[Milsurplus] Enigma .... not THAT one !

[J. Forster]

Hue Miller wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "pete williams" <jupeter@datafast.net.au>
>
> > It's an obvious question, may be been asked before, but why is it that  the
> resources of  the knowledgeable  in U S A , haven't produced a set  of
> volumes   similar to that  produced by Louis Meulstree

I asked Louis if he were interested in doing a book about US gear about 6 months
ago, and he had a lot on his agenda as well as family and job commitments, and
went on to say:

"One thing I often wondered, why has it to be a Dutchman to write about these
things?"

Good question. Writing any really authoritative book is a huge effort. First
there is the research. Then you have a big decision making task. You just can't
put in everything, and how do you choose what is important and useful?

> I have thought about this too. For one thing, i don't think there would be
> much of a demand for such.

WftW is obviously a labor of love, not a profitable exercise. If you figured out
the hourly wage for such a task, you'd go running to MacDonalds and start making
fries.

> At least in book form, where it would have to be pretty pricey.

IMO, it would be almost as much work to do a CD as a book. Look at WftW. Only
the printing would be saved. Also a CD can be pirated for $1.

> There are all kinda radio collector specialty books out now, but it's still a
> fact that people interested in Hallicrafters, Catalin,
> crystal radios, even military vehicles, are *much* more numerous than strictly
> mil. equipment collectors.

IMO, the question was Mil Com related. Commercial gear is a different story.

> Another factor which dissuades me from even thinking about this, is as soon as
> you publish, you will have a score
> of additions and corrections arising. I think this is due to the numerous
> small-producton experiments and special modifications and such, not so
> commonly seen outside the factory walls, in the world of civilian equipment.

WftW  Vol 2 is mainly about the standard sets, and is the more interesting, IMO.
It gives the best overview. If you really need minute technical details, there
is really no substitute for the original manuals. Updates can be handled by
posting on a site, like Louis's.

BTW, I am still interested in the EMERs for the WS 19 to put onto CDs. Anyone
got them???

-John