TMN: Preview: MiniArt's 1/35th-scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01 Last Production

The last in the line of Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01s is MiniArt's latest release in the series. We have art, features & CAD sprue layout plus the machines captured in this boxing, all in our preview...

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

Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Last Production

From MiniArt Models

1/35th scale

Kit No. 53007

Decals for four options in the box.

The kit includes clear parts & photo-etch metal

Product Link on the MiniArt Website

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 shown here, the same RSO used in the artist's lovely rendition. Notice the spare tracks on the roof & the slightly lower front windscreens (also shown on the box art).

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, shown in a rural scene with some local children

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.

Another one of the RSO's captured in this boxing.

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.

An RSO in a rather poor state, door open, I wonder what happened here.

The kit: MiniArt's 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Last Prod

MiniArt's 1/35th-scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO-01 Final-production is the next in their family of Raupenschleppers. This is the more common tractor version, with the all-metal cab with lower windows, a revised canvas frame and rear cover over the tray.

Features of this kit:

-Either a covered or an uncovered tray is also offered as an option with stringers here installed (or not, your choice).

- You can see the rather latter model simplified stringers for the canvas.

- Included is a full chassis and running gear, plus the crew controls and seats of the RSO.

- The full Steyr 3.5L V8 petrol engine that powered RSOs 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. Also, the "OST"-style tracks are included.

- The cabin is finely detailed; 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 late production model here.