This is build I started on BTS, but forgot to post here, A post war Deutz Waldschlepper RS 1500, which was based on the RSO:



I'm using the DML kit, which comes with individual track links, full engine and both the metal cab and parts to make the late war RSO/03 cab.

RSO/01 Type 470

I found tires and wheels that are similar to the ones on the  RS-1500. The front axle is scratchbuilt.

In the pictures of the front wheel suspension:



 you can just make out a rod and two U shaped linkages behind the main suspension arm. I found a part from a Trumpeter S-65 tractor with two U shaped links on the ends. The steering wheel pulls/pushes a bar, which  turns the wheel axle. The linkage in the back pushes the other wheel in the opposite direction:



Front view:


It works, looks roughly like the original setup and all the sins and omissions of my interpretation are hidden under the front of the vehicle.

Building this, I felt like I was retracing the steps of the original German engineers who modified the RSO for post war use.

I finished the build today, and some of the straps for the cabin tarp have yet to settle into place. I'm a bit shocked that - other than some construction guesses and the date code - this is a pretty close approximation of the real thing; not a whif at all.
Top view:



Side:



With our French mechanic friend, for scale:



On a field, somewhere:



Closeup of the rear winch. I had to guess some here, but I think it's a workable design. The only whiffy part is the date (obscured by the spare tire) - 2404:



Ouside:





Puzzled:



"Ich muss dieses Fahrzeug nach Bielefeld liefern, aber die Stadt ist nicht da!" (I have to deliver this vehicle to Bielefeld, but the city is not there!)

It  is a very neat build and totally works 

Bielefeld, it is something there , trust me 🧐

What a weird vehicle, and what an IMPRESSIVE model, it looks great! 

But I'm not sure there IS any front 'suspension'. That axle beam just seems pivoted in the centre line but there's no visible springs on either side. And what's that strange stuff hanging off the back of it too?

Sweet! 

What a strange horrible little vehicle..I love it 😀
Fantastic build Frank ..wiff it might not be but cool is cool here ..great stuff .

Quote from: PR19_Kit on April 29, 2024, 11:27:26 PMWhat a weird vehicle, and what an IMPRESSIVE model, it looks great! 

But I'm not sure there IS any front 'suspension'. That axle beam just seems pivoted in the centre line but there's no visible springs on either side. And what's that strange stuff hanging off the back of it too?

Kit there won't be any suspension there at all..it wouldn't need it ..the RSO is extremely slow and this little beast wouldn't be any different.
I've seen flimsy of RSOs ..restored ones going full noise ..mate speedy is a word ya just couldn't use..snail ..now your on to something 🤔 😜

fantastic job, Frank!    

Kit, the thing on the back end is either a winch or a belt drive (for farm equipment like threshers, winnowers, shearing rigs, etc.).

Quote from: Old Wombat on April 30, 2024, 03:05:44 AMfantastic job, Frank!    

Kit, the thing on the back end is either a winch or a belt drive (for farm equipment like threshers, winnowers, shearing rigs, etc.).

A PTO (Power Take Off), like you'd find on a traction engine.  Health and safety nightmares with flappy belts flapping up and down just waiting to grab an arm and pull it and the attached human into the machinery.

That's a terrific build   

Ah right, thanks for the replies about the 'thing' on the back. 

Quote from: killnoizer on April 29, 2024, 10:09:08 PMBielefeld, it is something there , trust me 🧐

That's not what a guy on TikTok said he heard from his neighbor who saw it on Fox News, so it must be true!

@Kit - I thought I saw a vertical spring connecting the axle, but it was probably just random hardware.

I puzzled over the hardware on the back (it was a bit like a Medieval monk transcribing a book they couldn't read) thanks for the explanations.

Here's a view of the naked vehicle. You can see the drive shaft for the rear equipment. The DML kit was the earlier gas powered version, not the Diesel... but it's under the cabin now.

That surely is one WIERD machine! 

That's why I like it! A real world whif using old equipment!

An unexpected  but magnificent piece of work!