New book coming soon.
See attached flyer and cover image.
It's in the final stages of production, and rests on a decade of research in archives, interviews with the engineers and experience of working on related projects.
Comments/questions welcome.
Cool! When will it be released, and how much will it cost?
The release 'date' is this summer. As I do this in my spare time, it is hard to nail it down exactly.
Price is around a tenner sterling, but depends on final page count. And that depends in part on comments people make - will you pay a pound or two more for extra bits? If so, what bits?
My past life in publishing showed me how knowing your customer is key, so let me know what you want and I'll see what I can do. For e.g., I guess modellers want clear plans, colour profiles etc. But do they need them to scale (a total pain to do!).
Hi Mike
Nice to see this one lined up to be published, from a modellers point of view a decent set of plans to scale wouldn't go amiss, but after that you could see if Chris can do some Variant drawings just to highlight some of the key differences between the many variants. Including some of the original detailed parts breakdown wouldn't be bad either as those are handy drawings giving a feeling for the shape and structure of the beast.
From a whiff side of things a bit of educated speculation about armament, markings and squadrons together with possibly comment on how operational different it would be to the Harrier it was intended to replace might help bulk it out (just dont get too outlandish or some people will focus on that rather than the actual story of our intended Harrier replacement)
All the best with bringing this together.
Cheers
Geoff
(PS ever considered doing the 1154 as a follow up :thumbsup:)
Have you spoken to "Captain Freigtdog" please, pretty please, about colaborating in a kit?
Quote from: Thorvic on April 14, 2009, 11:28:05 AM
see if Chris can do some Variant drawings just to highlight some of the key differences between the many variants.
Have some done by Chris of weapon variants, with original GAs of variants 'side by side'.
Quote from: Thorvic on April 14, 2009, 11:28:05 AM
Including some of the original detailed parts breakdown wouldn't be bad either as those are handy drawings giving a feeling for the shape and structure of the beast.
Got some of them in already, may add more.
Quote from: Thorvic on April 14, 2009, 11:28:05 AM
From a whiff side of things a bit of educated speculation about armament, markings and squadrons together with possibly comment on how operational different it would be to the Harrier it was intended to replace might help bulk it out
Got some by Sentinel Chicken lined up, plus some original artwork from Brooklands (USMC variant!)
Quote from: Thorvic on April 14, 2009, 11:28:05 AM
(PS ever considered doing the 1154 as a follow up :thumbsup:)
-it's in this book as an appendix, but not detail plans. But yes, can do another on that.
Quote from: JayBee on April 14, 2009, 11:54:33 AM
Have you spoken to "Captain Freigtdog" please, pretty please, about colaborating in a kit?
Martin H had a good go at a kit, which I have mentioned/shown in the book.
Quote from: harrier on April 14, 2009, 12:21:29 PM
Quote from: JayBee on April 14, 2009, 11:54:33 AM
Have you spoken to "Captain Freigtdog" please, pretty please, about colaborating in a kit?
Martin H had a good go at a kit, which I have mentioned/shown in the book.
Had being the correct word LOL...I still have the masters (done by Thorvic) but the moulds are shot and in dire need of replaceing. and the pennies are a little on the short side at this present time.
Final draft text, pics etc. now gone for print layout to be done. Once that is proofed then ready to print.
Table of contents:
QuoteIntroduction
Acknowledgements
History
• Background
• Twin-boom origins
• P.1216 for the RAF
• P.1216 for the Royal Navy
• P.1216 for the US and UK
Technical Description
• P.1216-41 Description
• Overview
• Structure
• Aerodynamics
• Propulsion
• Avionics
• Systems
• Weapons
• Ownership and operations
P.1216 Data
• P.1216-41 1985
• Estimated Performance Data
• Costs and Timescales
Overview and Conclusions
Appendices
• Appendix 1 – P.1216 Variants
• Appendix 2 – P.1216 Models Tested
• Appendix 3 – Other Kingston Twin-boom projects
• Appendix 4 – P.1216 Timeline
Glossary
And back cover draft blurb:
QuoteThe British Aerospace (BAe) P.1216 project of the 1980s was a supersonic Advanced Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) fighter, designed by the same team that originally designed the Harrier. It was the last major attempt at an independent British fighter aircraft project, and was developed through many versions over the course of the 1980s.
