7.5cm Pak RSO

[digger303]

WIKI'S contribution
Anti-tank variant: RSO/PaK 40
RSO/PAK40
History

By 1943 infantry anti-tank units at the front complained strongly that it was almost impossible to move their guns using trucks at daylight under enemy fire, leading to enormous losses of equipment during emergency relocations (at the time a euphemism for withdrawal), and their opinions reached the top ranks. OKW explored a previously considered proposal to fit the 7.5 cm PaK 40/1 anti-tank gun – by then the standard PaK used by the Wehrmacht - on top of an RSO chassis. After seeing the blueprints, Hitler ordered a limited production run for combat testing, before the prototypes were completed.

The project was carried out by Steyr. The suspension of the RSO remained unchanged, but the front driver's compartment was replaced with a low, lightly armoured superstructure. The result was a lightweight, cheap to produce, and highly mobile infantry anti-tank weapon. It was more exposed compared to the conventional, open-topped Panzerjäger style of tank destroyer, which had a construction cost many times that of a RSO/PaK 40.
RSO/PAK40 at the Deutsches Panzermuseum Munster, Germany.

Although the vehicle was intended for use by the infantry anti-tank units, all pre-production vehicles were issued to armoured units (Panzer Jager Abteilungen 743 and 744, and 18th Panzergrenadier Division), due to the urgent need for replacements. Their low speed and light armour inevitably resulted in problems for these units trying to cooperate with those in other fighting vehicles. The German Army Group South, where the units issued for combat testing, declared the vehicle useful, and large-scale production was quickly authorised.

Despite the decision to have Steyr shift its entire production line into RSO/PaK 40, no specific order reached industry, and only the approximately 60 pre-production vehicles were ever manufactured. While the first vehicles were rolled out from the production line, Steyr started testing an improved version that incorporated a wider chassis and tracks; these changes improved cross-country performance and lowered the center of gravity, an issue in a vehicle of such a high ground clearance.

None of the improved version ever reached the front. In October 1943, Steyr was ordered by the Ministry of Munitions to cease production of any type of tracked vehicles. By then a new up-gunned version of the widened chassis had been designed and was planned to enter production in 1944; it had a more powerful and less noisy V8 petrol engine to carry the 88mm PaK 43 L71 gun, by far the most powerful anti-tank weapon of its era designated Pz.Jäg. K43. It is doubtful if any had been constructed by the end of the war.


My stash sacrifice to the cause.
Dragon 6679
This kit comes with 2 modest pe sheets, magic tracks ( I'll need the Hubble telescope to see them ), a good decals sheet considering the size of the kit and 2 tiny pre bent wire steps.






Not many spares here, but least the kit doesn't look so daunting.


Factoid
RSO is a abbreviation for Raupenschlepper Ost or for us English speakers "Caterpillar Tractor East"

The Pak 40 mounted on this rather small tank chasis had a rushed delelopment once the invasion of Russia was under way.
WIKI says
Development of the Pak 40 began after reports of new Soviet tank designs began to reach Berlin in 1939. The 5 cm Pak 38 was still in testing at this point, but it appeared it would not be powerful enough to deal with these newer designs. Contracts were placed with Krupp and Rheinmetall to develop what was essentially a 7.5 cm version of the Pak 38. However, while the Pak 38 made extensive use of light alloys to reduce overall gun weight, these were now earmarked for the Luftwaffe. As a result, the Pak 40 used steel throughout its construction and was proportionally heavier than the 5 cm model. To simplify production, the Pak 38's curved gun shield was replaced by one using three flat plates.[4] A version called the 7.5 cm FK 7M59 was proposed towards the end of the war to fill a dual-purpose role of field gun and anti-tank gun. The carriage was modified to provide +35° of elevation which increased maximum range to 13,300 m (14,500 yd).[5] Another dual purpose variant was the 7.5 cm FK 7M85 which used the gun and recoil system of the Pak 40 on the carriage of the 10 cm le FH 18/40.[5]

The project was initially given low priority, but following the invasion of the USSR in 1941 and the appearance of heavily armoured Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and KV-1, it was given an increased priority. The first pre-production guns were delivered in November 1941.[citation needed] In April 1942, the Wehrmacht had 44 guns in service; by 1943, the Pak 40 formed the bulk of German anti-tank artillery.

