Tales of Triumph Motorcycles & the Meriden factory (Book)

[Mad On Triumphs]

I thought that I'd say a few words about this book by Hughie Hancock. This is a fascinating insight into one man's time at the Triumph Meriden Factory and all the different departments that he worked in from the 1954 until the eventual collapse in 1974, it's a really good read, filled with lots of information about the things that went on in the factory, and the family atmosphere that was present in the early days.
The book has humour, and nostalgia in abundance, and even tragedy. The book also has many photo's that many of you may never have seen before. I found this book easy to read, in comparison to "Save the Triumph Bonneville", by John Rosamond which I found a bit hard going.( Well to be totally honest I gave up).
At $19.95 US, £12.99, it's not a lot of money for a good read, and as ever with these types of book, you can read them again in a few years time, or just look at the pictures.
Tales Of Triumph Motorcycles & The Meriden Factory, Hughie Hancox
ISBN 1-901295-67-2

 

[DaveM]

COOL thanks for the review

 

[CarlS]

Thanks for the review. I decided to buy one until -



I don't have a Kindle.

 

[Rocky]

I've had this book in my library for some time and really enjoyed the read.
Too bad that Hughie is no longer with us.

 

[keystiger]

I will certainly have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the review.

 

[harper6t]

I have the book in my library, I agree it is an excellent read.
I can't believe the prices quoted in the post by CarlS - I'll have to look after my copy.

 

[otherwise]

Thanks for the review. I decided to buy one until -

I don't have a huge library but some that are out of print.
A mate spotted my copy of ISBN 0 900404 00 0 and wanted to buy it at whatever I wanted for it. I just didn't want to sell, it looks like they have found a few of late, I just found 5 used starting from 50 pounds (don't know how to find the pound symbol).
Looks like the art of reading is still alive.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vintage-Years-Brooklands-Joseph-Bayley/dp/0900404000

 

[DaveM]

Thanks for the review. I decided to buy one until -

View attachment 9277

I don't have a Kindle.

Well at this price it would pay me to purchase a Kindle rather than the book

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[Mad On Triumphs]

I've had this book in my library for some time and really enjoyed the read.
Too bad that Hughie is no longer with us.

I didn't even know Hughie had passed away. Cancer again, my friend in Norway has just passed from the same thing

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Thanks for the review. I decided to buy one until -

View attachment 9277

I don't have a Kindle.

As Batman would say, "Holy Cow". You might be able to get one an auto jumble one day

 

[CarlS]

Yes, a little pricey for me.

 

[Village Idiot]

I read the book many years back and enjoyed it immensely. Still love the story of the over-ripe tomatoes and the painted goggles...............today it would probably have ended up in a court case, but, as they say: "That was then, and this is now". Another great read is Robert Edison Fulton's "One Man Caravan", which is about his 'round the world trip on a Douglas motorcycle back in the early '30's, if I remember correctly. Quite an insight into a world that's been lost forever.

From your faithful "village idiot", whose looking at a blizzard outside his windows: Jim

 

[Kawartha]

I downloaded this book a few weeks back onto my Kobo. It was in fact a great read and you have inspired me to read it again!

 

[Bonnie79D]

There are some cheaper

 

[Bonnie79D]

I downloaded it yesterday and could not put it down. Yes the tomatoes and goggles were great. The things you could get away with back then. BSA surley screwed Triumph didn't they.

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Village Idiot]

I still wonder why Hughie waited to pull down his goggles until he was riding along. It seems like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

I downloaded it yesterday and could not put it down. Yes the tomatoes and goggles were great. The things you could get away with back then. BSA surley screwed Triumph didn't they.

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

I've read this twice and like you loved it, I'm on his latest and sadly his last book, "Triumph production testers tales- from the factory", but I don't think it's as good as the one your on now. When I eventually get reunited with my book ( Its in storage with all my other gear ) I'll let you know. There is however a wealth of information about all the Triumph range from that era that I know others on this forum will really appreciate.
Happy reading

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Just to give you an update about this book, "Triumph production testers tales- from the factory".
As I suspected it wasn't as good as the first book, "Tales Of Triumph Motorcycles & The Meriden Factory".
It has loads of info about Triumph bikes but sadly not as many stories about the goings on at the factory as his first book did.

 

[CarlS]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Village Idiot]

I'm thinking that I'll read it again. It was one great book!!