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kusuchi

Toy Steam - A symphony in motion

Arrived today.  Even better than I was expecting.  An invaluable guide to identifying the earlier toys.

There are a lot of really nice ones in here that I'm now going to have to look for

Someone may even end up thinking I actually know something    





Can't see it but there's a flotilla in the background.  The annual Rolex Regatta is held every year at St Thomas Yacht Club this weekend.

More arrivals later today when Andrew returns.
Les

You will really enjoy that book, full of wonderful toys.
Manxman

It is a great book and I'd suggest probably the best single reference book for toy steam accesories. I hope you agree that it was worth the money?  
Nick

I think I might pick up a used copy of this near me.
Manxman

ncseverson wrote:
I think I might pick up a used copy of this near me.


If you can, it is a very good book.
Les

ncseverson wrote:
I think I might pick up a used copy of this near me.


Shop around because prices vary and I got mine from Germany in the end as it was the cheapest one.
kusuchi

Manxman wrote:
It is a great book and I'd suggest probably the best single reference book for toy steam accesories. I hope you agree that it was worth the money?  


100%.  Far exceeded my expectations, (and will doubtless increase my overdraft )  Really great book.

Thanks Chris,

PS.  For the rest of you.   That was the last copy on Amazon.com.  I paid $ 50.00.  It's worth at least twice that.  This is a 'must have'.

Best Wishes and good luck,
Les

I presume you have looked at page 144.
Les

kusuchi wrote:
Manxman wrote:
It is a great book and I'd suggest probably the best single reference book for toy steam accesories. I hope you agree that it was worth the money?  


100%.  Far exceeded my expectations, (and will doubtless increase my overdraft )  Really great book.

Thanks Chris,

PS.  For the rest of you.   That was the last copy on Amazon.com.  I paid $ 50.00.  It's worth at least twice that.  This is a 'must have'.

Best Wishes and good luck,


Thats cheap, as on Amazon.co.uk they start at $94.
kusuchi

Les Marsh wrote:
I presume you have looked at page 144.


And 186   What worries me are all the incredible Ferris Wheel, Windmill combinations on the other pages.  I just know I'm going to start looking.    
Nick

I can get used books through Barnes and Noble and I also get discounts. They are shipped to my door in a day or two. I'll have to take a look on there.
tmuir

If you click on the used and new tab on amazon US it brings up another seller that has a new copy for $50.90 for those interested.
Nick

tmuir wrote:
If you click on the used and new tab on amazon US it brings up another seller that has a new copy for $50.90 for those interested.

$49.99 with $5 shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Steam-Engine-...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Wallace

Had that on my watch list.

I'm glad you reminded me as I would have forgot  
Nick

Wallace wrote:
Had that on my watch list.

I'm glad you reminded me as I would have forgot  

I see you bought it, great job!
Wallace

Thanks, and thanks again for the reminder.

I found it earlier in the week and it was the cheapest going.
Nick

Wallace wrote:
Thanks, and thanks again for the reminder.

I found it earlier in the week and it was the cheapest going.

I almost bought it myself, but found one I can get for $2 cheaper since I am a member to some website.
Les

Wallace wrote:
Had that on my watch list.

I'm glad you reminded me as I would have forgot  


You will not be disappointed.
Manxman

I don't know how many books you have Richard but another very good set of books are the little Shire Series of books. Now these are the other end of the book market (small, paperback and black and white) but you can often get them at a very low price. Couple of quid each.

I don't know how many different Shire Books their are, but it's a lot. These are the best three for toy steam and again I think very good value. The one on accessories is again very good and will go well with the book you've just got.




kusuchi

Manxman wrote:
I don't know how many books you have Richard but another very good set of books are the little Shire Series of books. Now these are the other end of the book market (small, paperback and black and white) but you can often get them at a very low price. Couple of quid each.

I don't know how many different Shire Books their are, but it's a lot. These are the best three for toy steam and again I think very good value. The one on accessories is again very good and will go well with the book you've just got.







Thanks Chris,

I'll definitely have a look for these.

No sign of the Krauss Carousel yet, but it shipped around the same time as the SELs so I'll be looking for it next week.

Regards,

Andrew and
Nick

I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              
Manxman

Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Oh it will. It's a brill book and money well spent. Get the coffee on, sit in a comfortable chair and settle to a great read (well lots of good quality pics).
Les

Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


That will empty your bank balance quicker than the what engines do at the moment.  

You will amazed at the different types, makers and the sheer number and quality of the accessories that are around.

You will not regret buying it, I haven't.
johnreid

I enjoy leafing through the pages and examining various Accessories, many I know I will never own, but I do enjoy reading about them.

I also have the Shire book, when I first got it I was disappointed, but have found that it is a valuable resource and was worth the $8 I paid for it.

Steam Toys is worth its price just for the pictures
tmuir

Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Wait till you see the fair ground ride accessories, even my wife like them.  
Dampfzauberer

Has anyone realised.... the doll lamp on bob gordon's book...is it fixed with electric isolation tape
duncandumpertruck

I never spotted that and i have that book too!!!
Les

tmuir wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Wait till you see the fair ground ride accessories, even my wife like them.  


So does mine, and the large Windmills and especially the Fountains..
kusuchi

Les Marsh wrote:
tmuir wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Wait till you see the fair ground ride accessories, even my wife like them.  


So does mine, and the large Windmills and especially the Fountains..


