![]() STEWART BLENCOWE BOOKS |
STEWART BLENCOWE BOOKSAll eras covered, steam and diesel, rolling stock, infrastructure, signal boxes, stations, industrial - in fact anything about railways and trains, British or Overseas. SAD NEWS INDEED Many of you will be fully aware of the direction of the railway hobby and the supporting dealer network. Since the end of the Covid pandemic the situation has sadly become worse. The black and white photograph market has diminished considerably along with the second-hand book market where there is very little interest in anything published more than twenty years ago. Therefore I have made the decision to retire by the end of this year. Its fifty years since I began selling railwayana and books in aid of saving Erlestoke Manor from the cutters torch at Barry and what a great life its turned out to be. Although in those pre-internet days, almost long forgotten, it was hard work and many miles were travelled, Ive had the pleasure of meeting many super people along the way. While sales in the Antique Centre in Gloucester continue to be buoyant, far fewer collections are being offered to dealers. For some strange reason sellers prefer to suffer the rip-off commissions of the auction companies rather than talk to their local dealer. It would be good if someone wanted to carry on the facility in Gloucester – its a great business opportunity. A loyal customer base has been built up for over ten years by providing items across the railway hobby at fair prices and this has been reflected by consistently high sales. It would be ideal for someone else to carry on the railway theme at these premises with their own stock and ideas. Any prospective retailer can deal direct with the antique centre, who are keen to have this subject area covered in the future and can offer very reasonable business terms. In the meantime the unit in the Antique Centre remains open and theres lots a great bargains on offer – as many of you will have taken advantage of already. It is probable that I will continue to sell high-end and rare railway books via ABE and for this reason I am happy to consider purchasing American and European books. In the meantime there is a large quantity of photographs, book and models to dispose off. Some items will continue to be advertised via this site in the meantime. Thanks to all my past customers, many of whom have become friends, and happy hunting in the future. LISTED ON THIS SITE HOWEVER IS A LARGE SELECTION OF RAILWAYANA. MUCH OF THIS IS ON SALE IN THE GLOUCESTER ANTIQUE CENTRE WHICH GETS PRIORITY. THEREFORE EMAIL FIRST FOR AVAILABILITY AND FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR CLOSE UP IMAGES. IF NOT SOLD THROUGH THE ANTIQUE CENTRE ITEMS MUST BE COLLECTED AND PAYMENT IS BY CASH ONLY. TEL: 01452 412724 INTERNATIONAL TEL: 0044 1452 412724 MOBILE: 07756 219511 EMAIL: stewart.blencowe@btopenworld.com Site last updated 03 Dec 2023 |