New VAX 6000 toys. - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

15 Oct 2002

...
 From: "Brian Chase"
&lt;vaxzilla(a)jarai.org&gt;
 ---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.