Athol Hedges to Austral-Denning:The Book.Are you Interested?

[Denv12]

I started a post on Athol Hedges to Austral Denning.Its very positive.There are many replies,photos,etc.
I think the potential for a book dedicated to the topic should be considered.If there is an author out there looking for a book topic to publish it seems this topic is something worth considering.I would personally like to buy such a book of the history of these companies in 1 book.Its a big story that needs to be/deserves to be told.I think if we all contribute to various information,photos,Truck & Bus adverts,documents,etc we could provide the ideal resources if someone wanted to write the book.

So,would you like to buy the book if it was published?

Here's the link to the Denning-McKinnon "Dennmack" post.
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewt ... =2&t=76588

If there's enough interest then it might get published.Your positive feedback here would be greatly appreciated.And,what could you contribute to such a book?

The history, should it include the following?:
A.B.Denning
Denning McKinnon "Dennmack",
Athol Hedges
Domino-Denning
Domino Industries including the link with Neoplan.(I think they were at one time the Australian agents,around early 1980s.Then Charioteer took over.)
Austral Transport( including the arrangement between Kassbohrer and Austral for the license to build the double deck.)
Austral-Denning
It should include all buses,coaches,etc made by those respective companies.

Here's my post on the Athol Hedges to Austral Denning:
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewt ... 44&t=76508

[Centralian]

I would probably buy such a book, but I just wonder if it would be a seller. I would suggest a more general book on bus body builders of Australia - or you could do a series by State eg. Queensland (the ones you mention, plus GBW, Northcoast, Watts, Coach Design, Coach Concepts, the operator bodies, MBS, Superior, Rogers etc); NSW (Syd Wood, Properts, Comeng, gets messy with PMC and it's interstate operations, Nambucca, Grice, P&D, CCMC, Smithfield, etc, etc), Victoria, probably combine SA and WA. All depends on what information is available to the author. Even just a photographic study of the evolution of the bus and coach designs in Australia. I have a lovely photo in my collection of an old derelict Cobb & Co coach (the original 1800's company) lying rotting away in a paddock, just like the more recent old buses we still find. You could go way back - Cobb & Co built their own coaches. I would be very interested in just the history of the body builders and how they evolved, merged etc. Bits and pieces have been written over the years in the various Society publications, or discussed on here - would be good to bring all that information together into one reference source.

[Denv12]

I would probably buy such a book, but I just wonder if it would be a seller. I would suggest a more general book on bus body builders of Australia - or you could do a series by State eg. Queensland (the ones you mention, plus GBW, Northcoast, Watts, Coach Design, Coach Concepts, the operator bodies, MBS, Superior, Rogers etc); NSW (Syd Wood, Properts, Comeng, gets messy with PMC and it's interstate operations, Nambucca, Grice, P&D, CCMC, Smithfield, etc, etc), Victoria, probably combine SA and WA. All depends on what information is available to the author. Even just a photographic study of the evolution of the bus and coach designs in Australia. I have a lovely photo in my collection of an old derelict Cobb & Co coach (the original 1800's company) lying rotting away in a paddock, just like the more recent old buses we still find. You could go way back - Cobb & Co built their own coaches. I would be very interested in just the history of the body builders and how they evolved, merged etc. Bits and pieces have been written over the years in the various Society publications, or discussed on here - would be good to bring all that information together into one reference source.

I would gladly by a book even if it covered every bus and coach builder in Australia.A chapter covering each state and a respective section for each state's builders.Thats one suggestion.

[Looselion]

I agree with Centralian's suggestion, although the research towards such a comprehensive history would be a mind-boggler.....
I'd certainly buy such a book.
Many thanks to Denv12 for raising the concept.

[Maladjusted]

I also would love to read a compilation of all these innovative people and what motivated them to start and run a business supplying vehicles.

From what i see everyone wants to read one, however not many people are likely to take on the task of putting it all together, as it takes a lot to put pen to paper or fingers to computer.

There have been many individual narratives done over the years and perhaps it could become a collaborative effort, much like this discussion board.

Would it be better to have a printed book or an EBook?

[Denv12]

I also would love to read a compilation of all these innovative people and what motivated them to start and run a business supplying vehicles.

From what i see everyone wants to read one, however not many people are likely to take on the task of putting it all together, as it takes a lot to put pen to paper or fingers to computer.

There have been many individual narratives done over the years and perhaps it could become a collaborative effort, much like this discussion board.

Would it be better to have a printed book or an EBook?

I think the printed book for the sake of keeping it as a collectible.I think a collaborative effort might be the go.I just hope there's enough interest that starts here and once the rest of the enthusiasts and bus industry hear about it then the demand will be obvious.The main thing is,it starts here as an idea and then everyone can spread the word.

[pauwri]

I have Athol Hedges First rear engined coach sitting in my shed. She was in a truck and bus feature artical in 1962.

[Denv12]

I have Athol Hedges First rear engined coach sitting in my shed. She was in a truck and bus feature artical in 1962.

Love the photo.Can you post a new specific topic on this coach? I'd love to see the response.It would generate some interest.

[bjg154]

Hi Paul

Great photo - is it ex Kirklands (25)?

Fantastic to learn it is being preserved - that makes seven from the fleet in preservation to my knowledge.

[pauwri]

Yes it was exKirklands 25 the second pusher they had built. No 24 had a CCMC body.
It is 100% complete, I even have the original coach seats. Not in good condition but I have them.
I have had her for over 25 years , 20 of those parked in the shed.

[boronia]

Hi Denv12

I am doing some research into the involvement of Hedges and Domino in fire engine production. esp the units they produced on Ford R192 chassis with bus cabs.

Would you be able to contact me off line, you don't seem to have PM activated.

Thanks

[CCCC]

I have Athol Hedges First rear engined coach sitting in my shed. She was in a truck and bus feature artical in 1962.

Any update on this , still have it , any further with restoration/preservation , any more pic's

[lunchbox]

I agree it's a great pic - lots of Flxible Clipper features evident....

[stuartdbell]

I'd buy a copy if it was well illustrated. Generally very little known about Dennings in the UK and apart from Facebook contacts, no way of discovering more. I started writing an article about Denning after my visits to Oz started in 2004 but I couldn't find enough detailed information so the project was shelved. I still seek out Dennings on every trip.