Jim B Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 I have been looking to find a book on biulding diorama sceens for model cars & trucks, and there only seems to be one "How to Build Creative Dioramas for Your Scale Auto Models" by Ken Hamilton. I have "How to Build Dioramas" by Shepard Paine, but that book generally deals with 1/35 military models (don't get my wrong, it's a good book!) I saw Ken Hamilton's book on Amizon for $284, but most were around $70 (the highest I saw was a rental for $300). Is this book worth $70? I was just wondering because as soon as I pay $70 for the book, Kalambach will reprint it & sell it for $20. Just looking for thought on the book. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Jim, the reason why Ken's book is that price is that people are taking advantage of the fact that it is out of print, so they ask whatever price because they know what I know which is that Mr. Hamilton's book is THE BOOK on building automobile related dioramas. I am a happy and proud owner of a signed copy. My advice is to keep looking for it in hobby shops, etc . . . and you might just run across it one day. The other option is to contact The Strand in New York and see if they can track you a copy for a more reasonable price. Is it worth it, you bet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixx Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Yeah, Ive got that book too, well, two of em!! Yes I paid out the wazoo for em, even talk to Ken on the phone once...nice guy!! I LOVE the book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET THE BOOK!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Derrick, Ken is one heck of a nice guy and very accessible too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Thanks for the advice, guys. I appreciate it. I'll keep looking. Maybe a letter writing campaign to Kalambach will get them to reprint another addition? Couldn't hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericj Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Keep looking, it is a great book. I came across mine on ebay for around $20 and it happened to be one that Ken was selling himself, he even autographed it before he shipped it. They are out there without paying an arm and a leg for them, just keep looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 That's good to know. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Google it - I found it for $100.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelercarl Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 There is one listed on Ebay (toys & hobbies/dioramas) for $39. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Kalmbach could care less, they are the ones who remaindered it to begin with, which upset a few people . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 (edited) Here's the response I received from Kalmbach when I asked them about this book: "Hello James, Thank you for your recent inquiry about How to Build Creative Dioramas for Your Scale Auto Models. As of now, there are no plans for a new edition of the book. However, it is possible that the book will appear in a digital format in the future, as we are converting some of our older titles to this format. You can check our website, www.kalmbachstore.com, for these titles. Also, www.bookfinder.com, checks various sites besides Amazon for out-of-print books. Unfortunately, there is nothing less than $76 for this book. -- Best regards, Randy Rehberg Associate Editor Kalmbach Books 21027 Crossroads Circle Waukesha, WI 53187-1612 " Not very encouraging. I don't want an e-book, I want a book! You know, paper pages. What am I supposed to do? Read it on my wife's Kindle? Edited November 7, 2011 by Jim B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I've always preferred a hard copy I can keep at the bench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Same here. It's sort of strange, but if these books are selling for between $75 - $300 it seems like bad business sense NOT to print another edition. If a $19 book is selling for that high of a price, obviously there is a demand for it. By not printing another edition Kalmbach is loosing out on profits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 James, remember Kalmbach was/ is the same publisher that Kiboshed "Car Modeler magazine in 1991 ............... Ed Shaver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercman Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Sorry to say but as a request of a friend I deleted the album. Anyone wanting the book, if they didn't see it already will have to search for a hard copy. Junior Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 True, Ed. And there's more money in armor modeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Again, keep looking . . . I'm sure a copy will turn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted November 12, 2011 Share Posted November 12, 2011 I scored a copy on Ebay for $39.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMc Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Sorry to say but as a request of a friend I deleted the album. Anyone wanting the book, if they didn't see it already will have to search for a hard copy. Junior I thought it was with Kens ok?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim B Posted November 14, 2011 Author Share Posted November 14, 2011 Apparently not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercman Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 I thought it was with Kens ok?? It was originally. I decided to delete it, less hassle this way. he said I could password protect the album, but I deleted instead. Just easier I thought. Sorry guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graveturtle Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 It's a really long shot, but have you checked the nearby libraries? It's not the same as having your own, but if you find a particularly useful section you could photocopy it. If there are any nearby, a university library would be your best bet. They generally have all sorts of strange books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Daddy Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I just found one for 65.00 bought it now waiting to receive, so i can get started, new to this diorama stuff but have been collecting and building for years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 You'll be glad you did. The book is filled with great projects and ideas, and more importantly your model cars and photographs will thank you you did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 YES - the mailman just delivered the book. It looks to be in excellent condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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