The restored Mechanical Mule miniature not only got a new paint finish but a new set of markings too. Still using the Verlinden dry-transfers from the US Army Stenciling Set #160, I placed these on clear decal film first, before applying to the model. The small size of the Mechanical Mule model makes it difficult to get both purchase and room on the model to rub down the dry-transfers properly.

This time around, I put the dry-transfers on a sheet of clear decal film. I sealed them with a mist of GlossCote with the airbrush, and then trimmed around them. The decal film was so thin it virtually disappeared on the miniature when applied. For those difficult dry-transfers, this will be the route I take from now on. I also added data plates to the front left position as customary for the Mechanical Mule. These were scanned from the Technical Manual, reduced to the proper size in 1:35 scale, printed on clear decal film in my Epson Stylus Color 740 printer, and finally applied the same way described above. As my work schedule grows ever busier and longer, these small restorations become even more satisfying. I can fit them in between more detailed efforts, and still get the same amount of satisfaction.

The original miniature sans seat and stowage. It makes a nice study of the actual platform truck. I capped off the weapons mount in the center of the platform that a 106mm conventional - or even the 120mm light and 155mm heavy Davy Crockett atomic bazooka recoilless launcher - would mount. The variant modeled here utilized four-wheel steering, and the DML model kit allows the tires to be positioned in this pose without a great deal of added effort on the modeler's part...

The Driver's Foot Box is a highly visible part of the model kit that is a bit bare and needing some extra detailing attention for the variant I chose to model. Brass Mesh makes up the missing "floor" for the Foot Box in this variant. I mimicked the Pedal Cluster with solder and brass belt buckles. Gear Shifter and Linkages connecting the Foot Box to the undercarriage came from selecting scrap watch parts which resembled the actual components on the Mechanical Mule. Sometimes, detail this small goes unnoticed in a completed miniature - but with the Mechanical Mule, the little things add up...

The Mechanical Mule looks more natural loaded with material and equipment on its platform. I was torn between leaving the truck bare and adding cargo to it - as either makes a nice representation of the actual vehicle. If I had any reservations about the original model kit, I would have traded the option of getting the 106mm Recoilless Rifle and Rounds for Terra Tires and extended fenders as found on the later variants, and optional seats and engine protection basket to model different variants of the Mechanical Mule.

Rust on the model is simulated with pastel chalks. The strap on the Gas Cap (additional detail to the DML model) is embroidery thread. For rusting and mud deposits on the Muffler, I used Pre-Size Dark and Medium Rust. Under extreme magnification the 'mud' looks real in this scale.

Taken at the 1999 MVPA National Convention in Santa Clara, California, this is a shot of a wonderfully restored Mechanical Mule - I assume is an A2 variant. I tried to get close, but this popular little truck was in the process of being sold - and was running! Naturally, it was hard to get through the crowd just to get this photo. The Publications Bag on the rear of the seat is present, and the owner makes for a good impression of scale. A single muffler is located on the left side of the rear platform, and the side rails are of the removable variety. The engine access panel is opened in this photo, and is present in the DML kit, a la scribed-in detail.

This was the first miniature manufactured by DML that I've finished. I must admit to buying into the early affirmations about the quality of this company's moldings - and DML meant 'Do Much Later' to me for some time. However, I found this subject intriguing enough to push me past this moniker, and I was glad in the end. The plastic was a little soft, there is a good deal of cleanup to accomplish for such a low number of parts, and the instructions are a bit vague in places, but I liked the model kit overall. With a little care and attention to the details it builds into a nice replica of the actual platform truck.

I modeled my miniature to represent an early-1970's example. These trucks were pretty plain in service, and I suppose if you put on magnifying glasses and attempted a woodland or jungle MERDEC four-color scheme to adorn your Mule, the effort might bear fruit. Being primarily a wheeled military vehicle fan - I was plain ecstatic to just have a miniature Mule in my collection - even if plain.

The model kit is delicate in places - like the side rails - and the parts are brittle and break easily. I wound up discarding the seat totally because the bulbous molding just didn't convey a sense of the actual part convincingly - only to return to the spare parts box years later to retrieve it. I cleaned it up and made some little changes, and now it's on the miniature. Everything else, however, was used in the kit. Additions are few and simple. Some scrap watch parts to model the missing steering and control linkage & embroidery thread for cabling comes in handy, as well as a small length of brass rod for modeling air valve stems for the tires.