[MV] Mule exhibit
KBYRDDBYRD@aol.com
Fri, 30 Jul 1999 14:56:11 EDT
Recently I visited the USS Alabama Memorial Park in Mobile,AL. In their
Vietnam War exhibit was a M274A5 mule with USMC markings. This was an
excellent example of the mule , except it was wearing the wrong "shoes" for
the time period and branch of service. I don't write this to "beat up" the
owner or museum, but to call their attention to this inaccuracy. If I am
wrong about what I am about to explain,then set me straight. This
information comes from years of study of the mule and personal experience
from my dad, who worked for US Army as an artillery repair specialist with
101 ABN, Ft. Campbell.
The mule in the exhibit had wide wheels and tires. Wide wheels and tires
were part of an "upgrade kit" added to the mule by the Army when the mule was
used as a platform for the TOW system. The kit also included fenders, elec.
start and charging system. I have never heard of any USMC mules with upgrade
kit, or even wide wheels. So the mule in the exhibit should have the 7.50 x
10 ND tires.
Also the info. plaque said that it was powered by a 17 hp. engine, TM's
say it is a 14hp. Otherwise it is a beauty and the only Brunswick I've ever
seen, my complements to the restorer.
Keith Byrd (TN)
10 mules (various models and degrees of operation)
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