[GreenKeys] Durability

[WA5CAB--- via GreenKeys]

For the record, "MFP 1944" isn't an indication that the machine was made in 
1944.  It could have been made earlier and in 1944 was about to be shipped 
to the Pacific.  So it got the scarce (at the time) MFP treatment.  It 
wasn't until nearly VE Day that MFP supplies grew plentiful enough to treat 
things coming off the assembly lines without concern for where they were going.  
An awful lot of unused WW-II radio equipment that spent the latter part of 
the War in warehouses either here or in Europe didn't finally get the 
treatment until 1950/51/52.

"MFP" is the abbreviation for "Moisture and Fungus Proofed" (or 
"Proofing").  Not, as I've seen quoted, "Manufactured & Packed".  It's that (today 
yellow to dark brown but in 1944/45 almost clear) coating that you have to 
remove from soldered joints in WW-II and later vintage military 
electrical/electronic equipment before repairs.

In a message dated 09/03/2014 16:50:02 PM Central Daylight Time, 
jdangus at att.net writes: 
> I acquired my first Model 15 back in 1972 or so, and I was amazed by
> the date stamp on the machine. MPF 1944.
> "Wow, it's 28 years old." And I never had to do anything except add
> paper.
> Around 1985, I acquire a model 19 table set. An even older date code.
> Putting the at machine at about 45 years old. All I had to do with that
> one was add paper and tape.
> I was convinced, these machines would out live us all.
> Now, they're 70-75 years old. And except from the ravages of neglect,
> it looks like my prediction may be correct.
> 
> What truly impresses me is the thought that went into the design of
> things back in the '30s and '40s.
> 
> -- 
> Jeff-1.0
> wa6fwi
> http://www.foxsmercantile.com

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480
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