SLAG is now available! I want to thank everyone that helped make this book possible, from its inception through the research and writing, to the proofing. Many people aided me along the way. While I always hoped I could create something like this, I was unsure it would ever happen.

This final version differs from the version I published in limited form two months ago. The title has been altered slightly to (hopefully) position it more accurately. And, I have divided the book into two parts, to better reflect the shift from Anton Eilers and the competitive environment of mining and smelting to Karl Eilers, his years with the smelting trust and his eventual showdown with the Guggenheims.

One reader of the book pointed out that it was a complex read, but then noted that if a person wants to understand some of the real history behind America’s Industrial Revolution, this is a must read. I hope many others feel that way as well.

These rims are on Ted Jordan’s Bantam Trailer.

He writes, “I have a couple of Wheels on a Bantam T3-C Trailer that I was hoping some of the military guys might recognize and help me identify. The Wheels are def military (I think) as the original coat of paint is olive drab. They are a solid disc looking type wheel, but unlike the civilian type we’re used to seeing on the 45 and early 46 CJ2As. The tires are also a mystery and was told by a military collector he believes they weren’t made in this country . They are 6.00-16s and are marked MALOYA  Switzerland Type M. Another friend says he thinks he may have seen this type rim on a Military Searchlight Trailer but wasnt sure.

Continue reading →

Clean after two loads to the dump.

1. I spent the past week cleaning up my parents’ garage, opening up the ceiling, removing cobwebs, fixing insulation, and hanging seven new light fixtures (found 4 foot 3-light florescent light fixtures for only $10 a piece with working lights!). With the book done and the garage cleaned, I can get to the business of completing Biscuit.
2. One thing I still need for Biscuit is a Buick (or GM/GOP) scattershield. Anyone know of one for sale? eBay and Craigslist has been a bust.
3. That DJ-3A in Montana popped up on Craigslist again. If the floors are solid, Ann and I have decided to get it. Our goal is to get it running and worry about everything else later. If everything goes as planned, we’ll take our jeep to Montana next week, rent a trailer, and bring the jeep back.
4. This weekend Rob Stafford invited me to Overbored’s PNW4WDA jeep race in Ethel, Washington. So, I’ll be staying in the camper there for a couple days (Ann will be in Spokane, so it’s just me). There will be racing Saturday and Sunday. If you ever wondered about jeep racing, come by and say hello (I believe visitors can get in for $10 or so).

Steve discovered these 11″ canvas bags from Harbor Freight were an inexpensive solution for storing his tools under his DJ-3A spare tire. The first photo shows the bags. The second photo shows them under the tire.