[Collins] Interesting

[N4ue@aol.com]

Hi, I am a newbie to Collins collecting, so I do not pretend to be an expert. 
Two years ago, I bought a 75A-4, sight unseen from a noted Collins 
collector/seller. I took him at his word and it was much more than I ever 
expected. It was one of the best bargains I have made in 40+ years as a ham. 
At first I was hesitant to 'fix' the things that go wrong with these old 
radios, since I thought it was an exceptional performer, Finally, I thought, 
"the heck with it. Let the next owner worry about the originality". I did the 
mod to take the B+ of the filters and replaced all the suspect caps. The 
chassis is museum quality, so I added touches like polishing the tube shields 
and painting the insides flat black. Put on a new drum decal, etc. It's now a 
work of art (in my opinion, and the only person I'm pleasing is myself). It 
now plays better than I ever thought possible. I feel the same way about my 
other Collins stuff as well. I have a room full of Japaneese radios and they 
are excellent, but there is just something about a radio made in 1955 that 
will never lose it's appeal. (to most of us 'baby boomers'.)
Just like some of my old hot rods, I use 'em and enjoy them, because you 
don't really "own" ANYTHING. You are just the temporary custodian.
Personally, I would love to own a KWM2-A or a nice 75S-3( ). Radios should be 
used, 'cause the next person to have them, just might use the snot out of 
'em....
If you would rather admire them, that's great. If you want to use them as an 
anvil, go for it. Please yourself and don't worry about anybody's 'opinion'.

ron

N4UE