Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Early prod 1:35 MiniArt 35478

Plastic military model for assembly: Raupenschlepper Ost Rso/01. Early Prod 1:35 MiniArt 35478

The Raupenschlepper Ost RSO/01 model kit in 1:35 scale is an excellent choice for enthusiasts of military vehicles from World War II. This detailed set represents the early production version of the German tracked vehicle that was used by German forces on the Eastern Front. The RSO/01 was designed to cope with difficult terrain conditions such as mud and snow, making it indispensable in winter campaigns.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: MiniArt
• Catalog number: 35478
• Includes photo-etched parts
• 4 decal options to choose from
• Realistic details and features

History and usage: The Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) was developed in response to the difficulties faced by German troops during the campaign in the east. After the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, German forces quickly realized that their existing vehicles were struggling with muddy roads and harsh weather conditions. In response to these challenges, Steyr Daimler Puch AG, in collaboration with a tank commission led by Ferdinand Porsche, designed the RSO as a lightweight tracked tractor with high towing capacity and additional cargo space.

The RSO/01 was the first production version, equipped with a closed driver's cabin and a gasoline engine. This vehicle was produced in large quantities, with production starting in September 1942. By the end of 1942, 1452 units had been produced, and in January 1943, another 802. Over time, production continued at a high level, reaching 2600 units by 1944.

Technical specifications of the vehicle:

• Manufacturer: Steyr, later also Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz and Graf and Stift
• Weight: 5500 kg
• Payload: 1500 kg
• Dimensions: length 4.425 m, width 1.99 m, height 2.53 m
• Engine: V8 Steyr (85 HP) or four-cylinder Deutz Diesel (66 HP), both air-cooled
• Maximum speed: 17 km/h (14 km/h for RSO/3)
• Range: approximately 300 km
• Tank capacity: 180 l (gasoline) / 140 l (diesel)

The RSO/01 was not only used as a tractor but also as a platform for various modifications, including armed versions such as the RSO/02 with a 7.5 cm PaK 40 gun. Although these versions were not mass-produced, they were used as improvised assault guns.

Post-war usage: After the war, RSO production was resumed in a modified form as the Waldschlepper RS 1500, intended for use in agriculture and forestry. In the Soviet Union, a forest tractor KT-12 was developed based on the RSO, which was produced in various versions for many years.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.