1943, you can find it on page31 < Concord - 7011 - Soviet Tanks in Combat 1941-45>.

Thanks for answering my question that finalizes a idea to purchase Dragons OT-34 model 1943.

When I build this model as far as weathering goes was it common for the paint to be gone and blistered underneath the flame projector along the glacis plate.

here: http://gallery.kitmaker.net/showphoto.php/photo/352819

Thanks again you answered another question for me. I had posted another topic last night about the T-34 using field mods for protection and in you gallery photos I saw a picture of a T-34/85 using schurzen from a Panzer Mark IV. This is great it confirms two questions I had. What I was wanting to do was build a OT-34 or T-34 with the cupola that had made it all the way from Kursk to Berlin. I wanted to represent a T-34 that had been heavily modified by the crew to fight off Panzerfausts. My plan is to start with OT-34 and give it a two tone camouflage pattern like the ones used a Kursk and weather the paint heavily showing the abuse of two years on the Russian Front. I was thinking about making a kind of homemade schurzen that appeared to be made in the field. In between the hull and the schurzen I plan on putting lots of stowage to give the tank a lived in feeling. Anyway I thank you for responding to the post you helped me tremendously.