Definitely a great and invaluable resource.  Soon to be equaled or superseded by Les's website I think.    
Nick

kusuchi wrote:
Definitely a great and invaluable resource.  Soon to be equaled or superseded by Les's website I think.    

If he ever gives us a link.                            
bigal

Great book!

I bought mine for $28-38  (can't remember) and the Marklin Bandsaw pictured on page 191 in the book!

Came from Don Stilson who had several pieces pictured in the book
Nick

bigal wrote:
Great book!

I bought mine for $28-38  (can't remember) and the Marklin Bandsaw pictured on page 191 in the book!

Came from Don Stilson who had several pieces pictured in the book

You were the one that got that bandsaw?!?!  

I got the grinder & fan, but the saw was expensive.
Nick

Ooops

I was thinking of this one:

$521.15

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI....sPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

Nick

bigal wrote:
Came from Don Stilson who had several pieces pictured in the book

Are my two from Don in there?  (Marklin grinder & fan)

I will check out your bandsaw when I get the book.
bigal

I did get the bandsaw from D Stilson but didn't think it was that expensive.  I think 1/3 of estimate in The Steam Book.

Don't recall the two you mentioned.

You sure you weren't thinking of a different auction where you bought a Bing fan and the item you did not get was a Mamod (or other British) item?
Nick

I had the bandsaw mixed up with the one I mentioned in my previous post.   (If I remember right, the bandsaw went for under $150).

These are the 2 I got from Don:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130204413601

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130208332933

Pictures here:

http://www.freewebs.com/nicksteam/marklin.htm
bigal

The $500 tool is in the book but not the grinder or fan.
You got two great deals on those-Really like the fan.  
Les

Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Has it arrived yet??
Atticman

Les Marsh wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Has it arrived yet??


Nick been a bit quiet today so I guess hes still reading it  
Les

Atticman wrote:
Les Marsh wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Has it arrived yet??


Nick been a bit quiet today so I guess hes still reading it  


Or he is shock after seeing what is around other than the workmen.
Atticman

Les Marsh wrote:
Atticman wrote:
Les Marsh wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Has it arrived yet??


Nick been a bit quiet today so I guess hes still reading it  


Or he is shock after seeing what is around other than the workmen.


Maybe hes off working overtime to save up for the others  
Les

Atticman wrote:
Les Marsh wrote:
Atticman wrote:
Les Marsh wrote:
Nick wrote:
I just purchased Steam Toys: A Symphony in Motion for $50. It should be here by Friday and I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

I just hope it doesn't help me find more accessories that I need to have.              


Has it arrived yet??


Nick been a bit quiet today so I guess hes still reading it  


Or he is shock after seeing what is around other than the workmen.


Maybe hes off working overtime to save up for the others  


He will need a lot of overtime in that case, or he will have to rob a bank.
Nick

I was working this morning/afternoon and just got home from a few hour canoe trip... the book has arrived.
bigal

Nick wrote:
I was working this morning/afternoon and just got home from a few hour canoe trip... the book has arrived.


Great book-only problem is you'll want more!
Les

bigal wrote:
Nick wrote:
I was working this morning/afternoon and just got home from a few hour canoe trip... the book has arrived.


Great book-only problem is you'll want more!


Tell me about it.  
Nick

After having a look through this book, I would like to know what the rest of you think about the prices; I think they are kind of high.

Most of the accessories I have bought off ebay were less than half the price stated in the book (some even cheaper) and some were in nicer condition.

I was also wondering why at the top of page 217 they have a Mamod grinder and polisher listed as maker unknown. I can see the name Mamod right on the picture.
johnreid

I believe the prices would have been gathered at Shows and Live auctions, not Ebay. Prices on Ebay are Volatile as one day an item can be VERY expensive and the next it is inexpensive.
Nick

They might be going by tin toy collector prices, because as you pointed out earlier, they have a lot more spare money ($300 for a sausage maker!)
Les

Don't forget that this book was published in 1996 and prices have changed a lot since then, and that may also explain why the writer may not have known what a Mamod accessory was .
johnreid

The Accessories that were hidden in attics and stored away in the closet were not sold as often 10 years ago, the only place you could find them was at a show or an estate sale. the one and two at a time pulled from the attic ones became available once Ebay came along. And with Ebay the prices changed drastically. All of the sudden a Grindstone figure was easily found by looking on Ebay for less than a month, whereas it used to be a rare find.
Collectors went to shows, and the carried Notebooks in their pockets where they would record the prices that certain items went for and there was only one direction those prices could go, and that was up.
IMHO the prices in that book will look low some day, probably more sooner than later.
Manxman

johnreid wrote:
The Accessories that were hidden in attics and stored away in the closet were not sold as often 10 years ago, the only place you could find them was at a show or an estate sale. the one and two at a time pulled from the attic ones became available once Ebay came along. And with Ebay the prices changed drastically. All of the sudden a Grindstone figure was easily found by looking on Ebay for less than a month, whereas it used to be a rare find.
Collectors went to shows, and the carried Notebooks in their pockets where they would record the prices that certain items went for and there was only one direction those prices could go, and that was up.
IMHO the prices in that book will look low some day, probably more sooner than later.


I have to agree with everything said. The prices in the book are at best a pre eBay guide. Prices dropped very low once eBay became established and it is only now that we are seeing prices climb again. I think now is a great time to be in our hobby. We have all the advantages of eBay but not yet the pre eBay prices.

Now what is it I want to buy next.
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