Had the P.1216 been fully developed the UK could have led a programme for an ASTOVL combat aircraft that would be in service around the world today, in place of the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. The fact that it did not go ahead will have a significant impact on the aerospace industry and armed forces of the UK and other nations for many years to come.
This book tells the story of the P.1216, looking behind the political, technical and business aspects of its design and testing, using access to previously secret documents and interviews with key personnel involved in the project. It is lavishly illustrated with original technical diagrams, photographs and colour artwork.
As well as telling the story of the P.1216 it also provides a new perspective on the decades-long quest to create a supersonic 'jump jet'; in the words of Ralph Hooper, the original designer of the Harrier, "one of the last prestigious hurdles for aviation to clear", and a formidable challenge to this day. This book will be of great interest to all those with an interest in modern combat aircraft, the technical aspects of aerospace project design and the politics of weapon system acquisition.
Final cover plus internal cover mock-ups:
Excellent news, looking forward to this.
Quote from: Martin H on April 14, 2009, 01:40:57 PM
Quote from: harrier on April 14, 2009, 12:21:29 PM
Quote from: JayBee on April 14, 2009, 11:54:33 AM
Have you spoken to "Captain Freigtdog" please, pretty please, about colaborating in a kit?
Martin H had a good go at a kit, which I have mentioned/shown in the book.
Had being the correct word LOL...I still have the masters (done by Thorvic) but the moulds are shot and in dire need of replaceing. and the pennies are a little on the short side at this present time.
Still think you guys should hit Freightdog up to see if he could use your masters and make new molds including the extra bits. Still bummed I missed out on this.
Book looks interesting and I love the subject matter.
Woohoo! Please post as soon as you know the release date etc - I'll definitely be buying this. :thumbsup:
Sounds great, I'll be picking it up too.
Final version approved and off to print next week it seems. Should be ready for end of the month.
Final page count - 48.
Final price - £9.95
All original illustrations - colour artwork, GAs etc.
Includes details of many variants of the P.1216 and other twin-boom projects (e.g. P.1212 - some very weird variants that didn't go much beyond a 'one afternoon wonder' but will be fun to model).
You can put me down for one, definitely. Where will we be able to order from?
count me in :)
Add me to the list <_<
I suspect i've been on the list since the start :thumbsup:, certainly looking forward to it ;D
I am definitely interested! I'd like a copy please! :thumbsup: ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: pyro-manic on April 05, 2011, 07:55:24 AM
You can put me down for one, definitely. Where will we be able to order from?
Yes, where do we order from - I am happy to pre-order now.
Regards,
Greg
Should be able to order on Amazon etc. once they are updated with cover image/new price. They were informed of these this week, but it takes time for updates to roll through.
Amazon and other sites are currently listing the old price estimate (cost reduced thanks to not having to produce any CGI - many original colour pictures were found), but should update shortly.
I'll take a copy.
Amazon.co.uk are taking preorders now.
So, has anyone received their copy yet? I've got one on order with Amazon UK, but they still have it as 'not available'.
Quote from: Hobbes on May 27, 2011, 07:19:32 AM
So, has anyone received their copy yet? I've got one on order with Amazon UK, but they still have it as 'not available'.
not yet.
Chris has said on SP that its still in the preparation for publishing stage as both are rather busy with their full time jobs at present.
So hopefully it shouldn't be too long :thumbsup:
G
Signed off final version this week, should be at the printers by Monday. So very soon - finally! :thumbsup:
:cheers:
The printer's 'mock-up' was printed last week, all OK, so the main print run will happen this week.
Provisional 'launch' date 15th August, but may have copies this week.
Will keep you posted!
