Hi Dino, Operating AM is certainly half the fun but just using the classic tube radio is easily the other half of the fun. For someone starting out, there are alot of good AM transmitters. Don't go qrp, you need a bit of power for AM on 75. 10 meters is another matter.
Boy, if I were starting out again, I'd recommend to myself to go for a Johnson Valiant or Johnson Viking II right out of the shoot. They're both great rigs for a beginner, pretty straightforward to work on if needed, very reliable, reasonably priced, and has some decent power for AM and cw. Get one thats working and in decent shape for your first radio. Don't buy a junker or wreck to save $$ unless you are experienced in repair of tube radios and willing to wait out the restoration. Once you have a nice transmitter on the air then consider branching out and doing restorations. Other excellant transmitters include the Collins 32V series, Johnson Viking II with 122 vfo, Heathkit DX-100. There are an awful lot of good transmitters out there. I'd start out simple with a good solid rig, and then you can go radio nuts like the rest of us and acquire all sorts of transmitters :^) You mention the Globe King series. The Globe King is a great transmitter and many people are incredibly happy to own one. It commands a premium price for one in good shape and functional. If you happen across one in decent shape that works, go for it if you have the money. Its a classic. There are other monster transmitters out there that we love including the BC610, Collins KW-1, Johnson Viking Desk Kilowatt, and a bunch of others. Good luck. 73, Scott WA9WFA
