New Britains Book (3 Viewers)

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norman joplin

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Thought the members of the forum would appreciate and update on the progress of the new Britains book
Britains New Toy Soldiers 1973 to the Present, Traditional Gloss Painted Metal Models.
I am currently proof reading what are generally known as the galleys,for the first time i have received these via pdf files,the book is still scheduled for release in the summer of 2008.
Regarding the question from H Henry,some discussion has taken place regarding the issue of a set of figures to go along with the book,I ,as author am obviously in favour of it,However the powers that be ,IE Britains/ First Gear and Schiffer Publishing must together decide if it is a viable proposition for both parties.
I am happy to answer any questions about my forthcoming book,Email if you wish info@normanjoplin.com
 
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Will it include photos of the new French & Indian War sets, including those being released this year?
 
The F&I War figures illustrated in the 2007 Catlogs will be included,the book was submitted to the publishers prior to most of the 2008 items being available for photography,the Petticoats line however will be featured thanks to Britains First Gear releasing those images to me early.
There are 29 chapters in the book which is arranged by product covering each product range as it was developed and issued from 1973 onwards
The Foreward has been written by Clare Camplin the Daughter of Dennis Britain
It is hoped to release an updated version of the book every 3 or 4 years
 
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Thanks for the update Norman. If it's any where near as good as your Britains Civilian book it will be a corker.

Looking forward to it's release :)


Scott
 
Thanks Scott,appreciate the compliment,happy to answer any questions related to the book
Norman
 
Many years ago when I was a youngster I collected stamps, and various groups, including rhe Post office released for public inforamtion the number of each stamp printed. In your book, is there anyway Britains can advise you as to the number of each set issued. I know they can do it with their Limited Editions, but can they also do it with their "regular' line?

Dick
 
I think that may prove tricky to list the amount sold over the years.

The mounted horseguard figure is still being produced from when it was first introduced in the early 80's. It has undergone a couple of different serial numbers too I believe. And a couple of different manufacturers as well. They may not even have the older sales records.

Would be interesting to know though.
 
Hello Norman,

Thanks for the update. Would it be possible for you to post the pdf of the table of contents? I would be interested to know the layout and what will be included.

For example, will you have a "rarity" rating or comprehensive bibliography of "toy soldiers."

I sure hope that you are able to include a special Britains set with it. I did mention this to Richard previously but have not heard more. The figure could be Royal family figure, perhaps one of the princes? Or somehow related to the history of Britains since 1973 or 1893, and a connection to the Royal family? How about a special ticketed book launch for club members, something similar to the Dec Britains event, where you could speak about your writing of the book, and then attendees could get the special figure (whether its physically enclosed with the book or separate).

The books could be leather-bound, numbered, limited editions signed by you?
 
Two replies in one Firstly regarding the number of each figure produced.I agree this is an almost impossible task and I am not quite sure what purpose it would serve.The Mounted Horseguard referred to came out in 1984 and during its issue,albeit with slight changes and catalog numbers was passed on through four differnt companies.

To H Henry
The pdfs are still copyright of the publishers,I am therefore not permitted to allow them to become public domain,thereisa comprehensive numerical index off all numbers and descriptions that were found during my research and a valuation GUIDE is included.
Regarding the special set,the introduction of figures etc to compliment the book and or leather bound editions this all costs money,therefore Britains/First Gear and Schiffer publishing will have to work out this between them and it remains to be seen if or not anything will come of it.It is not something that I can influence
 
Norman,

Thanks for the quick reply. I understand the restrictions you are under. I have some familiarity when I did a book on the Dieppe Raid in 1993 for After the Battle, the cover is my avatar. Publishers can be very "strict" to put it mildly and the author seems to be almost cut from the process once the publisher gets the galleys.

I have sent a separate email to Richard today about the possibility of a special set, asking him to reply on this forum. So all we can do is wait and see.

Thanks
Hugh Henry
 
Norman, can you tell us if there is a chapter or two about the old Deetail range, including the firing guns etc in the new book? The Deetails were my main collecting focus for many years and I was disappointed the range was only touched on in the 'Great Book of Britains'.
 
Hi OZDIGGER
Sorry to tell you but no,Deetail are plastic and this book is about lead or white metal New Toy Soldiers in Gloss starting 1973.
I do hope to produce a book on plastics eventually and then the info will be included that you require
Regards Norman
 
Is there a part in your book at the clubfiguurs .

richard:)
 
Yes Hoogri There is a full chapter devoted to all Club figures since the start of the Collectors Club in 1993
 
Norman,
Great to see you posting on the forum, glad to have someone of your knowledge regarding Britains aboard. Looking forward to seeing you at the shows as well, which one will you be attending next? I'll be in New Jersey and Albany before the big Dealware/Gettysburg back to back show weekend.........

Regards,
George Guerriero
Minutemen Toy Soldiers
 
Hi George Thanks for the kind words,I have attended The West Coaster this year already and plan on going to England in April for the British Model Soldier Society event,have my own Old Toy Soldie Show in London September 13th and then will be in Chicago ,my 20th year,had a great time at Hackensack last year so may be back again,Cannot make the new Valley Forge Wilmington or the Gettysburg,hope you have good shows wherever you decide to go
Regards Norman
 
Norman,
Looks like the next time we'll cross paths is OTSN, it will be my 10th, always a great show and always nice to see you there..............

Regards,
George
 
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