[NJARC] Re: Radio Museums - We need new blood! Long winded comments!

[njarc@mailman.qth.net]

John, Ben and the Group
I noticed a similar thread on the original Boatanchors reflector.  There
was a comment a few weeks ago about the lack of classic gear and
collectors thereof at the Belton, TX Hamfest.  Well, I was there and saw
an AR-88, several HROs and other great classic receivers and other tube
gear.  Of course some had been sold the day before I got there but still,
there they were.  I sold some military 6 meter stuff that I had no
interest in keeping.  I did well and before I left, picked up one lot of
GE pre ARC  transmitters and a matching receiver with all of the correct
connectors for $20.00.  It was dirty, had spots devoid of paint but for
me, it was a bargain and much less then what I have seen anywhere else. 
It was well worth the 450 mile trip, one way, of course!

One ham, who stopped to chat, gave me a small box full of military
manuals which were abandoned by a seller the day before.  Some really
good stuff was there and I couldn't thank him enough for that kind
gesture.  The guys that bought equipment from me were in their mid to
late 30's.  Most of those who stopped to comment and reminisce were in
their mid 60's or older.  I also saw some teenage hams there who were
looking for 2 meter and computer related stuff.  Everyone seemed to be
having a good time.  Not strange for this Hamfest!

I started collecting radios when I was in my mid 20's.  With a new wife,
new kids, new responsibilities and on a budget, military gear and tube
equipment was interesting, fun and cheap!  For me, it still is.  I think
if you factor in inflation, the cost of surplus and classic tube gear is
at best a constant.  But I suspect it is really now dropping in value. 
Check the ads from the ham rags of the 50's and 60's and multiply the
quoted price by 5 (or maybe 6?).  I feel that  you can still find
reasonably decent sets for much less then the corrected price of 40 to 50
years ago.  Are they pristine?  No.  But they can be found in complete
and unhacked condition and like most of us, no worse for the wear.

The upcoming collectors are looking for bargains just like we were when
we were at that age.  It's just not classic tube equipment that they are
interested in.  It's what they lusted for when they were teenagers and
didn't have any spare cash, again just like with us.  I suspect that
interest in this equipment will fade some more.  It will languish for a
period and come to be of interest again.  It will be rediscovered because
of it's novelty and generate curiosity (what's a tube?).  People will
collect it as before.

I'm the 54 year old son of a WW2 vet.  I guess you could say that I am
part of the second generation of WW2 radio collectors.  I am confident
that there will be a third and fourth generation.  All that is needed is
to keep the spirit alive.  NJARC does that with the repair clinics,
programs and the great library displays.

Just keep up the good work and the next generation of appreciators will
appear!

Regards from Arkansas,
Jim and Ruth

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