Tamiya 1/35 Military Miniature Series No.394 German Tractor RSO/01

Overall Length = 126 mm. The photo shows the kit assembled and painted. [ An Unusual Shape Born of Rough Terrain ] The RSO was a multipurpose tow vehicle developed by the German Army during World War II as a solution to the deep snow and rough terrain they encountered in Russia. Meaning “tracked tow vehicle for the Eastern Front” in German, this vehicle featured a tracked undercarriage and a 70-horsepower air-cooled V-8 engine, enabling stable travel on any terrain?albeit at low speeds. The first production model, the RSO/01, was characterized by its rounded cabin made of pressed steel. Snow tracks could also be attached to the tracks to improve off-road performance. Production of the RSO/01 began in October 1942, and starting in the spring of the following year, modifications were made?such as raising the bottom of the cabin by approximately 30 mm?to prevent interference between the snow tracks and the vehicle body. Additionally, some vehicles were seen with their exhaust silencers removed. The RSO continued to serve in a wide range of theaters during the latter half of the war, including the Eastern Front, where it was used for towing artillery and transporting supplies. [ Model Specifications ] ★ This is a 1/35-scale plastic model assembly kit of the RSO/01 multipurpose tow truck, which demonstrated exceptional performance primarily on the Eastern Front. ★Overall length: 126 mm; overall width: 64 mm. Based on research of actual vehicles, this model captures the characteristics of production models from the spring of 1943 onward. ★The rounded cabin, formed through stamping, is faithfully reproduced with a high degree of realism. ★The cargo bed can be displayed either with the canvas cover extended or as a bare frame. The realistic texture of the canvas cover is a highlight. ★The tracks feature a partially linked design with the straight sections molded as a single unit. ★Includes one driver figure, two types of slide-on decals (including one depicting the Eastern Front in 1944), and pre-cut mask decals for the windows and window frames. ・Based on meticulous research of the actual vehicle, the model realistically recreates its distinctive appearance?including the high ground clearance and rounded, stamped cabin?using 3D scanning technology. ・With a focus on texture, the canvas top is divided into five separate parts, and the rear window section is made of clear plastic. Equipment such as the tow hook and jack is also worth noting. ・The bottom of the cabin is raised to accommodate the snow tracks. The tracks feature a segmented design with the straight sections molded as a single piece. The idler wheel consists of three parts, with even the complex contours meticulously reproduced in detail. ・The cargo bed can be assembled with the canopy deployed or as a bare frame. The woodgrain pattern, rendered with meticulous attention to detail through delicate engraving, is another highlight. ・The interior of the chassis features a precise finish, including the air-cooled V-8 engine located beneath the cab, as well as the propeller shaft, fuel tank, and exhaust pipes. ・The interior of the cabin realistically reproduces even the smallest details, such as the seats and pedals. It includes one driver figure in a seated position with the control lever engaged. ・Two types of front grille covers are included: one in the open position and one in the closed position for winter use. The snow tracks mounted on the racks along the sides of the cargo bed are also a highlight. ・The tow hook at the rear of the vehicle allows for the attachment of separately sold accessories, such as the 5cm Pak 38 anti-tank gun. It’s fun to create a diorama of an RSO fully loaded with supplies and towing the gun. ・The set includes two marking schemes: one for the Eastern Front and one for France in 1944. Masking decals for the windows and window frames are also included. ・Masking decals for painting clear parts, such as the windows, are pre-cut and ready to use. Masking is a breeze. Information is current as of September 2, 2026. Product names, prices, release dates, and specifications are subject to change without notice. (From the Tamiya website)