Jim B Posted November 4, 2011 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.
Dr. Cranky Posted November 4, 2011 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!
Sixx Posted November 4, 2011 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!!!!!
Dr. Cranky Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 Derrick, Ken is one heck of a nice guy and very accessible too.
Jim B Posted November 4, 2011 Author 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.
ericj Posted November 4, 2011 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.
modelercarl Posted November 4, 2011 Posted November 4, 2011 There is one listed on Ebay (toys & hobbies/dioramas) for $39.
Dr. Cranky Posted November 5, 2011 Posted November 5, 2011 Kalmbach could care less, they are the ones who remaindered it to begin with, which upset a few people . . .
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author 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
Dr. Cranky Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 I've always preferred a hard copy I can keep at the bench.
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author 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.
Eshaver Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 James, remember Kalmbach was/ is the same publisher that Kiboshed "Car Modeler magazine in 1991 ............... Ed Shaver
Mercman Posted November 7, 2011 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
Jim B Posted November 7, 2011 Author Posted November 7, 2011 True, Ed. And there's more money in armor modeling.
Dr. Cranky Posted November 11, 2011 Posted November 11, 2011 Again, keep looking . . . I'm sure a copy will turn up.
MikeMc Posted November 14, 2011 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??
Mercman Posted November 15, 2011 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.
graveturtle Posted November 15, 2011 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.
Big Daddy Posted November 16, 2011 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
Dr. Cranky Posted November 16, 2011 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.
crazyjim Posted November 16, 2011 Posted November 16, 2011 YES - the mailman just delivered the book. It looks to be in excellent condition.
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