[Boatanchors] Fw: Richmond VA hamfest report

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 9:35 AM, David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David Knepper" <collinsradio at comcast.net>
>
>>I am forming the opinion that hamfests are mobile classic radio
>>roadshows
>> meant to give the old-timers a walk down memory lane....
>
> Must be... they sure ain't much good for selling stuff (heh heh!).

You guys must go to the wrong hamfests. (o: I actually did quite well
as did many others. The place was packed. Sold a nice Harvey Wells
TBS-50D Bandmaster w/matching supply and original manual, SP-600, CE
20A w/original manual, Millen exciter, another Hammarlund receiver,
wooden Hallicrafters tube clock radio, an old scope and numerous other
items that escape me at the moment. Made a lot of money even giving
folks good deals, and had none of the
listing/photographing/packing/shipping/email issues/numerous fees
associated with online selling to deal with.

Also managed to locate one of the two remaining Cannon connectors
needed for the ART-13 dynamotor, the U-9/U, in a box of 'stuff' for a
whopping $1. A mere $54.99 less than what one ebay seller asks. Having
found the U-7/U at a previous hamfest in a box under a table for $2
($65.99 from the same ebay seller) and the U-6 and U-8 set for $4 from
a fellow selling them on another radio site, that leaves only the
U-10/U power connector to complete the station.

Interestingly, the fellow who bought the SP-600 was an old timer who
used them in the military. But even the guys who reminisced about the
good ol' days were a hoot, and fun to talk with. Best of all, it was a
chance to see many friends like Nick and others, as well as meeting a
number of folks I talk with on the air.

While some hamfests have gone to the Great Beyond, others are making a
pretty remarkable comeback. One thing I've noticed is that the folks
who end up hauling most or all of their stuff back home unsold are the
ones whose prices show that they are more proud of the gear than
realistic about selling it. Having been in that group myself at one
time, I can honestly say that it feels good to send the stuff to new
homes and put money in my pocket instead. The cash is a lot lighter,
easier to move, and takes up far less space.

Looking forward to the next one!

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4