'Beta' version of webpage here:
http://www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm (http://www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm)
Glad to see its on its way, :party: already pre-ordered with Amazon :thumbsup:
(Now we just need a decent kit with all this detailed data - hint, hint Colin ;) )
BTW have you seen the 1214 test shots Anigrand are doing for Fantastic Plastic ?
http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/BAEHawkerP1214CatalogPage.htm (http://www.fantastic-plastic.com/BAEHawkerP1214CatalogPage.htm)
Geoff,
Thanks for your order! Hope Amazon do a prompt delivery! I am in Manchester if you fancy a pint sometime.
The P.1214 kit looks great, although Kingston were never serious about it, just using it for publicity. The book tells its story, and has a pic of the later P.1214-4, which was different, but equally 'cool' looking.
I think you'll love the P.1212 artwork and other variants illustrated in the book, plus all the 1216 pics/GAs/sections/details!
Mike
Hi Mike
Well i'm in Manchester this Wed/Thu at the Museum of Sceince & Industry as our Model Club are helping with their Transport exhibition this week, so will be in the Aerospace section those days doing a bit of model making :thumbsup:
So will you be doing Scale Model World at Telford this Novemeber ?
G
Geoff,
I can make MoSI this week, so will PM you my moby.
November seems a long way off, but I aim to get to Telford one day soon!
+2! Mines on pre-order too, looking forward to getting hold of it soon. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the pre-orders!
Nice to hear people are looking forward to it So am I! :cheers:
And good to see it inspiring modelling work:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,13355.0.html
Amazon has updated status from 'preorder' to 'available', they gave me an estimated shipping date of 16 aug.
It's here! :drink: :cheers: :party:
The publisher, Chris Gibson/Blue Envoy press, will be shipping it out to Amazon and other respectable bookshops in the next couple of days.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.secretprojects.co.uk%2Fforum%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D6661.0%3Battach%3D138802%3Bimage&hash=9dc6d30c54e7a54dd35758d8e7d6e3725f85fbc4)
I've just had an email from Amazon saying that there's a delay, but they don't give any details. The last email I got said it should be with me on the 19th August, I guess it's just a slight slip?
Quote from: Mossie on August 17, 2011, 02:26:34 AM
I've just had an email from Amazon saying that there's a delay, but they don't give any details. The last email I got said it should be with me on the 19th August, I guess it's just a slight slip?
Me too, they're blaming 'our suppliers', but then they would of course. :-\
I got that email as well
Chris only received them yesterday as he is the Publisher so they will go out to Amazon over the next few days who will then send them out to those who have ordered the book :thumbsup:
G
Chris has already sent some individual orders in the mail, plus shipped to distributors for Amazon.
I used to work for the company that supplies Amazon with their data. They used to update once a week, or sometimes once a fortnight, and my job was explaining to my 5,000 irate publishing clients (including Mills & Boon!) why their books had not appeared yet, despite having charged them.
Some things never change it seems!
Direct orders will be up and running by tomorrow (my boxes of books arrive today).
Prices (direct) are £9.95 for the book, plus P&P of:
£1.60 for the UK
£3.00 for Europe
£4.50 Rest of World
Paypal details will be on the webpage (http://www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm) by tomorrow.
Just received one from Chris via direct sales - First impressions wow :thumbsup:
I get impression you like it. Amazon and Waterstones have been sent copies and a shedload are going out as direct orders. I can only apologise for the delays, but hope it was worth the wait.
It was conceived in a curry-house in Salford and today we had another Salford curry-house conference...
Thanks
Chris
Quote from: Kelly Bushings on August 18, 2011, 02:46:13 PM
It was conceived in a curry-house in Salford and today we had another Salford curry-house conference...
Thanks
Chris
Is it still there ? :rolleyes:
The curry houses were both in Manchester - if Chris only knew how much that matters...
Luckily, the book is not still there, but ideas for the next ones were hatched.
Direct orders now available:
www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm
Quote from: harrier on August 19, 2011, 08:34:25 AM
Direct orders now available:
www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm
How does one secure an autographed copy, wink-wink?
