Before I go any further, apologies in advance for posting in this particular forum, I couldn’t think of another more appropriate one and also apologies if we’re forbidden from discussing publications from other publishers.
Now, has anyone else been collecting this part work? I have bought all four issues thus far but was shocked to discover when I purchased the 4th part which covered the B-52 that the collection was being stopped. Inside the book (for those that don’t know each issue is hardcover and approximately 150 pages long focusing on a different aircraft), I discovered a piece of paper on which was written that they were suspending publication and later on more ominously that since they were unable to complete the collection, people who bought the issues and could prove it were entitled to a free gift. There was no explanation for the suspension and the back cover referred to the Lancaster as the next subject implying they were hoping to publish more. Does anyone know anything more about this? I’ve checked the official website but nothing.
I’ve been enjoying this title though I suffered through typos (most notably the absence of a cutaway key for the Harrier II), but I was rather surprised at the inclusions/exclusions from the series which was supposed to run 60 issues. The Mustang, Canberra, Jaguar and Flanker were not included but the X-15 was :confused:. I have a theory that they received a barrage of complaints regarding what they chose to include and exclude and have gone back to the drawing board. Since each issue has its own number and as the collection grows a picture running along the spines are built, they decided to stop now before going too far and thus incorporate different or possibly additional types than originally planned.
By: Seafuryfan - 17th October 2014 at 22:23
Well I wish you well for your collection. If you’re in any way like me, you might buy and sell/donate stuff over the years and end up with some very firm favourites you’ll return to time and again. My favourites are aircraft restoration and preservation, and Luftwaffe. I must admit though to spending much more time in recent years on the Internet, viewing the wonderful resources available. And every now and then, taking part! Happy hunting.
By: F-18RN - 17th October 2014 at 19:17
Hi Seafuryfan
To be truthful I’ve no idea what the free gift is, though you are probably right. I’ve been to both Cosford and Duxford and know what you mean about books (not that either place is easy to get to). I’ll be honest it is a bit of a loss as I was particularly looking forward to the entries on the Lightning, Vulcan, Phantom, all the usual suspects really and although there’s plenty of material on those subjects to hand, I did like the size and format (though not the price). Nevermind, plenty more fish in the sea.
By: Seafuryfan - 16th October 2014 at 23:59
Sounds like a lot of very expensive bookshelf space – sixty 150 page hardback books on already well documented material…think of the money you’ll save in the long run, as well as the inevitable decision you’ll no longer have to consider to chuck or donate the lot in twenty or so years. There’s far more material including video on all these aircraft on the web, but if you like collecting books, it must be a loss.
You could go to Cosford for other material, last time I was there they had old magazines coming out of their ears, with enough articles to keep you in good reading material for years.
Was it a Franklin Mint Spitfire you were offered?
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October 16, 2014 at 8:50 pm