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Topic starter
10/01/2012 3:12 pm
A quick review: White Metal Transport Modeling (Strutt and Wright, 2011)
I ordered and received my copy of this book just a few days ago. The authors supplied very nice and speedy service via paypal directly to me. The format is smaller size, soft-bound with 268 pages on glossy paper. Every page seems to have two to five small photos on it, mostly in color. That was very unexpected.
I did not notice the subtitle of the book before ordering so I was a bit taken aback by the format. I was expecting a more traditional history of the technology and of the companies, but this is really an in-depth look at the personalities involved in white metal from the beginning to now. So the subtitle, "A Who's Who in the Industry" is appropriate. After a very short intro, the names begin on page 3 and go to the end of the book. I do recognize a few names from this forum, several from the beginning of the hobby, and a few others. Many I have never heard of (but I am not a white metal guy; I am a diecast model and toy guy.)
I think for many readers, one might, as I did, pick out the names you know and read about them first; then go back through and discover new names.
I did know that both authors were from the UK, but I had assumed that the book would not be so UK-centric. Since I am not a white-metal expert, perhaps this is because the 1/43 white metal industry really is UK-centric. I had assumed that there were many more in the industry from France, Italy, Germany, Japan, etc. (basically parallel to the 1/43 diecast toy industry historically). Being an American, I did not expect much documented from the US.
One chapter is devoted to non-UK names, so the authors certainly did not ignore the rest of the world. The authors did mention in the book that they searched out people in the industry and looked for those who told their stories and had interesting things to say. Perhaps it was harder to find those non-English, foreign (ie, many miles away) speakers who were also willing to tell their story. This is not a real complaint at all, just my observation.
Overall, this work is highly recommended as an historical document, as well as a good read on some stories and personalities that you may have heard of but did not know much about. So much information has been gathered in one place that anyone who collects, makes, markets, and sells 1/43 white metal must have it.
11/01/2012 12:51 am
The authors are now working on a book about resin models.
You are correct that the white metal industry is UK-centric. There were a few manufacturers in the US, Canada, Australia, and the European continent that were well covered, as was Goldvarg in Argentina. I cannot get over what a thorough job Ray and David did. I hope no one let's the price put them off, it is well worth every penny (or cent).
11/01/2012 6:26 am
Karl, Is the book still available? Just went on line for it. Link? Thank you.
11/01/2012 6:43 am
A History of White Metal Transport Modelling
Thanks to Kurt for the full review of our book! Dick is being very kind too! We both enjoyed the research immensely, and yes it is still available from Ray or I - davidandchrisw@btinternet.com so do get in touch, we always like talking white metal!!
David
11/01/2012 10:19 am
Steven, where did you go on-line? It is not being sold by Amazon or other book sources.
Either author sells it with PayPal, raystrutt@tiscali.co.uk or davidandchrisw@btinternet.com. If you prefer a credit card purchase try ppsales@ntlworld.com. Price is ?24.95 plus ?10.00 postage.
Topic starter
11/01/2012 11:00 am
Yes, I emailed the two authors and they quickly replied how (see 2 posts above)!
11/01/2012 1:28 pm
Great overview Karl - thanks for posting. Why not send this off to ......
MAR?
I am sure Rod would appreciate it.
Cheers Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK
11/01/2012 2:14 pm
David - Have you considered contacting the larger US dealers (Dominion, Route 66, Miniauto) to see whether they would be interested in buying a stock for resale? It would be far easier for those of us on this side of the pond to obtain your book, and would also likely give you some great exposure and marketing.
Topic starter
11/01/2012 3:22 pm
Will do!
11/01/2012 3:25 pm
Tom, the problem with that is that the book was basically self-published.
Hence, there is very little profit to share. That was the reason that the authors turned down Amazon's offers.
13/01/2012 5:33 am
Grumpy Old Man
It has been available from Amazon UK.
Let me start by agreeing with Karl that the book is well worth buying and reading but it is flawed.
Firstly the style of some of the entries suggests that some of the people basically wrote their own entry so style chops around a bit and history is seen through their own eyes. Secondly there are several tales to tell of dodgy copying, bad patterns, failure to pay, personal attacks and campaigns against competitors etc. Perhaps worried about being sued this is all rather skated over. Only John Day gets outright criticism - but I suspect that is only because he is already dead. Finally there are people missed out - some because they asked to be it has to be said. If Rod Parker was missed out without asking to be left out it is a great disservice to one of the best pattern makers and casters around.
13/01/2012 8:46 am
Maz, relating to your third point ...............
Someone I know in the industry agrees with you.
However, as you state at the beginning I will certainly add this one to my library.
Cheers Chris
Autominologist residing in the Robin Hood County
Nottinghamshire England UK