1/35 SCALE GERMAN TRACTOR RSO/01

Length: 126 mm. Image shows painted and assembled kit.

In WWII, the German Wehrmacht faced deep snows and quagmire in Russia. To alleviate this problem, they developed the RSO tractor (Raupenschlepper Ost, equivalent to “tracked tractor, East”); it was slow but had great off-road stability thanks to its tracks and air-cooled V8 engine with 70 hp output. Its first mass production model RSO/01 featured a rounded cabin of pressed steel and, it could also be equipped with snow tracks for better off-road performance. Production began in October 1942 and the next year, it received updates, in particular a slightly higher cabin floor to avoid obstructing snow tracks. Some tractors also had their exhaust silencers removed. RSO tractors served as transporters of artillery and supplies on the Eastern Front and in many other theaters.

About the Model
This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 126 mm, width: 64 mm. ★Features of the late production vehicle (produced from Spring 1943) are captured in style, based on extensive research. ★Rounded cabin of pressed steel is realistically reproduced. ★Cargo platform can be assembled with or without cover, which has a realistic depiction of canvas texture. ★Assembly type tracks use single-piece straight sections. ★Includes a driver figure, 2 marking options and masking stickers for windows and window frames.

Distinctive form of the RSO tractor with high-profile silhouette and rounded cabin is realistically recreated using 3D scans and based on extensive research.
Cargo platform cover consists of 5 parts to enable fine rendering of its texture and rear window sections use clear parts. Accessories such as tow hook and jack also show great detail.
Authentic depictions such as raised cabin floor to attach snow tracks and 3-piece idler wheels with their complex details. Assembly tracks use 1-piece straight sections.
Cargo platform can be assembled with canvas cover, or without it and with the frame exposed. Check out Tamiya designers’ realistic rendering of wood texture.

Chassis inside is accurately reproduced with the air-cooled V8 engine under the cabin, propeller shaft, fuel tank and exhaust pipe.
Interior features realistic details such as seats and pedals, plus a driver figure at the controls.
Front grille cover has 2 assembly options (open or closed with winter cover plates). Snow tracks can be recreated as stowed in the side racks of the cargo platform.
Separately sold 5cm Pak38 can be attached to the rear tow hook. Why not make a diorama of the RSO tractor fully loaded with supplies and towing artillery?

The kit includes two marking options (1944 Eastern Front and France) and masking stickers for windows and their frames.
The masking stickers for clear parts are pre-cut and offer a fuss-free masking job.