Raupenschlepper Ost Rso/01. Mid Prod 1:35 MiniArt 35480

Plastic Military Model Kit: Raupenschlepper Ost Rso/01. Mid Prod 1:35 MiniArt 35480

The 1:35 scale Raupenschlepper Ost RSO/01 model kit by MiniArt is a great choice for World War II history enthusiasts and modelers interested in military vehicles. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the key transport vehicles used by the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product code: 35480
• Manufacturer: MiniArt
• Series: WW II Military Models 1/35
• High-quality plastic parts
• Photo-etched parts included
• Detailed chassis and suspension
• Clear plastic parts for windows
• Four marking options

Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO/01) – Historical background:

The Raupenschlepper Ost, also known as RSO, was a fully tracked tractor developed by Steyr Daimler Puch AG in response to the harsh terrain conditions on the Eastern Front during World War II. After the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the German armed forces quickly realized that their existing vehicles struggled with muddy roads and difficult terrain, especially during the “Rasputitsa” seasons, when roads became virtually impassable.

The RSO was designed as a light tracked tractor capable of transporting supplies and military equipment in challenging conditions. Its construction was based on components from the Steyr 1500A truck, which simplified production. The vehicle featured high ground clearance, enabling it to overcome terrain obstacles, and could carry loads up to 1.5 tons.

Production of the RSO began in September 1942, and by the end of the war, approximately 28,000 units were produced in various versions. The RSO/01 version was the basic model with a closed driver's cab. This vehicle was used not only for supply transport but also as a platform for anti-tank guns, such as the 7.5-cm PaK 40.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Manufacturer: Steyr Daimler Puch AG, Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
• Weight: 3,700 kg
• Payload: 1,500 kg
• Length: 4.425 m
• Width: 1.99 m
• Height: 2.53 m
• Engine: Steyr 1500 A (V8, 85 HP) or KHD F 4 L 514 (70 HP)
• Top speed: 17 km/h
• Range: up to 300 km

The RSO was an invaluable support vehicle for the German armed forces, especially on the Eastern Front, where its ability to navigate difficult terrain was crucial. After the war, civilian versions based on the RSO, such as the Waldschlepper RS 1500, were developed and used in forestry and agriculture.

Self-assembly and painting kit. Paints and glue not included. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (such as cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.