When is Somebody Going to Write a Book on the Mule?

[m37-man]

I think a detailed book is overdue for this groundbreaking and unique vehicle. In addition to M274 development it could include similar lightweight vehicles such as:

-Willys Jungle Burden Carrier of late WW2
-XM443E1 "Super Mule"
-DAF "Pony"
-FN AS 24
-Faun Kraka

Also saw this interesting post on Epay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-1955-Jeep-X ... SwWfFXkltp

Apparently Willys offered the government a "product improved" version of the Mule when it was still under development about 1955. It had a mid engine, was articulated, the operators seat folded down into a different deck and was undoubtedly more expensive. Too bad the asking price on the document is ridiculous, it would be nice to post for the readers here.

[Joe Friday]

XM443? Or XM433?

If someone writes the book I may have XM433 info to contribute.

[major519]

It would be nice to see a book which entails the initial concept of design including prototyping, plant and manufacturer information, development and finally production. It would be great to cover all M274 models right up to cease of production, later modifications and use as well as post service, ie collectors and modern day users.
I would love to see the inclusion of all aspects- technical, collector and restoration tips and hints. It would be great to have a book which encompasses all of this especially with the little known information and photos, factory and in service use.
The manuals available are great but it would be interesting to dig up some of the behind the scenes material. Perhaps if someone is willing, there may be a bunch of material that guys would be willing to share to put into such an endeavor?
I already have the title-
The Ultimate Mule Handbook, a study into the history, design and use of the M274 Mechanical Mule and its variants

[Chuck W.]

There was a guy who posted here a few times, pgrayson, I think. He was going to write the ultimate mule book. He wanted to use everybody else's research, though. He faded away after a while.

[ccandgc]

Sounds like you're well on your way to getting started! This is the game plan!

It would be nice to see a book which entails the initial concept of design including prototyping, plant and manufacturer information, development and finally production. It would be great to cover all M274 models right up to cease of production, later modifications and use as well as post service, ie collectors and modern day users.
I would love to see the inclusion of all aspects- technical, collector and restoration tips and hints. It would be great to have a book which encompasses all of this especially with the little known information and photos, factory and in service use.
The manuals available are great but it would be interesting to dig up some of the behind the scenes material. Perhaps if someone is willing, there may be a bunch of material that guys would be willing to share to put into such an endeavor?
I already have the title-
The Ultimate Mule Handbook, a study into the history, design and use of the M274 Mechanical Mule and its variants

[m37-man]

I'm pretty sure the Super Mule was the XM443 (or E1). Included some eye candy to back it up:

XM443E1.jpg (245.81 KiB) Viewed 1625 times

[Guest 1]

After my current A5 with 4wheel steer found its way into my garage, I started going to swap meets and shows again. While at the national in Louisville a year or two ago, I asked David Doyle when he was going to do the M274 Mule book. He said "it was in the works ". If you have ever seen some of his work, usually lots of pictures with captions about 60 ti 80 pages. I purchased his M50A1 ONTOS one just to get pictures of the 106 recoilless to help with display ideas.
V/R
Walt

[kubotaman]

DDoyle, are you listening?

[Dbaumanjr]

While displaying our '58 M274 at the Toledo Jeepfest last saturday, A fellow happened along that had purchased part of the original engineering info from the deceased engineers estate. Sounds like he may be sending us a 20x16 print of the mule in development. He also bought part of Paul Brim's Info collection & thinks he may have some mule negatives. Also had a guy wander in the shop whose father worked for Willys on their test track some time ago. He says" my mom has some pix in her basement". He brings them in to show us; the first picture is a mule & M38a1 in a showroom at the factory! We borrowed & copied those pictures!
Another guy also contacted us about a "booklet". My dad talked with him. Sounds like it may be the one mentioned above on Ebay....
So, there may be a bit of info laying around yet....
We suspect that the 4 cylinder engine was made by Telledyne, since Telledyne is/was in Toledo, the 4 cylinder mule engine looks like a miniature aircraft engine(which Telledyne builds) & Willys has always tried to buy local. But we have not been able to substantiate that.

[major519]

Well, I am certainly not an experienced author but do know a couple for pointers and have a friend who is a high Executive of a very large publishing firm here in Canada with HQ in the United States.
Maybe if I had enough material thrown my way it would be an interesting project...
Those who know me say I have the gift of gab and I do write many technical reports as part of my day job.

[major519]

I spoke with D Doyle at Redball and asked the question. The reply that I got was that he has been gathering material but no date determined yet... I guess its still in the research stage.