I will buy my copy next week as that is when I get payed
Gondor
Quote from: Sentinel Chicken on August 19, 2011, 12:32:03 PM
Quote from: harrier on August 19, 2011, 08:34:25 AM
Direct orders now available:
www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm
How does one secure an autographed copy, wink-wink?
All direct orders from the Harrier.org.uk page will be signed by me!
Remember to use a felt-tip! Don't want any returns.
Chris
Quote from: harrier on August 19, 2011, 03:53:37 AM
The curry houses were both in Manchester - if Chris only knew how much that matters...
Luckily, the book is not still there, but ideas for the next ones were hatched.
So does that mean you both have ideas lined up for the next books in the series after Admirality AEW ? :thumbsup:
Harrier projects/SkyHook and SABA were discussed.
Quote from: harrier on August 21, 2011, 10:32:26 AM
Harrier projects/SkyHook and SABA were discussed.
I vote for something with skyhook.
Regards,
Greg
Just to let you know, all direct orders received as of noon today have been sent.
I have an idea for another ProjectTech volume, might discuss with Chris ;D Shame I missed out on the curry though.
Quote from: Overkiller on August 18, 2011, 10:53:35 PM
Quote from: Kelly Bushings on August 18, 2011, 02:46:13 PM
It was conceived in a curry-house in Salford and today we had another Salford curry-house conference...
Hmmmmm..... Curry! :wub:
I've got mine on pre-order from Amazon, I'm in no rush to get it.
:cheers:
Duncan
What, you can pre-order
curry from Amazon now? If you're in no rush to get it, won't it go cold? :blink:
Stay on topic lads this is about Mikes new book published by Chris !
Has anybody had their copy from Amazon yet BTW ?
not yet
Nor me.......
Amazon still seem silly slow. Still listed as not in stock although Chris sent theirs to them last week! :banghead:
I've been sending out books on a 24 hour turnaround via the direct sales at:
www.harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm
and you get it signed by me for free!
So if anyone wants to cancel their Amazon order and get it direct I can guarantee any orders submitted by Friday lunchtime will be sent out before the weekend, and should be with you (if in the UK) by Saturday.
Can't help with the curries though, but for those interested we got the last one at Zouk, just off Oxford Road in Manchester - better than any in Rusholme!
That's exactly what I did, and my copy arrived today. Very nice it is too! :thumbsup:
Quote from: harrier on August 24, 2011, 11:56:26 AM
So if anyone wants to cancel their Amazon order and get it direct I can guarantee any orders submitted by Friday lunchtime will be sent out before the weekend, and should be with you (if in the UK) by Saturday.
I'll take you up on that, thanks.
Thanks for the advice Michael, I jumped at the chance, so I look forward to having the book as a belated birthday treat.
Cheers
Kerrill
I sent out all orders received by Thursday lunchtime last night. Will send out orders received by 3pm today (UK time) before the long bank holiday weekend.
Got it! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Cor, that should keep me busy for a few hours. Just a quick look tells me you could spend your entire modelling life just making models of the P.1216!
I've just picked up my copy (had to trudge through the rain to my local W H Smith where it had been delivered).
Awesome. And far more information than I would have expected for a 48 page book.
You are to be congratulated.
:bow:
Ordered mine last night direct from the link posted by Harrier.
Gondor
YES!! My copy arrived this morning, Michael please accept my heartiest congratulations on this wonderful work.
So what's next for you and Blue Envoy?
I've read it right through by now (the things you get to do while waiting for paint and putty to dry....) and one thing amazes me.
We, the Great British Public, were told that the Government enforced and funded merger of BAC and HS into BAe would save the country money in the medium and long term (their usual excuse for anything that COSTS us money in the short term...) and yet in the book we read that two different divisions of BAe were developing competing aircraft to the same specification?? :o
What was all that about? The P.1216 looked by far the better thought out and developed proposal. Yet again we had an aircraft almost ready to be built and the interest evaporated away. :banghead:
My copy arrived today, only had a glance through it though it looks great
Gondor
Where can I get it in the State? US Amazon says OOP.