[Quax]

Great to have you onboard Digger and I respect your sacrifice to the cause....
cheers

Paul

[Kevthemodeller]

What an interesting subject, I don't think I've ever seen one of these

[Tomcat64]

Well there's something you don't see every day!

Great to have you along Digger - looking forward to seeing this come together

[digger303]

Thanks Neil and Kev for looking in.

It's a nice little engine with this kit. I haven't bothered to do much with it cause it looks to be mostly hidden away. I still have some clean up to do on it and will give the top a bit of paint.
There are so many tiny bits with this. I have no idea why they bothered with some of it having such tenous connection points. I'll be lucky if I don't totally mangle it.

[digger303]

Did a bit more today, but I can tell you these Dragon instructions really do slow me down trying to make sense of them

The kit is quiet busy with lots of small parts. The tail shaft presented itself as a problem. I assembled it by doing it in 2 halves so I could make adjustments, if I followed the instructions it would not have been possible. Also it is important to attach the 2 exhaust sytems as one of the first steps. Also impossible if it was left to later.

and as you can see once the top deck is on there is very little of it to be seen. Really makes you wonder why they bothered. The super detailers will love it of course, but they are not Dragons main market you would think.


So far the fit has been mostly really good. Two internal chassis members were too wide and needed sanding and the rear axle differential was a fraction short. I stretched that out just enough to fit when the glue was almost dry. It is the same here do not follow the instructions or the axle will not fit.

[TheNordus]

This is a really interesting vehicle to me. I really like the Raupenschlepper Ost, both the cargo version and PAK variant. Really wish to build one of both myself some day. Looks like you're doing a nice, clean build, good job.

Also, if you ask me, Dragon is certainly not targeting normal customers with their kits and prices. They're prohibitively expensive and hard to build although the detail is awesome. I think they're definitely aiming their kits at the more experienced/professional/super-detailing crowd.

[digger303]

This is a really interesting vehicle to me. I really like the Raupenschlepper Ost, both the cargo version and PAK variant. Really wish to build one of both myself some day. Looks like you're doing a nice, clean build, good job.

Also, if you ask me, Dragon is certainly not targeting normal customers with their kits and prices. They're prohibitively expensive and hard to build although the detail is awesome. I think they're definitely aiming their kits at the more experienced/professional/super-detailing crowd.

Thanks Tommi, it is different from the run of the mill tanks and Td's.

Why did Dragon remove all the high end goodies from their kit's if they are targeting the top end. That's what doesn't I find doesn't compute. With so many producers producing such excellent kits I am drifting away from Dragon and haven't bought any of their's for quiet a while. Takom, Rye, Bronco and some up and comers are producing kits that are tempting me away. Not to mention the quality of the instructions and variety of subjects.
I guess the next 5 yrs will unfold to show us what their thinking was.
cheers mate
Ian

[TheNordus]

Why did Dragon remove all the high end goodies from their kit's if they are targeting the top end. That's what doesn't I find doesn't compute.

From what I've heard, their company is in financial trouble, is why. Apparently they only produce kits on demand anymore. Basically since they stopped doing magic tracks and leaving off all the nice extras they've alienated both your average modeller and the ones looking for a high end experience.

It's a shame but it's also a bit late to be doing anything about it. I do think I'll get Italeri's newly-released-but-old RSO with a towed 7,5cm PAK.

[Tomcat64]

Nice progress Digger - that's looking really tidy despite Dragon's best efforts to throw you off the scent!

It's a real shame if they are in the can financially as they've produced some cracking kits of less mainstream subjects but the monumental price hikes we've seen recently do look like a last minute money-grab to try and turn the financials around.

[digger303]

Why did Dragon remove all the high end goodies from their kit's if they are targeting the top end. That's what doesn't I find doesn't compute.

From what I've heard, their company is in financial trouble, is why. Apparently they only produce kits on demand anymore. Basically since they stopped doing magic tracks and leaving off all the nice extras they've alienated both your average modeller and the ones looking for a high end experience.

It's a shame but it's also a bit late to be doing anything about it. I do think I'll get Italeri's newly-released-but-old RSO with a towed 7,5cm PAK.

A well does does explain a lot then. Looking on the bright side my kits might be worth a whole lot more than I paid for them.... I have 93 .... Mostly the older versions before they started cutting back on the goodies. I raided the secondhand market heavily.

Vulcan's Soviet Artillery Tractor STZ-5 No 56010 Looks to be close relative of the the one I'm building.

