Dragon 1/35 Dragon GERMAN RSO/3 w/5cm PaK 38

Description
Kit Features:

Newly tooled transmission cover included
Newly made engine components including oil sump
Authentic RSO0/ newly produced
Side panels and tailgate of brand new cargo deck can be shown folded up or down
Accurate chassis molded w/new details
New assembly for delicately detailed road wheels
Accurate and new gearbox included
Curved cab frame type as option with wooden rack in cargo compartment for stowing spare Winterketten tracks
Delicate Notek lamp reproduced
Spare Winterketten tracks w/detailed surfaces on side panels
Driver’s door can be assembled open/closed
Intricate windshield made from clear parts
Muffler w/exhaust pipe and optional towing frame included
Optional bolted-on tow hook can be fitted
Sprockets and idlers w/correct details
Detailed levers and pedals for driver’s compartment
Gun shield is true to scale
Breech replicates the real one
Gun can elevate to different angles
Muzzle brake w/fine detail
Finely detailed Magic Tracks

      The Eastern Front presented many difficulties during WWII, one of which was the harsh weather. With few well-paved roads available, rain and snow could render the terrain almost impassable, as Germany found out during their first winter in 1941-42. For such difficult conditions, Germany realized it needed special tracked vehicles to traverse Russia’s roads and countryside. One solution offered up was the Raupenschlepper Ost (literally “Caterpillar Tractor East”, or “RSO” for short). The RSO, based on the Steyr 1500A light truck, was initially conceived as a prime mover and tractor for towing artillery pieces, although it was eventually put to many uses. The fully tracked vehicle performed very well in the muddy conditions, and various manufacturers eventually produced 23,000 vehicles before the war ended. The RSO/03 was a later-production variant that had a simple metal cab with a soft-top roof. It was powered to a top speed of 30km/h by a Deutz diesel engine. A pintle was fitted at the rear for towing artillery pieces.
      Dragon has followed up its earlier RSO kit mounting a PaK 40 gun with a 1/35 scale kit of the RSO/03. The only elements borrowed from the earlier kit are the chassis and running gear. Other parts such as the distinctive cab and cargo bed are completely new toolings in keeping with the redesigned RSO/03. Brand new, too, is the Deutz engine. To add to the appeal of this sharply detailed kit, it comes with Dragon’s acclaimed 5cm PaK 38 antitank cannon. This set thus creates a duo that was commonly seen on battlefields on the Eastern Front as antitank weapons and supplies were ferried to the places they were needed most. For an instant diorama in a muddy and snowy scene, this kit offers the perfect combination of pulling power and firepower!