June 25, 2025

Preview: MiniArt's 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01 Late Production

The late-model Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01 is MiniArt's latest release in the series. We have art, features & CADs plus the machines captured in this boxing, all in our preview...


Preview: MiniArt's 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01 Late Production

Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Late Production
From MiniArt Models
1/35th scale
Kit No. 35482
Decals for four options in the box.
The kit includes clear parts & photo-etch metal
The subject: Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Late Production
The acronym RSO stands for “Raupenschlepper Ost,” which translates as “Caterpillar Tractor East." The terrible muddy and icy conditions experienced on the Eastern Front convinced Germany of the need for a highly mobile, tracked vehicle. Steyr proposed the RSO, and it immediately became a popular vehicle thanks to its mobility and reliability.

The cover girl of this boxing is seen here, with the same markings and those heavier tracks in the rails on either side of the tray. All of the period images here contain the marking choices from this boxing.
In all, about 23,000 RSO vehicles were produced by a range of manufacturers. The original version had a pressed-steel cab and a typical truck-style cargo bed at the rear. It was powered by a Steyr 85-hp V8 engine that offered a top speed of 30 km/h.

Another choice from this kit, you will notice the very wide snow/mud tracks used on this machine and included in this boxing.
Initially designed as a prime mover and artillery supply vehicle, the RSO eventually adapted to a wide range of roles. Upon its arrival on the Eastern Front, combat units repurposed it for general transportation duties, leveraging its reliability, ease of maintenance, and versatility to excel in various terrains. Its unique "slack-track" system, consisting of four road wheels per side in a single line, proved particularly effective in handling the challenging mud season and Russian winter conditions, which often crippled other vehicles. This was due to the absence of return rollers, which eliminated the risk of mud or snow freezing between the wheels of more complex suspension systems found in German half-track vehicles like the SdKfz 7.

Again in heavy mud, this late-model RSO is seen towing a large 21 cm mortar.
The RSO underwent several design iterations, starting with the RSO/01, which featured a pressed-steel cab with a truck-like configuration. Subsequent models, RSO/02 and RSO/03, adopted a simpler, soft-top, slab-sided metal cab. All versions boasted wooden, drop-side cargo beds typical of light trucks from that era. Initially powered by a Steyr 3.5L V8 petrol engine, the RSO/03 was later upgraded to a Deutz air-cooled diesel engine. Approximately 23,000 RSO units of all versions were produced.

Interestingly, this RSO is seen running without its engine grille cover. This, plus the simple yellow colour may denote it is from a southern European theatre.

The kit: MiniArt's 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Late Prod
MiniArt's 1/35th-scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01 mid-production is the next in their family of Raupenschleppers. Several are planned with different cabs, structures, and trays, some even armoured. This is the more common tractor version, with the all-metal cab and a revised canvas frame and rear cover over the tray.

Either a covered or an uncovered tray is also offered as an option with stringers here installed (or not, your choice). You can see a direct comparison between the canvas on and off here...
You can see the rather latter model simplified stringers for the canvas.
The image shows the rear of the truck with three types of tow hooks in this kit.
You can see some of the chassis and rear running gear, plus the crew controls and seats of the RSO, in this image. The full Steyr 3.5L V8 petrol engine that powered the early variants is here with a drivetrain leading to the drive wheels. A little wiring harness is all one would need.
The link and length tracks save time on construction but are less flexible to an undulating terrain.
The cabin is finely detailed, and as you can see here, it can be constructed separately from the rest of the kit. The interior has all of the controls, linkages, and instruments that the real thing had. You can see the changes from the mid to the late production model here.
The four marking choices included are here; we have seen those already in this preview in real life.

This kit should be available next month from MiniArt's distributors worldwide.
Check out the MiniArt site for more info on all of their kits...