M274 Mechanical Mule
1:100 model of the M274 Mechanical Mule, with optional 106mm recoilless rifle
The M274 Mechanical Mule was introduced in 1956 to supplement both the 1/4 ton trucks ("Jeeps") and 3/4 ton trucks (Weapons Carrier Series and M37 series) in airborne and infantry battalions. The M274 evolved from improvements to a vehicle designed at the end of World War Two by Willys-Overland as a medical evacuation litter carrier from areas and terrain that would even be a problem for its famous Jeep to access.
There were 11,240 Mules produced between their introduction and 1970, when production ceased. They were used throughout as platforms for various weapons systems and for carrying men, supplies, and weaponry/ammunition during the Vietnam War and in other U.S. military operations until the 1980s. As a completely open and exposed vehicle, they offered absolutely no protection to the driver, yet that was relatively unimportant as they were mainly used as cargo carriers and medium-range infantry support vehicles, rather than tactical vehicles. There were instances where they proved very useful in town fighting to carry heavy weapons such as recoilless rifles. Further information can be found at http://www.m274armymules.com/ and http://www.military-today.com/trucks/m274_mechanical_mule.htm.
The model is provided as a basic chassis, with separate wheels and steering wheel. Removal of supports on the main structure can prove tricky in some areas, but it should be straightforward. A model of the M40 106mm recoilless rifle is provided; this can be mounted on the cargo bed as required.
The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use under the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
The M274 Mechanical Mule was introduced in 1956 to supplement both the 1/4 ton trucks ("Jeeps") and 3/4 ton trucks (Weapons Carrier Series and M37 series) in airborne and infantry battalions. The M274 evolved from improvements to a vehicle designed at the end of World War Two by Willys-Overland as a medical evacuation litter carrier from areas and terrain that would even be a problem for its famous Jeep to access.
There were 11,240 Mules produced between their introduction and 1970, when production ceased. They were used throughout as platforms for various weapons systems and for carrying men, supplies, and weaponry/ammunition during the Vietnam War and in other U.S. military operations until the 1980s. As a completely open and exposed vehicle, they offered absolutely no protection to the driver, yet that was relatively unimportant as they were mainly used as cargo carriers and medium-range infantry support vehicles, rather than tactical vehicles. There were instances where they proved very useful in town fighting to carry heavy weapons such as recoilless rifles. Further information can be found at http://www.m274armymules.com/ and http://www.military-today.com/trucks/m274_mechanical_mule.htm.
The model is provided as a basic chassis, with separate wheels and steering wheel. Removal of supports on the main structure can prove tricky in some areas, but it should be straightforward. A model of the M40 106mm recoilless rifle is provided; this can be mounted on the cargo bed as required.
The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use under the Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
| Filename | Size | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| M274-Mechanical-Mule.zip | 5.6 MiB | 2024-02-28 |