Thanks Neil

[digger303]

Made a little bit of progress, but this tiny PE when it doesn't fit properly kind of slows you down a bit. I had to reduce the size of the wheel nuts in order to place the Pe properly. I used a blunt Hypodermic and forced it over it and that just reduced the nut enough to tightly squeeze the Pe over the wheel nuts.


My sub assemblies all primed. I used Mr surfacer 1000.

Love the look of this


cheers

[Tomcat64]

Nice work mate - there's definitely something a bit "Scrapheap Challenge" about the way that was designed.

[MarkVerploeg]

That is a nice choise for a build
I made the older version of this kit
The one that didn't come with the cover
A nice kit to build for sure allthough the thing that i remember best about it is the size
I expected a far bigger vehicle but i never saw a real RSO at that time
Keep up the good work

[Stokesy44]

Stunning work mate, never seen of those things before. So much for Jerry being unimaginative!

[Quax]

great stuff Digger, this is going to be mighty impressive once you get the paint wand out!

Paul

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking good mate

[Tomcat64]

Hi Digger - just a reminder that we only have a month to go in this SIG - hope you can get your build done in time

[digger303]

Hello everyone I'm back sorry for the long break.

I'v added the pe over the last week. It's taken so long cause I'v have n't quiet felt bright enough after work.
I did add some way too soon and knocked half of it off.


Also the missus knocked my box of parts arse up and every thing went every where. Needless to say I wasn't happy then 2 days later I did the same thing so between that and working in two different rooms. I lost a few things


All the pe has been scuffed up so the paint will stick and primed with Mr hobby metal primer.

[Tomcat64]

Great to see you back at the bench mate - I know you've been busy

It sounds like your household is as adept at knocking stuff over as mine (myself included!)

[digger303]

Last two days I'v put in a bit of bench time and don't seem to have gotten too far.

My little solders all lined up stuck to a a glue strip ( very handy that stuff )



ready for the base coat Mr Hobby H32 and white 2/1 ratio



and it now looks like this


Painted some cab interior details as well.... work in progress.



Although this is the last day of the sig I shall continue on...thanks for looking in and the encouragement.
I need a stronger light for the pic's I keep making them blurry....sorry guys

[Twokidsnosleep]

My god are you building???

I think I have to go sit down

Haha good job mate, plug away at it and keep sharing

[alextheblue]

Looking good digger!

And you know the saying, we never truly finish a model, just abandon them!!

[digger303]

My god are you building???

I think I have to go sit down

Haha good job mate, plug away at it and keep sharing

Yes the shock might be a bit much for your system and a rum will be needed

Looking good digger!

And you know the saying, we never truly finish a model, just abandon them!!

Thanks Alex

[jmurphy18]

Looking good there Digger

[digger303]

Looking good there Digger

Thanks John not up to the standard of some , but I'm relatively happy

[Twokidsnosleep]

My god are you building???

I think I have to go sit down

Haha good job mate, plug away at it and keep sharing

Yes the shock might be a bit much for your system and a rum will be needed

OOOoooo Rum, now there is a fine idea

[Kevthemodeller]

Looking good mate

[Quax]

I'm with the others, its going well so far and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished article!

Paul

[digger303]

Thanks Kev and Paul for the encouragement

Using the template method for wheel painting. However I am using a slightly different type which works well with the dished wheel allowing the template to sit closer in so the paint doesn't over spray.




See the beveled edge the wheel actually sticks in quiet firmly most of the time.



My wheels were going a bit wonky with the glue drying so I quickly cobbled this together hopefully it works

[jmurphy18]

Looking good Digger!

Your earlier post and one I saw Paul say in the past. "Its my hobby and as log as I am happy and doing it my way it is all that matters". I tend to agree with that just like you as long as I am happy .

[digger303]

Still doing a bit a day and have the tracks together, primed with Mr surfacer 1200 and based coated with Mr Color CK5 which is a deep brown almost black colour.



I have over coated that with a dark rust mixed with a fresh rust pigment from VMS. It is a total covering.



And that is as far as I'v gotten this morning. I'v got to go fix a machine for a hr and hopefully that rust will have dried and I'm onto the next stage. Can't wait until my hair dryer arrives to speed this up.

