Review
This offering from MiniArt arrives in the usual manned of a cardboard tray with a separate card lid. Inside all of the sprues are packaged in 1 plastic bad, with another plastic bag containing the decals, clear sprues and photo etch - This is a practice that I am not a fan of due to the risk of damage to the decals or photo etch and scratching of the clear parts. MiniArt has been spitting out the RSOs vehicles in their various set-ups at a speed that even surprises me!!, and I do find myself wondering if this approach means that less of each type is sold, but alas that is not a problem for me to worry about.
The chassis of the vehicle has positive framework on which to construct it, and I have checked these details against a number of on-line images and as best as I can tell, all relevant details have been accurately replicated and supplied with this release. However, it should be noted, that in this particular variant of the model I believe you only see the very front back, bottom and sides and none of the nice detail included within. A decent engine and gearbox has also been included, but again this is a detail that is not easily seen due to it being in the cab and is fully encased - so you will have to be creative should you wish to display this aspect. The suspension of the model is set in the neutral position, but is reasonably well detailed. The tracks have been provided as link and length, which I feel is the perfect option as a median due to it having the detail that individual tracks links provide, but not being so difficult to add to the model that the rubber bad tracks that are preferred by some are not excessive extra work.
The cab interior is nicely detailed throughout, with the door windows having the ability to be shown in the open or closed position and unlike conventional windows these open as a louvre. So far as I am aware all of the detail required is present, and with some careful painting and weathering you should get a pleasing finish. The front grille can be shown in an open or closed location allowing limited view of the engine bay, and the support bracketry has been included. You are directed to make some complex shapes in wire, and I am dis-appointed that MiniArt has not provided a better plan for getting the required shape or for that matter the length of wire that will be required. I believe this detail replicates the fuel line. There are a small number of tools provided, with non-workable photo etch clamp detail which attach to the rear exterior of the cab in the form of a shovel and a pick.
The wooden bed of the vehicle has a pleasing level of wooden planking detail, and I have no issues with this aspect of the model. The field kitchen that has been provided in previous releases is the item that is offered here, and so you have a nicely detailed item that has a number of options as to how it is displayed and I also appreciate that decent amount of cooking utensils and containers that have been provided. I would not be surprised to see this make another viewing at some point with the figures included as well. The shed like structure on the top provides a hole for the chimney to go through, but I think that I am not alone in my beliefs that this would be a pain to work around due to low light levels and the heat and risk of burns. That said, if you were on the Russian front, you would be warmer than just about every soldier.
MiniArt has provided 4 finishing options for the RSO:
Unidentified Unit. Eastern Front, Spring 1943
96th Infantry Division. Eastern Front, 1943
Le. Artillery-Abteilung (RSO) 860. Eastern Front 1943
Schwere Werfer-Regiment 21. Eastern Front, 1944
The painting of the field kitchen and the various items provided with it have also been covered with regards to painting.