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04/04/2012 12:10 pm
My copy of Randall Olson's INDEPENDENTS IN MINIATURE arrived yesterday, and I have had a great time reading/viewing it. There is really little to read, as Randall chose not to repeat marque history, construction methods, and the like. Instead he has literally hundreds of clear, color photos in these slick and heavy 120 pages. Its a fine soft-bound work that completes his GM, Ford, and Chrysler trilogy into a full quartet of American automobiles in their 1:43 beauty.
My first reading leaves me with the impression that Mr. Olson has his favorites: Mini Marque, Jerry Rettig's Enchantment customs, and Brooklin. Yet scattered throughout are also less tenured but revered producers such as EMC, Highway Travelers, and Mikansue's Americana series. There are also examples from mass producers such as Solido, Lesney, IXO, and Franklin Mint. Randall has even included the largely unheralded Shrock Bros., Vertex, and Rapide.
The makes covered are those we expect: Hudson, Packard, Studebaker, Nash, Kaiser, and Willys. But he also reaches further back for Auburn, Duesenberg, and Cord. The last chapter is simply entitled "Orphans," and thanks often to the endeavors of Jerry Rettig there are examples of the rarely modeled Kissel, Franklin, Jordan, Peerless, and others.
This book is not a complete record, for there are forgotten, lost, and otherwise unavailable models that would perhaps have made this work even greater in value. The custom finishes of John Roberts and other builders sparkle even amidst the glamour of this fine photography. As will many collectors, I glance up from my reading to wonder why a favorite was not included, and just as often I'm wondering why I've never seen that one before.
INDEPENDENTS IN MINIATURE is a fine work, guaranteeing several hours of fun, and well deserving of a place in the most frequently consulted section of my personal library.
Oh yes, the Hudson atop Randall Olson's book in my photo? See page 41. It's a special model in my display area.
04/04/2012 1:31 pm
CONGRATS to Randall...Another great read to look forward to!!
04/04/2012 5:53 pm
Hi David, great post. Should have reloaded the Forum43 page when I got home. If so I would have seen yours and then just appended mine above to yours.
Cheers and Happy Reading,
Steve
05/04/2012 1:45 am
Steven, we both just appreciate a good book!
06/04/2012 1:54 am
Now we can ask when "GM 1955 and On" will be ready.