Direct, from http://harrier.org.uk/P1216.htm :)
Having now read the book twice a couple of things interested me.
About half the proposed P.1216 variants have their nosewheel on the centre-line, but the others have them offset to starboard a short distance. Was this because an ex-HS Trident designer was on the design team or was there a more technical reason? :lol:
The second interesting item was the proposed AEW variant with the longer straighter wings ;). Apart from the wings I can't see any differences to a 'standard' P.1216, so how and where was the radar to be fitted, and was there a second (or even third) crew member hidden away somewhere?
Quote from: PR19_Kit on September 01, 2011, 09:52:36 PM
Having now read the book twice a couple of things interested me.
About half the proposed P.1216 variants have their nosewheel on the centre-line, but the others have them offset to starboard a short distance. Was this because an ex-HS Trident designer was on the design team or was there a more technical reason? :lol:
The second interesting item was the proposed AEW variant with the longer straighter wings ;). Apart from the wings I can't see any differences to a 'standard' P.1216, so how and where was the radar to be fitted, and was there a second (or even third) crew member hidden away somewhere?
You may need the next book in the series by Chris Gibson called "Admirality AEW" but i think the general idea was using conventional carrier aircraft flying higher and using the better radar view data fed back to the ship for processing. So when do you start building it Kit ? :thumbsup:
Quote from: Thorvic on September 01, 2011, 10:13:57 PM
So when do you start building it Kit ? :thumbsup:
You read my mind. ;D
Isn't the only P.1216 kit out of production now though? I'd hate to try and scratchbuild it, but I bet Duncan could. :lol:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on September 02, 2011, 12:42:28 AM
Quote from: Thorvic on September 01, 2011, 10:13:57 PM
So when do you start building it Kit ? :thumbsup:
You read my mind. ;D
Isn't the only P.1216 kit out of production now though? I'd hate to try and scratchbuild it, but I bet Duncan could. :lol:
Except Duncan doesn't like the P1216 as much as other types, but Martin may still have some resin bits left such as booms. I will have another look at doing the P1216 again as the extra info from Mike should help fill some of the shape issues that were hard to decipher when i built them a good few years ago. Would like to get them done in 1/700 as would look good on an Invincible or a CVF :thumbsup:
Quote from: Thorvic on September 02, 2011, 05:18:44 AM
Except Duncan doesn't like the P1216 as much as other types, but Martin may still have some resin bits left such as booms. I will have another look at doing the P1216 again as the extra info from Mike should help fill some of the shape issues that were hard to decipher when i built them a good few years ago. Would like to get them done in 1/700 as would look good on an Invincible or a CVF :thumbsup:
Looks like I have a book to get, as I have one of Martin's kits and had wondered how the shape is under the wings. Martin did tell me it was a 'grey' area of the kit though.
QuoteAbout half the proposed P.1216 variants have their nosewheel on the centre-line, but the others have them offset to starboard a short distance. Was this because an ex-HS Trident designer was on the design team or was there a more technical reason?
The reason was to allow it to retract into the side of the intake when using a twin-wheel unit. This was in all the main versions (from -6 onwards). Some version like the -50 had a single nosewheel that could lie flat under the intake.
QuoteThe second interesting item was the proposed AEW variant with the longer straighter wings . Apart from the wings I can't see any differences to a 'standard' P.1216, so how and where was the radar to be fitted, and was there a second (or even third) crew member hidden away somewhere?
There are SLAR radar pods under the wings. The AEW book will cover it too, but it was just a quick study as those big wings and a narrow Invincible deck would not mix!
Just cancelled my long delayed Amazon order, and ordered direct from Mike.
Its not just P1216 Dunc :thumbsup:, there are some of the counter proposals from Warton that will appeal to you ..... :wacko:
G
Quote from: Overkiller on September 02, 2011, 11:14:46 AM
Quote from: Martin H on September 02, 2011, 09:28:57 AM
Just cancelled my long delayed Amazon order, and ordered direct from Mike.