[digger303]

I managed some more bench time and I removed some of the rust pigment from the tracks and then applied some mud effects. It is supposed to be mud that has dried and as the days moved on conditions became more dusty. Anyway that's what I was going for it isn't quiet there yet and I might not be 100% successful in achieving this or at least that's what it feels like atm.
The tracks arne't quiet attached yet either , but almost. I'm waiting for some glue to set.



More weathering plus one decal



A elevated shot, ammo done, more dust and have to finish those leather seats. Plus the gun of coarse almost forgotten about sitting way back on the bench. Guess what else I forgot to do.... the varnish coat... I better not stuff anything up now at this late stage.

CONFESSION.

I built this when I should have been building the RSO Pak . I ran into a few problems which I will list later, so I stated something new. Straight out of the box. I did cut out all the openings which was very tedious, but I'm happy just the same I liked the way it came together with no problems.... I ask for forgiveness for my transgression

[digger303]

This is Sunday work although I couldn't stick at it. Kept getting up and coming back so a lot of time wasted.
However progress has been made









Still some to do a bit of track wear ( shiny bits ) and not forgetting the varnish this time. Also a bit of detail painting on the gun. I stuffed up the decals I was going to use so I only have a number plate on the front.... ah it's war things happen It appears this vechicle didn't have any other markings according to dragon. I might have a crack at a aircraft id flag...maybe.

[alextheblue]

Great job digger!

Love the pigments and you've nailed the drying/dried dirt look!

[digger303]

Great job digger!

Love the pigments and you've nailed the drying/dried dirt look!

Very kind words my friend, thank you. I feel I can't take too much credit for the mud and dust. Superior tech wins and I have to give that credit to Vantage modeling solutions. Mix the hi grade pigment with a binder ( glue ) dry then rub off with weathering carrier ( type of thinner ) then bob's ya uncle. Who in the hell is Bob ? If it didn't look right do it again as it is easily reversible. I'll take a shot of the stuff used at the end of the build.

[DRUMS01]

Digger,

You are being too modest. The build, weathering, track detailing is really good; GOOD JOB!

And you are always forgiven considering is was a scale sub.

This is going to be super when its done.

Ben

[Kevthemodeller]

These shell boxes look amazing

[ElCapitan]

What he said ^^^^^^^ Amazing wood effect. Can't wait to see this one finished!

[digger303]

Digger,

You are being too modest. The build, weathering, track detailing is really good; GOOD JOB!

And you are always forgiven considering is was a scale sub.

This is going to be super when its done.

Ben

thanks your very kind.

These shell boxes look amazing

What he said ^^^^^^^ Amazing wood effect. Can't wait to see this one finished!

Too generous guys, but thanks
As to finishing it I was about done unless I can think of something else. I don't do diarama's or figures normally. Not even sure there is room to put any on this diminutive vehicle.
I do have some else to add, but I'v only just ordered it. So another week before I call it done.
The wood effect was easy so I'm surprized over the good comments. This is the recipe used in order of use.
I should also add that the boxes had a wood grain pattern molded in. It makes a huge difference.

Mr Surfacer 1200 primer
Mr hobby color h453 rostrot
AK intactive engine grime wash
AK interactive Africa Korps filter
Winston Newton matte varnish

The shells were pale brass metal from AK extreme metal range with a AK light filter for green vehicles.

Cheers guys

[alextheblue]

Got to agree with the others, you're an excellent modeller digger!

As scale modellers, we all tend to suffer from the same thing. When it comes to our own builds, we focus on the bits that we don't like rather than enjoy the finished product.

But, if it wasn't for this one flaw, we would all be perfect!!

[digger303]

Thank you Alex. I did a lot of things wrong with this build one of which was hacking off the drive wheels and one idler with a razor saw. I couldn't get the gun platform to sit properly on the chasis, hacked that off and I joined one track with a dob of sprue glue.
I fought it the whole time and it was mostly my own doing. It is a wonder it even looks like a RSO Pak cause it could have very easliy become landfill.
Thanks again

[digger303]

I'm still kicking

This kit comes with a weather shade and initially I was going to put it on, but changed my mind.
The reasons being 1. It didn't fit
2. It was way too thick on the edges
3. The creases in the canvas were over done
4. I had to cut the back corners and stretch it to get it to fit and then it bowed
5. It covered the back section and gun completely except for the barrel end.
6. I was over it.




So I'm going to call this done and as soon as the varnish dries I'll post to the finial reveal. Hopefully today
thank you all for putting up with me