using new technology on old machines

I think Tony's point was that someone who's into vintage computers ought to have a stock of suitable parts for them. So unless he's into older guns, or cars, were he not to have things like SAE 8 hardware around, that would be understandable - he doesn't do them. Having said that, _I_ don't have 2N3904s nor NE555s around either! I do have a modest number of parts (e.g. 4164's, 40-ping Berg shells, .250 tab hardware, etc, etc) - a large enough collection that I just had to re-organize and add more parts holders (although that was mostly because I went berserk at the local Radio Shack in the 80% off sale). But it takes a long time to build up a really comprehensive collection of parts. It's funny, I was thinking of this exact topic last night - wondering if I could find someone who's selling off a large cabinet full of mixed spares! (I was thinking of the experience of one list member, who lucked into such.) I could certainly use it! Noel