Printed Rulebook Pledges

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Hello folks,

For some time we have wanted to print pocket-size, hardbound cloth covered rulebooks in order to add a touch of class and pride to our operation.

We have gotten what we feel is a good quote from a local publisher.  Including the set-up fee it is $25 per book.  Future reprints will not require the same level of set up, reducing unit cost to under $12 each (barring inflation increases). 

This first print run would be 100 books for a total of about $2500.  We hope this book print lasts 5-10 years, but that depends on how many General Order updates we have to carry to keep the books up to date. 

The Board is willing to fund this however is unable to make this happen right now.  We wonder if individual museum members might be willing to pledge the cost of their book at $25 each.  If enough members pledge, the Board may be able to fund the difference and get these books printed sooner.  We had hoped for them in time for the April rules class- but we may miss that.

A photo of our inspiration is attached below.

Any members choosing to pledge, please vote "I will pledge" above.  You can vote multiple times in case you want to offer more donation than one book (though everyone gets just one book).  Or you can choose another option.

Thank you!
Jason

[Bill Reidy]

If you had "Moose and Squirrel!" as a vote option, I might have voted for that instead.  But since you don't, please keep my pledge vote.  Thanks, Jason.

[Bill Baskerville]

I would gladly buy two if allowed so one could go on my display shelf.

[Mike Fox]

I would gladly pay you tomorrow for a rule book today   

[Philip Marshall]

Are these available to members who aren't currently involved in train operations but just want a nice hardbound rulebook?

[Carl G. Soderstrom]

Will there be a larger first printing if you get enough pledges?

Will there be any for the Gift Shop?

By the way Happy New Year -- of the Dragon

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Hmm, good questions have been raised which we (at least I) did not foresee and the board did not discuss.  As originally envisioned these were going to be a special “graduation gift” for newly minted brakemen, however that has shifted some now that we’re looking to raise money for printing. Let me ask the board back-channel on this.

I can say that we are striving and struggling to pay for the minimum print run right now- so printing more than the minimum run seems out of the question.

Thanks
Jason

[Brian Whitney]

My experience as a printer all my life is that if you order 200 for the first printing it would likely be less than ordering a reprint. 
Something to look in to.

[Stephen Lennox]

I understand the gifting of the Rules Book to new brakemen but my thought is, many of us brakeman have been waiting a long time for this book. I don't believe the $25 for the book is to much to ask for.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

I would put up $50 for two rule books, not necessarily for me but to help a younger person or someone who can't afford the fee.

[Graham Buxton]

Set the price higher, with a discount offered to Operating Crew Members.   Its a common practice in the specialty book publishing industry to offer "pre-publication" copies at discount to gauge interest and also generate some cash flow prior to having to pay the print bill.

One pricing scheme could be $40 to "anyone" (make it available in our bookstore), a $32 Pre-Publication price (with up-front payment), and $20 to Operating Crew Members. 

 And yes, increase the print run -- the more copies sold, the lower the unit cost (should work that way, at least).

[Bill Baskerville]

I would put up $50 for two rule books, not necessarily for me but to help a younger person or someone who can't afford the fee.

  I'll join Start's plan and pledge for 4 books, two for me, two for future brakemen.

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Hi folks,

The board has expressed their sentiment that these hard bound rulebooks be reserved for individuals who have been certified as brakeman on the present day WW&F.  These are meant as a source of pride in accomplishment and commitment to a safe operation.  They will be numbered and formally issued, however upon being superseded in the future instead of being recalled they will be marked “void” and left with the original receiver.

I hope those of you not on crew understand the importance of reserving these special books for those who have achieved “rank” within our program.  Please let this serve as incentive to join our crew and earn a hard bound rulebook!   Really- all are welcome to join our operating program, and we can offer different levels of engagement for those who can’t make it as frequently as others.

The information found within the rulebook is freely available and not meant to be reserved in any way.  If anyone wishes to have a (freshly printed, not yet ratty tatty) copy of the current rulebook, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Preferably this is a paper copy when you’re present.

Finally on the matter of pledges- if you pledged in hopes that these would be available outside of the crew and are disappointed by this update, it is perfectly ok to remove your pledge.  Better yet- join our crew!

If you wish to pledge more than one copy, please vote the appropriate number of times for the first line of the poll.  The poll options are sent to 100 votes per person for this reason (and in case you also wish to express your preference for locomotive type, color or small mammals).  We are using the total number of votes on that first line item to track how much money this initiative has raised.

Thank you all,
Jason

[Benjamin Richards]

Possible question for admin/moderator: How do we go about removing a pledge (if that is desired)? I can't see a way to change the way I've already voted.

[Ed Lecuyer]

How do we go about removing a pledge (if that is desired)? I can't see a way to change the way I've already voted.

Click the (just added) "Remove Vote" button.