TMN: Preview: MiniArt's 1/35th scale RSO/01 Early Prod. w/ 7.5 cm Pak.40 & Crew

MiniArt combines the "early" 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01 with the PAK.40 gun & crew in their latest all-in-one box. We look at the contents in our preview...

Preview: MiniArt's 1/35th scale RSO/01 Early Prod. w/ 7.5 cm Pak.40 & Crew

RSO/01 Early Prod. w/ 7.5 cm Pak.40 & Crew

From MiniArt Models

1/35th scale

Kit No. 35485

Decals for four options in the box.

The kit includes an early model RSO. Five figures plus the PAK.40 kit in one box...

The kit includes clear parts & photo-etch metal

Product Link on the MiniArt Website

The subject: Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Early Prod

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. 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.

RSO/01—licence plate WH-315706 in a well-known photo of the early type...

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.

An RSO towing a 120mm 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.

A column of RSO towing PaK guns

German gun crews...

During World War II, German anti-tank gun crews played a crucial role in the Wehrmacht’s defensive strategy. These crews operated a variety of anti-tank weapons designed to counter the increasing threat posed by Allied armoured vehicles. The primary anti-tank guns used by the Germans included the 3.7 cm Pak 36, the 5 cm Pak 38, and the more powerful 7.5 cm Pak 40.

German Panzerjäger use a Pak 40 against Yugoslav partisans in Bosnia on 12 January 1944.

German anti-tank units also utilised self-propelled guns like the Panzerjäger and Jagdpanzer. The Panzerjäger had an open casemate, exposing the crew but allowing for greater mobility and flexibility. In contrast, the Jagdpanzer had a closed casemate, providing better protection for the crew.

The crews were typically composed of four to six soldiers depending on the gun, each with specific roles such as gunner, loader, and spotter. They were trained to quickly set up their guns, aim accurately, and fire under the pressure of advancing enemy tanks. The Pak 40, for example, could penetrate the armour of most Allied tanks at ranges up to 1,800 metres.

German crew of a 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun resting in front of the Italian State Radio at the corner of Via Asiago and Via Montello, Rome, Italy, 11 Sep 1943.

These crews faced significant dangers, as their positions were often targeted by enemy artillery and infantry. Despite these challenges, they were instrumental in delaying and disrupting Allied armoured advances on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

German 7.5 cm PaK 40 gun and crew in Northern France, Oct 1943

The kit: MiniArt's 1/35th scale RSO/01 Early Prod. w/ 7.5 cm Pak.40 & Crew

MiniArt's 35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01 was the first in their new family of Raupenschleppers. Several have been delivered with different cabs, structures, and trays, some even armoured. This is the more common tractor version, with the all-metal cab and canvas rear cover over the tray.

The kit includes:

A detailed model of the RSO/01 Early Production tractor and the 7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun included, plus 5 crew figures in realistic poses
Photo-etched parts included

Clear parts included

This kit features all the parts to make one early-type RSO right out of the box. Four marking choices are included.
The simple uncovered tray is also offered as an option with stringers installed here (or not, your choice).
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 cabin is finely detailed, and 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.

The Pak.40 7.5cm gun is included in full, of course.