[R-390] Surplus history

[Tim Shoppa]

> But the days of "Surplus" are gone forever - and 
> 'good' swapmeets are following, I'm afraid.

When I got started in the hobby the old-timers were saying the same
thing - but they were reminiscing about the days of spark gap transmitters,
and they were lamenting how easy the young'uns had it with cheap 1625's
and Command Sets.

A little bit later VHF popularity took off incredibly based on
surplus air radios and then later the Progress line stuff.

And then Microwave stuff etc. hit the surplus stream.  (Still 1625's
and Command Sets were on the market too!)

I don't know what is next, but I'm sure something is coming.  Already
the microwave stuff that hit the surplus stream in the 70's is completely
passe compared to consumer stuff that's so much smaller and cheaper
and vastly less power-hungry.

Tim.