Searching for “The Pennsylvania A3 Switcher” by Kozo Hiraoka

[timdotdParticipant @timdotd]

I’m looking for a copy of Kozo Hiraoka’s “Pennsylvania A3 Switcher” book, and they seem to be rarer than hen’s teeth.

If anyone has a copy that they would consider parting with, or pointers to where they might lurk, I’d be very grateful!

[Jonathan RichardsParticipant @jonathanrichards78237]

Camden Miniature Steam Services’ website suggests that they still have some copies. Camden are apparently, and very sadly, ceasing trading soon. In my view the book is well worth the fairly high asking price but you probably already know that!

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Can’t help with sourcing the book, but you may or may not be aware that YouTuber “Blondihacks” is building a Pennsylvania A3 Switcher locomotive and is posting a series of videos of her progress.  They may be of interest and you might get some help if needed by contacting her through YouTube.

John

 

[GordonHParticipant @gordonh]

Kozo’s “A3 Switcher” book went out of print quite some time ago. The Camdem Miniatures website page suggesting some stock does have a slightly fain’t notice stating that it is sold out.

Camden Miniatures have been unable to get any confirmation from the publisher as to whether they will reprint the “A3 Switcher”.  However, they have reprinted Kozo’s “Building the New Shay”, so there may be hope for an “A3 Switcher”; reprint.

GordonH

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Hello timdotd,

As suggested, the Blondihacks YouTube series is definitely worth a look if you get the book and opportunity to build the Switcher.  Some interesting build techniques that will help you along the way.

[timdotdParticipant @timdotd]

Blondihacks was the inspiration behind the idea 🙂 No joy with Camden Miniatures, unfortunately, so it looks like I’ll need to continue searching through the second-hand market…

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Village Press, who publish the book, are also the publishers of the US magazines. They have a forum here:

https://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/

An enquiry there might produce results.

A wanted advert in one of their magazines or in a UK magazine may assist.

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