Miniart 1/35 Raupenschlepper Ost RSO/01. Mid Prod # 35480

The Raupenschlepper Ost, commonly abbreviated as RSO, was a fully tracked, lightweight utility vehicle developed by Nazi Germany during World War II for use on the Eastern Front.

The RSO/01 Mid Production version represents a transitional model in the vehicle’s evolution, reflecting lessons learned from early combat operations in harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions.

Originally designed by Steyr-Daimler-Puch in response to the Wehrmacht’s difficulties with wheeled and half-tracked vehicles becoming bogged down in the deep mud and snow of Russia, the RSO combined a compact layout with fully tracked mobility.

The RSO/01 Mid Production retained the key features of the early model, including its enclosed pressed-steel cab and boxy cargo bed, but incorporated several refinements aimed at improving performance and ease of production.

This version was powered by a reliable 3.5-liter V8 gasoline engine, producing around 85 horsepower, which gave it sufficient power to transport light artillery, ammunition, supplies, and personnel across terrain impassable to most other vehicles.

It featured a simple suspension system with four large steel road wheels per side, mounted on torsion bars, offering good traction and ease of maintenance in the field.

Externally, the mid-production RSO/01 can be identified by its improved cab design with stamped metal panels (as opposed to the earlier wooden cab) and revised cargo bed construction.

It was commonly used to tow light field guns such as the 7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun, and it also served as a general-purpose tractor and supply vehicle in frontline and support roles.

Highly valued for its dependability and performance in adverse conditions, the RSO/01 Mid Production version played a critical role in German logistics on the Eastern Front, particularly where wheeled vehicles were rendered ineffective.