Introduction
The Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) Late Production refers to the final versions of the German RSO/01 tracked tractor, which was designed as a rugged, tracked transport vehicle for the Eastern Front during World War II. These later models featured an 85hp Steyr V8 engine, high ground clearance, and a fully tracked suspension to navigate the difficult terrain of the Eastern Front. They were extensively used to haul supplies, ammunition, and artillery, acting as a vital logistical backbone for the German army.
Key Characteristics of Late Production RSO/01s:
Engine:
Equipped with an 85 horsepower Steyr V8 petrol engine.
Purpose:
Developed for the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front, where wheeled vehicles struggled with mud and snow.
Mobility:
Its fully tracked suspension and high ground clearance provided excellent off-road capabilities.
Payload:
A versatile workhorse with good payload capacity for transporting goods and a capability to tow medium artillery pieces.
Logistics:
Served as a critical component of German logistics, ensuring supplies, guns, and ammunition reached the front lines through difficult terrain.
Evolution and Production:
The RSO design was based on existing Steyr 1500 truck components and other half-tracked transporter elements, allowing for rapid development.
Approximately 23,000 RSO vehicles were built in total, with the RSO/01 being a primary version.
Later production runs included various modifications and features to enhance its utility, such as wooden shelters for troop or cargo protection.
In summary, the RSO/01 Late Production was an adaptable and essential vehicle that played a crucial role in supporting German operations on the Eastern Front through its ability to traverse extreme battlefield conditions.
Review
This offering from MiniArt in 1/35th scale is packaged in the usual manner of a cardboard tray with a separate card lid. Inside the sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag, which also contains a further bag holding the clear sprue, decals and photo etch. As I have said before, I am not happy about this approach due to the high risk, in my opinion of damage to either photo etch or decals. Looking at the mouldings I see no obvious issues. Access for removal of parts is good, usual concerns apply to the finer aspects of the model being removed from the sprue.
MiniArt really is not taking their time as regards releasing versions of this vehicle. This late production offering is an area where I struggle to identify what exactly makes it late. I have taken a look at the parts map, and nothing is voided out with regard to use, so I will rely on the membership to point out specifics of a late offering. The transmission tunnel that runs the length of the vehicle has been designed in flat pack mode, which has enabled a high level of detail on both faces. Assembly should not prove overly difficult, as there are a number of cross members that will enable you to get everything as it should be. A decent replica of the engine is included, but I do not believe that it will be possible to display this aspect, and so I am unsure of the reason for its inclusion. Maybe it is a case of the modeller knows that it is there. You will need to be careful during assembly, as there are parts that are used for specific finishing options, and so you will need to decide how you wish to progress. The suspension could be articulated as desired by the modeller. However, due to the tracks being provided as link and length this makes it difficult to modulate the suspension. The tracks themselves are very nicely detailed and add a visual interest due to having what I think of as Ice cleats. They provide the vehicle with a bigger footprint, and so less weight per square inch, and also have blades on them to aide further traction.
The cab of the vehicle is also in a flat pack design, thus providing the modeller with excellent details on all sides. The interior is correct to the best of my knowledge, with the doors having the option of being assembled open or closed. Also having separate door cards which enables the modeller to show the window wound down of anywhere in-between as desired. The front face of the engine block can be seen if you leave the front hatch open, but it is only a small part of the detail in this area. The front grille has the option of having a standard vented front, with a horseshoe attached, or you can have a closed vented grille which would keep more heat from the engine within the vehicle body and would obviously be utilised in Winter settings. So again, an option that you will need to think about, as the vented option would lead to overheating with the Autumn thaw.
The bed of the truck is an all wooden design, however, MiniArt has added photo etched clasp details which are very small and make assembly harder than it otherwise would be. Both the side rails and tailgate could be shown open, and details are provided to accurately depict either option. The support frame for the canvas roof of the bed is simple but well depicted, and the detail on the plastic moulded canvas is also a very pleasing aspect. Lastly, depending on how you opt to display your model storage racks are provided down both sides of the vehicle in which you can store the ice cleats.
MiniArt has provided 4 finishing options for this release:
Panzergrenadir-Division “Grobdeutschland”, Eastern Front, Autumn 1943
Heeres-Artillerie-Abteilung 51, Albania 1943
Le.Artillerie-Abteilung (RSO) 733. Italy 1944
1st Skijager Brigade. Eastern Front, Winter 1943/44