On Thu, Sep 22, 2022, 11:17 PM jim stephens via cctalk < cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> > > On 9/22/22 10:05, Peter Van Peborgh via cctalk wrote: > > I know this is sacrilege but I am looking for the front panel of a *Data > > General Nova *and/or *a DEC PDP 8/11/12/15*. > > Why? I collect artefacts from the days of the minicomputer and earlier > and > > I want them for my collection/display. They should be not too damaged and > > of course do not need to be functional. I would be willing to pay > > postage/freight. > > Any offers? Any offers? > > Peter > > > > PS Please don't shout at me! > I exhibited a front panel collection display at VCF West about 4 years > ago. It exists not because of a collection, but as spare parts. Also > brought one attached to one of my machines. > > there were two from a friend's collection of systems as well. Sorry not > to help out, but suggest you buy the machine, not just a front panel. > That way when they are no longer something to have to display, they can > be passed on as a part of functional machines later. > > I did grab a couple of parts panels, and also did find a panel bezel on > Ebay, but they weren't cheap, and by what usually happens, the machines > showed up from somewhere else later after I acquired them. > > thanks > Jim > The worst is taking the front panel or keyboard from a complete system or terminal and discarding it because you solely collect these things, but at this point there are a few system-less front panels and keyboards and it's a "thing" enough that it's not totally unreasonable to find them, especially if you have the money. The damage has been done, nothing you can do about it now, at least something of the old hardware exists. And, I am sure there are those who rescued the front panel from a system that was going to be destroyed. I once was given a Burroughs 1700 front panel...anyone have a panel-less 1700 out there? Interesting philosophical discussion Bill
