I have a friend that's a dealer of MS books. He just got a letter from them saying that they are going to stop publishing hardcover books as of November, 2025, one year from now. I guess sales have been slowing. That'll be sad because they are probably the premier publisher now.
That's not too surprising. Considering how hard it is to find a bookstore (or hobby shop) these days, it is probably just a matter of time until the smaller publishers close up shop.
No more hardcover -- but still softcover? Or none at all?
Now that's sad to hear. I'd guess they'll continue with digital books (if that's the right term) and maybe softcovers. Times change, and honestly not always for the better.
I've always considered Morning Sun a class act. I've got two dozen of their books and while like everything else some were better than others I've NEVER been disappointed with any of them.
So, grab 'em while you can.
You can self-publish now very easily. In fact, it's almost print-on-demand. If you want to order a copy of a book, you do. They print it and ship it to you.
I have a friend who has self-published a couple of books on fire apparatus, and another has had a book printed that is no longer provided in hard copy by the government - some people like to have the hard copy available.
If you've done a decent job of assembling your tome, including pictures, the product is very nice. I don't know if hard cover is available via that route, though.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
On another forum, many were critical of Morning Sun. They said the quality of the books, both the books themselves and errors of content within, has dropped the last 5 or 10 years. It's been a while since I've purchased one of their books. I have some older ones and have no complaints.
Jeff
timz No more hardcover -- but still softcover? Or none at all?
jeffhergert On another forum, many were critical of Morning Sun. They said the quality of the books, both the books themselves and errors of content within, has dropped the last 5 or 10 years. It's been a while since I've purchased one of their books. I have some older ones and have no complaints. Jeff
I just got an email from them. No softcovers, either. Just eBooks as of 11/24.
BackshopI just got an email from them. No softcovers, either. Just eBooks as of 11/24.
F e-books
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACD Backshop I just got an email from them. No softcovers, either. Just eBooks as of 11/24. F e-books
Backshop I just got an email from them. No softcovers, either. Just eBooks as of 11/24.
If there were E-books, then there'd be options for print-on-demand services.
From the email that was posted elsewhere from Morning Sun, sounds like they *may* do E books, but materials were being returned to submitters. I have a feeling they may be done.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
zugmann If there were E-books, then there'd be options for print-on-demand services. From the email that was posted elsewhere from Morning Sun, sounds like they *may* do E books, but materials were being returned to submitters. I have a feeling they may be done.
BackshopI just googled and Yanosey is 77 years old. Maybe he just wants to retire?
A very real possibility. If he wants to retire and no-one is interested in taking over the business? Well then.
He wouldn't be the first and certainly won't be the last.
I have been buying my Morning Sun books from Arizona Hobbies. They sent me an e-mail detailing other changes at Morning Sun books. First Mr. Yanosey's sons have taken over the business. Second is that they are using a new distributor based in Chicago rather than nearer them in New Jersey. There were some hiccups during the change, like books damaged in shipment. That seems to be solved more recently. The owner of AH opined that the sons didn't seem like they were really interested in the business, but rather just getting money out of the business. The happenings reported in this thread seem to support that theory.
A sad end to a fine era. I remember when Morning Sun came on the scene and reviewers were ecstatic about it. The books were best described as a hard-cover railfan "slide show" that would be darn near permanent. Unlike slides the ink-based pictures in the books would never fade and considering the top-quality of the materials used the books had every possibility of lasting for centuries.
I've got some on the shelf over the 30 year mark and they're just as good as the day they were made.
What a shame. But what are you gonna do?
Maybe Garbley publishing will take some of the slack?
I'm part way through his D&H book (I really need to get back to it), and it's pretty good. A lot more in depth than just a slide show.
zugmannI'm part way through the D&H book (I really need to get back to it), and it's pretty good.
Which D&H book are you reading?
This one.
https://www.lulu.com/shop/rudy-garbely/delaware-hudson-the-final-years-1968-to-1991/hardcover/product-r5mwpg.html?page=1&pageSize=4
I just got back from a show in Columbus where I checked out some of the new Morning Sun books. The photos have definitely changed for the worse. It's like they were for a short time about ten years ago or what you would see from Four Ways West. Not very natural looking.
The replacement for books will be holography. Why look at a picture when you can step into it and be there? AI is going to be a part of this generating 3D from photos at some point. :)
https://youtu.be/YEx7h0NKnXE
Third rails, cameras, hard cover books, etc.......geez you guys need to keep up.....ha-ha.
CMStPnPThe replacement for books will be holography. Why look at a picture when you can step into it and be there? AI is going to be a part of this generating 3D from photos at some point. :)
But can I take it in the bathroom with me?
tree68 CMStPnP The replacement for books will be holography. Why look at a picture when you can step into it and be there? AI is going to be a part of this generating 3D from photos at some point. :) But can I take it in the bathroom with me?
CMStPnP The replacement for books will be holography. Why look at a picture when you can step into it and be there? AI is going to be a part of this generating 3D from photos at some point. :)
Just strap on some Depends and use the virtual "facilities". Feel the thrill of taking a dump on the Panama Limited as it roars down the IC mainline at 100 mph!
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.