[MRCA] problems owning/buying rare radios

[W2HX]

Hi friends.  I am recently acquired a really nice Racal BCC-39B which is now
my favorite HF manpack.  While there is some *very* basic documentation
available, if the thing goes south I am likely SOL.  Now I may have an
opportunity to purchase a BCC-39"D". This thing is significantly different
than the B. For example, it has an internal ATU (vs the external BCC565 of
the "B"), has some kind of hopping capability, uses LED instead of LCD
display, etc.  For this radio, there is literally ZERO information on.  This
thing makes hens teeth look common!

After thinking about which list to send this inquiry to, I decided the "C"
in MRCA might provide the most sympathetic ears.  What do you folks think
about acquiring and owning very rare (and expensive) radios that may be
unfixable? The practical ham in me thinks, "stay far away, save your money."
But the collector in me says "rare opportunity, only kid on the block with
one, bragging rights galore!"  Now of course, this is a personal decision
that no one can make other than me.  But.what do you other collectors think
and how do you guys make these kinds of decisions?

Many thanks

 
73 Eugene W2HX