M274 Mechanical Mule

[Brizio]

Few months ago I started this it. This is a old kit, produced from ITC, Ideal toy Corp., from New York. The kit is in 1/15 and it is pretty cool because the steeryn system wors. All the 4 wheels steer. The M274 was a 4x4x4, 4 wheel drive, and 4 wheel steering. The kit came with a classis M40 rifle. I bought this kit years ago from a estate sale, and in the box there are two kits, one already started and is missing the instructions. Not a big deal, since there is a very simple machine.

Here the boxart.

Here all the parts.

[Brizio]

First to be build is the tubolar chassis with the cargo area mount. Motor and axles are next, this will give some rigidity a the structure. The wheels will steer, and I'm planning to not glue them. Not that will play with it but I think is a cool detail. Also I painted the whole chassis, later will add dirt and apply a wash. For the steering mechanism I add some oil, so move freely.

Wheels and tires. I add some details, like the center bolt, air valve and hooks. The M274 can be lifted and transported using these hooks.

[Brizio]

Now the fun part. The footrest basket from the kit is very minimal and not very accurate. So I dedided to remake it out of metal. Made also the pedals and the trotte level. The pedals are only in place for the photo, I'm going to attach them after paint.

I

 

[mustang1989]

Now this is frickin' WAY cool Fabrizio. I don't think I've ever seen this kit, let alone a build of it. 

Will be watching this one for SURE!! 

[Brizio]

On 5/12/2025 at 9:45 AM, mustang1989 said:

Now this is frickin' WAY cool Fabrizio. I don't think I've ever seen this kit, let alone a build of it. 

Will be watching this one for SURE!! 

Thank you Joe! Is not a common vehicle/scale. People that build military usually prefer 1/35. It is fun to build and upgrade.

[stavanzer]

Glencoe had the tooling last.

Released it in 1994, so it has been awhile. (30 years)

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/glencoe-models-05401-m274-mechanical-mule--956997

[Brizio]

2 hours ago, stavanzer said:

Glencoe had the tooling last.

Released it in 1994, so it has been awhile. (30 years)

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/glencoe-models-05401-m274-mechanical-mule--956997

I lie the first from the 60's, it had also a parachute.  There are photos online about it.

[Brizio]

Now the engine guard, that can be use in heavy offroad. 

[Brizio]

More progress, few new parts.

Steering wheels from the kit vs the modified one. 

New levels and ahnd brake.

[Brizio]

Gerring close to wrap it up. To add to the list of modified things. the bed, got new metal rails, and was rescribed in negative, also added all the access panels. The steering wheel is modified and added a nut. The seat was rescribed to show the three parts of it. Added the instrument brachet and oil cap/tube on the back, and on the front the water filter/cap. Fun! And teh steering works!

 

[GLMFAA1]

Walk around you tube video

greg

[Brizio]

8 hours ago, GLMFAA1 said:

Walk around you tube video

greg

I'm building a stock mule the one in the video has few mods, that probably cool, but not historically correct. 

[GLMFAA1]

There was a company in North Dakota that was rebuilding and manufacturing mules using different power plants and fixed some deficits.

greg

[Brizio]

And here it is all completed. A lot of fun building it, above all, for all the aprts I upgraded and detail added.