[R-390] Re: W1RC R-390A NAVSHIPS 0967-063-2010

[Michael Crestohl]

On Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:39:43,  "Perry W. Remaklus" <Perry at willbell.com> wrote:
>Today, I received my copy of W1RC's superb reproduction of NAVSHIPS
>0967-063-2010. Just having clear reproductions of the photographs makes
>it well worth the price. Congratulations, Michael, well done.

Thanks Perry, Tom, Harold et al for the high compliments.  This has 
been a very interesting and involved project and one that is far from 
finished.  It is still a work in progress, so to speak.

The bunk of the manuals are still not ready to ship.  The bottleneck 
is the foldout pages.  There are 13 of them.  Ten of them are larger 
than 11X14 and some require as many as four sheets to be joined.  O 
was hoping to engage the services of students but this was 
unsatisfactory because they are not familiar with the process or the 
diagrams.  Therefore they all have to be done by hand - my hands!

Folding is also an issue.  This is tricky too.  I would have to say 
that this aspect of the project is probably the most unlike the 
originals that were printed on one sheet of paper.  The cost of doing 
this would have doubled the cost of the finished product.  I learned 
the secret only after all the printing was completed and will be 
happy to pass it along to anyone foolish enough to attempt such a 
project in the future.  It won't be moi.

The good thing is that the process has become pretty mechanical now 
and I can do them while watching the news, etc.  My 9 year-old is 
also helping me in a limited capacity by inserting the finished 
foldout pages into the manuals.  I do them in batches of ten because 
the bindery prefers them in that size lots.

How long will it take to complete the project so everyone has their 
manual?  Don't know for sure but I am guessing that I will probably 
have them all out by tax time.  It has been about 10 weeks since most 
of you sent your checks and I appreciate your patience.

So, if you are still waiting my plan to ship out the remaining 
manuals will follow this protocol.

1. Those who were kind enough to allow me to cash their checks in 
advance of the production.
2. Those who are in other countries and sent cash or money orders.
3. The remainder will go out in the order their checks were 
received.  You will know to expect it soon when you see your check 
has been cashed.

Bottom line:  This project has fairly low priority in the general 
scheme of things but I am working on it as time permits.

73,

Michael, W1RC