What the hell are EMER’s ? (by Peter Laidler)

[Badger]

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Peter Laidler, a new article has been added to the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here).

What the hell are EMER’s ? (by Peter Laidler) (click here)

Article Extract .....

A good question in relation to Small Arms that was asked on one of the forums recently. I expect that it’s been asked by hundreds of others too. Well, if you’ve ever heard of ‘the Bible’ then EMER’s are to the REME what the Bible is to the rest of the world. And I can tell you this, that in the REME, especially as a young Armourer, Gun Fitter, Vehicle Mechanic or Instrument Technician apprentice at Carlisle, EMER’s were even MORE important than the Bible. In short, EMER is ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING REGULATIONS. If you’re Australian and reading this, we called them EMEI’s. The I indicating INSTRUCTIONS... article continues in link shown above .....

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Peter has added a personal request in regards to this article.

Note: If you have any questions or don’t understand something or my instructions are ambiguous then please ask on the forum and NOT by PM (Private Message). That way everyone will get the benefit of the question and answer.

Regards,
Doug

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Bindi2]

Gee he has not got any prettier.Hi Peter scotch on me. By the way more books start talking to that recorder not the lovely girl behind that door.

[David TS]

Thanks, that is interesting. Coincidentally I have just ordered a reprint of the EMERS for an L1A1 SLR, are reprint EMERS available for the No 4 rifle?

[tbonesmith]

reprint EMERS available for the No 4 rifle?

Second that. Additionally, if anyone has a copy, ideally for all marks of .303, I'd like a copy. If you could get a mass of photocopies made I'd be happy to pay, or if you send me the original, I'll make a copy myself and return the original. And obviously pay the postage both ways. I'm not after a document for collection purposes, but rather so that I can do a better job rebuilding these rifles for use.

[Peter Laidler]

Mmmmmmmmmmm It's a double edged sword. I always remember a bit of advice that after publishing and ring-binding the little telescope book. The first thing the buyer will do is to photo copy it and sell a few copies to his mates. Yes, it DOES happen - I've seen it with my book, with my own eyes. So why would anyone spend time and money printing these books when he KNOWS that they'll appear reprinted downloaded or just copied.

Some want the expensive originals, some want a cheaply priced good repro for their library some just want a free download or copy

I've said my piece. Maybe others could come in to agree or disagree. As a matter of interest, I have an interest in this because my son (then aged 16) was caught downloading music from the web and ignored the publishers call for £400 compensation. It didn't go away and a summons ensued. I had to pay £500.

[Brian Dick]

I'm afraid I have to agree. The phrase "double edged sword" certainly rings true. I have a ton of money invested in excellent quality reprints and sales are far and few between because only a few serious collectors want them anymore. The rest are all looking for internet downloads and I have to wonder just how many of my reprints have wound up downloaded for all to have for free. It's caused me to make a business decision that I just simply won't do anymore and when my supply is exhausted, that will be the end of it. I DO understand that everyone wants everything they can get for for free and I'm not knocking that way of thinking. That's just a natural human condition I guess. It's just business in a **** poor economy so I hope no one takes offense. Brian

[Jc5]

I understand your concerns. No one wants to invest in reprinting if you will lose money on it.

But is what is the answer for Lee Enfield fans who would like to read EMERS for the SMLE or No.4 rifles? Is some one going to offer a reprint for sale?

The cost of producing a reprint (time spent scanning --once-- then ink and paper for the laser printer, plus a few dollars per copy for spiral binding). I would think that you could charge enough to cover those costs, plus a small profit. I also imagine that enough copies would sell to decent forum members here to make it worthwhile before the inevitable unscrupulous person makes his own scans or copies and sends them out to pirate-land.

[Peter Laidler]

What bought it home to me jc5 was someone phoned me up to ask about a telescope and when I said go to page XYZ, he asked me to wait a few seconds as he was flicking through a few sheets he'd copied from his friends book........... Another was someones L42 complete to the CES, but inside was a self copied L42 user handbook when perfect copies are available.......... I don't have copies for sale so have no vested interest - except that, as I said earlier, I got stung when my son was caught downloading music and swopping it with his friends at school. I look on things slightly differently now. But, 'Same meat, different gravy' as they say in England

Any other views out there................ Or are we going off the subject

[Brian Dick]

jc5, Even if I had access to originals to copy, the minimum that would have to be printed is 50 and I just don't see the market for it anymore for the reasons stated above. Printing less makes for a more expensive book and on and on. Profit is minimal anyhow and the effort is large. It took me a long time just to find a "Ma and Pa" printer in Augusta, Georgia who actually take pride in the job they do and the copies are as good or even better than originals. So good in fact that even the MoD bought copies of the Sterling SMG User Handbooks years ago for their own use! I look at thousands of dollars worth of very reasonably priced books in my store room bins now that aren't selling and my answer remains the same. Brian

[Peter Laidler]

I remember those imported L2A3 Sterling user handbooks Brian. Used by some of our overseas trainers to re-train (?) a foreign Army. They're probably still in use in Africa as we speak