New VAX 6000 toys.

From: Dwight K. Elvey <dwightk.elvey_at_amd.com>
Date: Tue Oct 15 18:12:00 2002

>From: "Brian Chase" <vaxzilla_at_jarai.org>
>
---snip---
>I'd estimate the weight at somewhere between 150-200lbs. The seller
>shipped my stuff FedEx Ground. To ship it from Phoenix to SoCal cost a
>little more than $60 with full insurance. I've had very good luck with
>FedEx Ground in the past; I'd even say I prefer them to UPS. I'm a
>little biased though--my first "sizeable" VAX, a MicroVAX-II in BA123,
>was delivered by UPS. I watched in horror as the guy dropped it off the
>back of his truck from a height of about 4-5ft right onto the concrete.

 I wonder if this is done on purpose. I had a EC-1 ( HeathKit analog
computer ) shipped by UPS. They wanted me to pick it up at the
depo so I did. When the guy brought it out, he says, "Gee, this
is a heavy one!" as he dropped it on the counter ( about 1.5 foot drop ).
I replied, carefully, not to let my anger show too much, " Yes,
it is a rare old piece of vacuum tube gear". He had a funny expression
on his face so I'm sure he understood how I felt. The fellow that
packed it had no padding at all. Remarkably, the tubes were all
OK but the inside chassis had bent a little, breaking some wires.
I debated writing a complaint but decided it might cause issues
with future deliveries.
 I've had some bad luck with FedEx as well so I don't think either
does as good as they could. Partly, I think it is because the
people handling things don't care about the quality of their
work. It makes little difference if they do a good or bad job.
They get paid the same.
Dwight


>The VAX was rather badly dented, most all of the plastic bits were
>broken, and the plastic top was sheered off its bolts. I was not
>amused. Surprisingly, the VAX still ran fine, but it took a lot of
>epoxy and dent hammering to make it look presentable.
>
>-brian.
>
>
Received on Tue Oct 15 2002 - 18:12:00 BST