MiniArt’s 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01. Early Prod

Preview: MiniArt’s 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01. Early Prod

RAUPENSCHLEPPER OST RSO01. Kit No. The kit contains clear parts and photo-etch metal. Early Prod

The acronym RSO is “Raupenschlepper East,” which translates to “Caterpillar Tractor East.” Germany was convinced by the muddy and icy conditions on the Eastern Front that it needed a tracked vehicle with high mobility. Steyr introduced the RSO and it became an instant hit thanks to its reliability and mobility. Around 23,000 RSOs were manufactured by various manufacturers. It was powered by a Steyr 85-hp V8 engine that offered a top speed of 30 km/h. It was powered by a Steyr 85-hp V8 engine that offered a top speed of 30 km/h.Models

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. After its arrival on Eastern Front, combat unit repurposed the RSO for general transportation duties. They benefited from its reliability, easy maintenance and versatility in order to excel in different terrains. The “slack track” system of four wheels on each side, in a single row, was particularly useful in dealing with the Russian winter and mud season, conditions that often crippled many other vehicles. The absence of return rollers eliminated the risk that mud or ice would freeze between the wheels in more complex suspension systems, such as those found on German half-track vehicles, like the SdKfz 7.1001010An RSO towed by a 120mm mortar

DecalsThe RSO went through several design iterations. Starting with the RSO/01 which featured a pressed steel cab with a semi-truck-like configuration. The RSO/02, and RSO/03 models adopted a slab-sided, metal, soft-top cab. All versions featured wooden drop-side cargo bed typical of light trucks in that era. The RSO/03 started out with a Steyr V8 petrol engine. Later, it was upgraded to a Deutz diesel engine. A column of RSO towing PaK cannons

The MiniArt 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper RSO01. Early Prod

MiniArt’s 35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01 is the first in their new family of Raupenschleppers. There are several planned, with different cabs and structures, as well as trays. Some will even be armoured. This kit includes all the pieces to build one RSO Early Type right out of its box. The kit includes four different marking options.

The interior is very detailed and can be built separately. The interior has all of the controls, linkages, and instruments that the real thing had.

This kit should be available next month from MiniArt’s distributors worldwide.

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