April 07, 2025

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

MiniArt has added the colour profiles, plastic, etch, decals to their preview of their "mid" 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Check out the additions (plus the real machines from this boxing) in our preview...

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

RAUPENSCHLEPPER OST RSO/01. Mid Production
From MiniArt Models
1/35th scale
Kit No. 35480
Decals for four options in the box.
The kit includes clear parts & photo-etch metal
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. 

The covergirl is replicated of this well-known "Life" photo of the RSO from the Eastern front, 1943
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.

One of the real machines that are the subjects of this boxing. This one is from the German archives, captured in Russia, 1943
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 mid-production type with the more angular tarp frame on the rear as an easy identifyer... 
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.

From the time of "Operation Zitadelle," a Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) is seen towing its accompanying artillery piece. 

The kit: MiniArt's 1/35th scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01. Mid Prod
MiniArt's 1/35th-scale Raupenschlepper OST RSO01 mid-production is the next in their family of Raupenschleppers. Several are planned with different cabs, structures, and trays, some even armoured. This is the more common tractor version, with the all-metal cab and a revised canvas frame and rear cover over the tray.
The simple uncovered tray is also offered as an option with stringers here installed (or not, your choice).
You can see a direct comparison between the canvas on and off here...
The image shows the rear of the truck with three types of tow hooks in this kit.
You can see some of the chassis and rear running gear of the RSO in this image. The full Steyr 3.5L V8 petrol engine that powered the early variants is here with a drive train leading to the drive wheels. A little wiring harness is all one would need.
The blue shows the two types of return roller & drive sprocket for this kit.
Three options for the engine cover are shown, with two hatches or an open "bonnet" giving you access to the engine that looks so good here. Plastic or photo-etch windscreen wipers are optional.
The more angular framing & tarpaulin that covers it is shown in these illustrations. 
The link and length tracks save time on construction but are less flexible to an undulating terrain.
The cabin is finely detailed, and as you can see here, 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 parts:
We have the parts of the kit in sprue layouts, showing the interior details, tracks, wooden rear cargo bed, and canvas-replicated rear covers.
There is also some small photo-etch parts included in this kit—nothing major!
Clear parts are, of course, included in this kit.
MiniArt has printed their own decal sheet for this kit
The four marking choices included are here; we have seen those already in this preview in real life.

This kit should be available next month from MiniArt's distributors worldwide.
Check out the Miniart site for more info on all of their kits...