Review

The original release of the RSO has hardly had time to hit the shelves, and MiniArt has quickly followed this up with an SPG version of the model. When I saw that this was being released, I decided to pre-empt the modellers and check directly with MiniArt that the correct length barrel would be included in this release. All of the model parts are packaged in a single bag, which are protected in a cardboard tray with a card lid. You will not be shocked to hear that there is a very large number of sprues present due to how MiniArt get the maximum number of model versions without wasting lots of plastic during the moulding process. An examination of the contents reveals no moulding issues present, but I am a little disappointed to see that the card envelope that used to be used to protect the photo etch and decals appears to no longer be used. 

The hull of this release is very nicely detailed in all regards, and as long as care is taken when cleaning up the parts, I do not believe that any issues should be encountered. While not strictly applicable, measure twice and cut once. A very nicely detailed engine and transmission have been included in this release, but you will need to address missing wires, or wait for an update or after market release to address this short coming. I have looked at some images online and there are no obvious problems that I can see as regards as to what is included in this release. 

The suspension and drive of this release is an odd one to say the least, as there is a mounting pivot in the centre of the hull, with the ends of the arms that extend out from that point which terminates in leaf springs which attach to the side of the hull. Additional pivot points for the 8 road wheels mount where the leaf springs terminate, and you then have the drive and the idler attached to the hull either end. I was not able to verify this from my searching, but I suspect that the both drive wheel and what I have identified as the idlers could be driven depending on which direction the vehicle is travelling. The tracks for the release are link and length, with excellent detail on both faces. The only potential complaint here, is that no track sag has been replicated. But link and length does appear in my opinion for vehicles with track links this small. 

The crew compartments which sits either side of the powerplant puts you in the one place that I don’t think that you would want to be. But, with that said, the floor has nicely textured anti-slip surface with all the relevant controls included. I suspect though that it was not the most comfortable of rides. The crew members in these positions were exposed, which is fine as long as they were not directly in sight of the enemy - as they would make for relatively easy targets. You do have the option included in the release to have the crew compartments either opened or closed. 

The gun platform again has a nicely textured surface, and other than the corrected gun barrel the Pak 40 7.5cm is as provided previously. Phot etch has been kept to a minimum, and 3 versions of the muzzle brake have been included. Depending on which version you opt for, it would dictate whether the gun was early or late. There is a 4th option for the muzzle brake, which is a covered option and so would indicate any of the other 3 muzzle brakes inside. Drop down wooden side platforms are included and obviously a gun in action would need these open. A travel lock for the gun is also included. While this vehicle is not exactly my main sphere of knowledge, everything that I have seen and been able to check would appear to be accurate. However, I cannot vouch for the 100% accuracy, but at this time I have no complaints. 

4 finishing options have been included for this release:

Panzerjager-Abteilung 152, 1. Skijager-Division, Heeresgruppe Mitte, Eastern Front, Spring 1944

Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, Summer 1944

Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, Autumn 1944

Captured by Allies, Germany 1945