Likewise.
And another, got hacked off with Amazon. :banghead:
Got mine direct from Mike yesterday, very quick service. Its purely for personal consumption you know.... ;)
Colin
Had a quick flick through when I was in the Ian Allan Bookshop in Brum on Monday. It does look very well done. Will pick one up next time I'm down there.
I got mine a couple of days, cheers Mike! :thumbsup: I've had an extended flick through with a read of a few random bits, looks like an in-depth coverage of the project, fantastic stuff.
Amazon still doesn't have them :banghead:
Quote from: Martin H on September 02, 2011, 09:28:57 AM
Just cancelled my long delayed Amazon order, and ordered direct from Mike.
My copy direct from Mike arrived on Tuesday :)
Quote from: Overkiller on September 02, 2011, 03:35:10 PM
Quote from: Freightdog862 on September 02, 2011, 03:30:59 PM
Got mine direct from Mike yesterday, very quick service. Its purely for personal consumption you know.... ;)
Colin
...if you say so... :wacko:
How very un subtle, but Colin kindly take the hint LOL
Quote from: Hobbes on September 08, 2011, 08:14:53 AM
Amazon still doesn't have them :banghead:
As Mike said more than a week ago now, they actually do have them, but for some obscure reason they're sitting on them. I gave that as the reason I cancelled my order, but naturally got no response.
One day 'Big Business' will realise it has to provide customer
service or else we'll all go elsewhere.....
During 1998-2000 my job was to supply publisher data for 5000 small publishers (plus Mills & Boon!) to Amazon.
They were slow then, and could never explain why. They seem to have got slower. T'internet revolution...!
Anyway, all direct orders have been sent out, and all signed too!
The steady orders became bit of a flood this week. Just to let anyone who placed a direct order with me by yesterday (17th) lunchtime (UK time) that they have been sent. I'll be doing another mail run on Monday.
Thanks for these, and nice to see re-orders too. I was told many P.1216s were spotted at Telford ;D
Yeap i had Martin bring my original one up for the Project Cancelled display and quite a few stopped by to ask about it and the book. Some envious looks when they noticed the third book in ther series being looked at behind the stand ;)
G
Quote from: Thorvic on November 18, 2011, 11:13:29 AM
Some envious looks when they noticed the third book in ther series being looked at behind the stand ;)
Third Book.... Tell me more.....
Gondor
Where is the green with envy emoticon?!!
Quote from: Overkiller on November 18, 2011, 11:58:32 AM
Quote from: sideshowbob9 on November 18, 2011, 11:34:27 AM
Where is the green with envy emoticon?!!
You'd be even greener with envy if you knew what's lined up for the fourth installment...
But I am simply not at liberty to reveal that.... :wacko:
:cheers:
Duncan
You dont need to tell him Duncan as I saw the book advertised on Amazon when I followed the link you gave me. Me like loads, both of the forthcoming books and I have the two previous books as well.
Gondor
I'll be doing a final P.1216 posting before Christmas on Monday next week, 19th. Note that this is a day ahead of the UK Christmas postal deadline.
Orders already received, and UK orders received by then, should get delivered for Christmas - the perfect gift (I know some women enjoy reading about planes, but I assume the recent switch to 50/50 male/female customers is due mainly to gifts for 'blokes'!)
All orders received before Christmas got sent - I think all UK ones should have arrived before the big day. I hope they were enjoyed - I have started writing the next one during the Christmas lull - 'Harrier Projects'!
Happy New Year to all!
Interesting!
Quote from: harrier on December 30, 2011, 10:05:48 AM
I have started writing the next one during the Christmas lull - 'Harrier Projects'!
How soon befor we can pre order?
Gondor
Excellent news Mike glad you settled on your next subject and look forward to getting it when its published. :thumbsup:
Mmmmm, Harrier projects! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: