{"product_id":"s-model-1-72-us-m274-mechanical-mule-ps720074-vietnam-war-military-utility-vehicle-quick-build-plastic-model-kit-2-sets-per-box-nz-stock","title":"S-Model 1\/72 US M274 Mechanical Mule PS720074 Vietnam War Military Utility Vehicle Quick Build Plastic Model Kit – 2 Sets per Box NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• 1\/72 scale US M274 Mechanical Mule plastic model kit by S-Model (Kit No. PS720074)\u003cbr\u003e• Includes 2 quick-build M274 Mechanical Mule kits per box, ideal for military dioramas and vehicle collections\u003cbr\u003e• Represents the distinctive M274 Mechanical Mule, a lightweight American military utility vehicle widely associated with the Vietnam War\u003cbr\u003e• Officially known as the M274 Truck, Platform, Utility, 1\/2-Ton, 4×4\u003cbr\u003e• Developed to provide US military units with a compact, highly mobile platform for transporting equipment and supplies\u003cbr\u003e• First introduced into US military service during the 1950s\u003cbr\u003e• Widely used by the United States Army and United States Marine Corps\u003cbr\u003e• Features the characteristic low-profile, open-platform design, making the Mechanical Mule instantly recognisable\u003cbr\u003e• Designed without a conventional enclosed cab or large body panels to minimise weight and improve versatility\u003cbr\u003e• Equipped with four-wheel drive, providing useful mobility across rough terrain and difficult battlefield conditions\u003cbr\u003e• The original vehicle had a nominal payload capacity of approximately 1,000 lb (454 kg)\u003cbr\u003e• Designed to transport ammunition, weapons, communications equipment, supplies and other military cargo\u003cbr\u003e• Its compact dimensions made it particularly useful in areas where larger military trucks could not operate easily\u003cbr\u003e• The M274 family used small petrol engines, with specifications varying between production versions\u003cbr\u003e• The vehicle's low centre of gravity and simple platform layout helped make it suitable for demanding field operations\u003cbr\u003e• Operators could drive the Mechanical Mule using its distinctive steering controls, with some configurations allowing control while walking alongside\u003cbr\u003e• Used extensively during the Vietnam War, particularly for transporting supplies through difficult jungle terrain\u003cbr\u003e• Frequently associated with US Marine Corps infantry support and battlefield logistics\u003cbr\u003e• Mechanical Mules were also adapted to carry weapons, including 106mm M40 recoilless rifles, in specialised configurations\u003cbr\u003e• The M274 served in various support roles, including ammunition transport, casualty evacuation and general utility duties\u003cbr\u003e• Its unusual appearance and practical design made it one of the most distinctive American military support vehicles of the Vietnam era\u003cbr\u003e• The Mechanical Mule remained in military service for decades before being replaced by more modern utility vehicles\u003cbr\u003e• Quick-build construction offers a straightforward assembly experience suitable for small-scale military modelling projects\u003cbr\u003e• Two vehicles included, allowing modellers to create a small logistics unit or separate battlefield displays\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/72 scale provides a compact display size and is ideal for combining with other Vietnam War military vehicles and figures\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of Vietnam War vehicles, US Marine Corps equipment, American military utility vehicles and military transport models\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to M151 MUTT Jeeps, M113 APCs, M35 trucks, UH-1 Huey helicopters and Vietnam War infantry figures\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for Vietnam War jungle bases, forward supply positions, military camps and battlefield logistics dioramas\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired US military Olive Drab and weathered field finishes\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic mud splashes, dusty tyres, chipped paint, cargo weathering and tropical battlefield effects\u003cbr\u003e• The open platform design provides excellent opportunities for adding aftermarket ammunition boxes, fuel cans, supply crates and other cargo accessories\u003cbr\u003e• The two-kit format is particularly useful for building small military transport convoys or support vehicle displays\u003cbr\u003e• A distinctive addition to any collection of Vietnam War military vehicles and US Army or Marine Corps equipment\u003cbr\u003e• Box contains 2 unassembled M274 Mechanical Mule plastic model kits\u003cbr\u003e• Kits supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"s-model","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52033275822326,"sku":"720074","price":19.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/720074.jpg?v=1792910978","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/s-model-1-72-us-m274-mechanical-mule-ps720074-vietnam-war-military-utility-vehicle-quick-build-plastic-model-kit-2-sets-per-box-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}