| Archive for The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum Established 2006 The biggest, most popular steam forum around! Accept NO imitations! We have a growing community of regular posting members who chat about all aspects of toy and model steam. |
| James |
Great book!Roly, I got your book this morning. First impressions were "Bloody hell cock! He's spent some time writing this out!". I have had a quick flick through, and it has already tought me things I never knew. This is a very, very good booklet even for the expert. A great source of info. I must say, well done Roly! Very impressed! I will do my duty and spread the word, hopefully more people will be able to have a good read of a fine book too.
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| MooseMan |
Re: Great book!
Second that! I keep Roly's book with my copy of "Toyshop Steam" as a must-read. Another member of this group has written a book as well: Owen Roberts' Guide to Bowman Engines is brilliant. |
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| Manxman |
I brought Roly's book a couple of years ago. I love its style and I have to agree a good read that manages to give confidence to those new (or returning) to the hobby and a smile of recognition to those who have been playing with steam engines for some time.
A good read and a good price. I've spent far more on steam books that have far less information in them. |
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| James |
Yep! I seriously think everyone should buy one, and that Roly should charge a bit more. | ||||
| Manxman |
They could become collectors pieces and it has been updated. Mine is Nov 2003 version. Is that a first edition? Is it going to worth more? 
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| Roly Williams |
Well thanks, everybody, for the complements. They are much appreciated. I did write it with the beginner (of any age  ) in mind but it's been most satisfying to hear complements from even established collectors.
As for the selling price - I started off selling it by auction and the first two or three went for about £12 - 13, but then it started falling over a few months till it settled down at around £5. I now sell it at £4.99 fixed price and at that I make a very small profit. (By verry small I mean that Ebay and Paypal fees take virtually all of it.) I started selling just before Xmas 2003. When you say Nov 2003, is that the date on the inside or on the back? The date on the back is when I wrote the blurb and stays the same. The actual printing date is inside on page 2 (I think). If that's dated Nov 2003 then it's as near to being a first edition as it gets. You may notice I don't quote an edition number, only a printing date. I update the content as and when I get new info and I print copies off as I sell them so, technically there was only one "first edition" copy and that went to the lady who started the whole idea off in the first place. I'll leave you to read that story in the intro. |
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| James |
Aye I read that. It is a good book, started reading it. I must say now, all of you guys on here should look into buying one! | ||||
| oldstuff |
I have one, and recommend it. 'Tis money well-spent!
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| flywheel61 |
OK Roly, the secrets out now, what's it look like & where can I get a copy. even though it may be for a beginner there's alway info that's useful
Cheers
Chris[/b] |
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| James |
See Roly, I told you I would help you shift some copies 
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| Roly Williams |
Here's what it looks like: http://uk.geocities.com/rolywilliams/lst_ug.html There's one on Ebay at the moment or, better still, just send me an email or PM with your postal address. You can pay by Paypal or cheque / PO. |
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| Griffin |
Count me in Roly, I will PM my details to you | ||||
| James |
Good going! You won't regret it, one of the best books for value! | ||||
| Sandman |
Count me in as well Roly.
Been looking for a good book to compliment my bible. I'll PM you my details as well.
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| flywheel61 |
Roly Williams wrote
I'm in too, just have to work out the logistics as per my PM. Cheers
Chris |
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| James |
Roly are you going to STIA? If you are we might be able to put the book and the shirt for flywheel in together, and combine postage. What do you think mate? | ||||
| SPOKESMAN |
Good idea James! |
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| Roly Williams |
No, I won't be at STIA. I keep promising myself I'll go one of these years but it won't be this. |
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| flywheel61 |
No problem James & Roly, the book (s) & the t shirt will just have to be sent seperately.
Cheers
Chris |
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| Chris |
Just got my copy of Roly's book this morning. Settled down with a cup of tea and read cover to cover. Great read for a total novice such as myself, and recommended reading for everyone else I would think.
Bargain. Should help me keep my TE1a running for many years (and encourage me to save my pennies for some other engines). Thanks Roly, and thanks to James for recommending it. |
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| Sandman |
I agree. A great read at a great price. I would definately award it the Sandman seal of approval.
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| Griffin |
I got my book today, it is a right good read with a lot of useful information, and at an excellent price.
I would recommend it to everyone. |
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| Roly Williams |
I must say I'm flattered by all these good things being said about my humble booklet. I hope it's not all just to be polite! 
In fact, if anybody can think of any suggestions for improvements, I'm all ears. It's been a while since I made any major changes. The only restriction is that I don't want to increase the thickness too much because it's currently pretty close to the limit of the capability of my stapler! However, an extra page or 4 would do no great harm. (Because of the format, pages have to be added in multiples of 4.) |
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| Griffin |
On the contrary Roly, I have not yet finished reading it and have aready learned something new. I have in the past bought quite expensive reference books, I must add nothing to to do with toy steam. That have been useless. Genuinely Roly your book in a pleasure to read. |
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| Manxman |
Agree, not just being polite at all. The 3 (steam) books I've most recently brought have all been a let down. One on Marklin (nearly all about trains) one on Bing and other German toys (only a tiny amount on steam) and one on tinplate toys (again a few pics but no real detail). Your "booklet" does what it says on the tin. It is a live steam users guide.
In truth their seems to be very few specialist books for our hobby and your book fills a gap very nicely. The fact that it is a little 'home made' is part of its appeal and lets a buyer know that here is someone who shares their interest and can translate that interest into words, we can all share together. I'll do the inside of your next 'dust jacket' if you want! |
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| James |
Mate, I ain't saying it to be nice, you know I speak my mind
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| Manxman |
Roly,
I know you said about ideas. Well, here's a couple. Have you considered doing a page about ebay. I'd guess most people buy engines from ebay and a page about what to look for, how to get a good engine, things that can go wrong etc. would be good addition. I've read a few good ebay guide type things on here in the last few months and that would maybe be a useful addition. The only other thing I could suggest is at the back where you list makers past and present, I wonder if more detail would be useful. A bit of information on Mamod, Wilesco and Jensen would be a start and maybe a mention of small companies like SteaMECH and Haycock who currently make steam toys. You could maybe help make the book more international with reference to older companies like Weeden, Renown and Bowman etc. Or just leave it as it is. As I've said it's a fine piece of work and "if it's not broke, don't fix it". |
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| tmuir |
If you can find some info about Renown let me know as the only info I have about them so far is the variations of them I've seen on ebay.
Dont even know where in Australia they were made (But I'm guessing Sydney) or over what time period or how many models they made. |
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| flywheel61 |
My copy arrived down under this morning, great stuff. I know I'm a bit one eyed but would never have believed there were so many manufacturers. Love the Mamod SE3 & 1/2. Best $20.00 I've ever invested in steam.
Thanks mate Cheers
Chris |