For what it is worth and nothing personal intended:
Don't ever begrudge or be envious of those who will spend whatever for a
nice piece of Collins. Many elderly or seniors have the purchasing power
now that they are retired to buy whatever they wish. I wish them well in
their purchases remember, it is their money and not yours. Let them enjoy
the hobby anyway they wish.
Did you know that more grandparents buy childrens' clothing than do parents.
Dave, W3ST
Publisher of the Collins Journal
Secretary to the Collins Radio Association
www.collinsra.com - the CRA Website
Now with PayPal
CRA Nets: 3805 Khz every Monday at 8 PM EST
and 14255 every Saturday at 12 Noon EST
----- Original Message -----
From: "Todd, KA1KAQ" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Discussion of AM Radio" <amradio@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 9:45 AM
Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Re: Value of Homebrew Rigs,WAS: Stuff for
sale...update.
On 7/11/06, Donald Chester <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I recall in the 1980's, before they started to bring in such big bux,
there
must have been over a dozen KW-1's on the air regularly. There were
several
lists of all the known serial #'s. IIRC, more than half the ones ever
made
were still in existence and accounted for.
According to Bob's current list, all but about 33 of the original 152
are accounted for. I say 'about' because his list shows two #34s,
which doesn't seem likely. I figure the other #34 owner actually has
#39 (unaccounted for) and just has bad eyesight like me.
A far higher percent accounted for than the almighty SX-88, which was
made in much higher numbers (500+?). Certainly speaks well for gear
actually being used, quality/cost considered.
Then the owners began to see offers they couldn't refuse, and since then,
most have disappeared off the air and into trophy rooms. Quite a few
have
gone to collectors in Europe and Asia.
I know of the one in Belgium, one in Germany, and one that supposedly
went to Japan back in the late 80s/early 90s according to the
then-recently retired Collins worker I spoke with. He knew the seller,
said the rig was completely restored to the last screw, and some
collector in Japan paid over $40K for it, then had it airfreighted
over. The figure he gave me was $46K, can't remember if it included
the shipping.
The perceived value may have something to do with the survival rate,
although they weren't "collectible" back then. More of a substantial
investment in high quality gear for actual use. The true value in my
view is the enjoyment that comes from using this old stuff as
originally intended. To look at an old rig and know that it was once
someone's shiney new pride and joy, and that I have an opportunity to
enjoy it as they once did is great.
Come to think of it, I do need to get my house painted..... (o:
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