AUS - Who wants some booty? You've gotta work for it though

[jsarchibald]

I'm now a little bit iffy as to what is down there. I plan on making a trip down to see what he has, and if I can convince him to part with some of the collection to others on here that may want to visit, but at a later stage that is more suitable to them. I'll also have a better idea of what is there, and can let you know so you can decide whether it is worthwhile to any of you or not.

He seems reluctant to let his collection go, which I understand perfectly, so I want to be as sensitive as I can about the whole thing. Will let you know how it goes, but at the moment, I'm treating it as a road trip with a possible happy ending, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Bunsen]

Does it have to be Easter? I'd be up for a road trip in a few weeks, but the truck needs some work first. Also, I would definitely not be able to supply any storage space.

 

[jsarchibald]

I'll document what is there, and try to convince him to let you guys go down at a more suitable time. At least that way, you'll know if it is worthwhile or not.

Show of hands for those that would go in the next few months on their own, just so I can tell him?

 

[jongleur]

Hi, my hand is raised.

 

[Bunsen]

Raised, provisionally. Like I said I have zero storage. If anyone else in Melbourne, Sydney or parts nearby has some storage I might be able to do a load.

 

[Cory5412]

Is the stuff currently in a container?

If yes, why not just hire a truck to take it?

If no, why not buy a container (they're actually fairly cheap to buy used here in the US) and take it to them, and then fill it, and take it, and just put it at a MLAer's house? The biggest issue is the man-power that would be needed to move a 40-foot container's worth of stuff from one container to the next in a single day. That might be something you'd ask Byrd to help out with even if he can't actually take any of the Macs at the moment. (Although I would totally understand not wanting to leave town on any big adventures with the wife pregnant.)

Just as a thought re potential logistics options.

 

[Bunsen]

20 foot containers start at about $1600; 40 footers at about $2200. They're not that cheap.

 

[jsarchibald]

Exactly. So it's a come on down and load your car/truck/wagon up and take as much as you can.

It's already costing me a fortune to go down there, so this is the only avenue I'm considering.

 

[Byrd]

Cory5412: by all means if I was nearer, I'd be all over this - the thought of seeing dozens/hundreds/bazillions of Macs piled up is pants-wettingly pleasurable. But it's just too far for me, as exciting as it sounds. I'd do anything to help if closer. And besides, you can only do so much with 40 Mac Pluses

So js I'd just be a bit wary myself that you still don't know exactly what will be available when you rock up - you really don't want to be given access to only 40 Mac Pluses! I've met similar people in the past and when it comes down to the crunch ...

But I wish you best of luck and please photograph the haul for prosperity's sake, Indiana Jones style! Incidentally, have any of you watched Storage Wars, a reality TV show?

JB

 

[LCGuy]

I would actually really love to head down there and grab a carload of stuff myself...unfortunately though Wagga Wagga is about an 18 hour drive from Longreach.

 

[jsarchibald]

I'm driving 16 hours. What are ya, a man or a mouse?

 

[jsarchibald]

Just got back, what a haul! I'll document it later with pics in another thread, but came across //e's (older and newer models), //c's, monitors for them, a Mac Portable, Apple TechStep, Mac 128K upgraded to a 512K via the motherboard, IIGS, IIvx, IIsi, II, IIx, IIfx, Centris 650, Server 60, G3 Server, Sonnet upgrade cards, G4 400MHz upgrade, Osborne I and Executive, a Dick Smith system, a Tandy system, another ancient system I have to investigate, Mac Pluses, SEs (one in original box), Classic and Classic II, Color Classics, HD20 and SC20, 3.5 and 5.25 drives, including a Duodisk and Disk II, Quadra 700, software and original manuals galore, and the list goes on.

I don't think I'll ever need to buy anything ever again. For those in Australia, the owner is happy for others to go there and take as much as they can. He doesn't want any get rich quick types, so you have to be an enthusiast. There is so much left there it isn't funny. What a great weekend!

 

[Byrd]

I'm really pleased to hear that you had a good drive/haul, js! I would have been in heaven, walking into the crate to see all the untouched items. Sounds like you have enough to keep you busy for years of tinkering around. Looking forward to the pics. Very nice machines by the sound of things.

JB

 

[trag]

Any Outbounds? Blue Kangaroo emblem. Actually a Colorado based company at the end of the 1980s beginning of the 90s, despite the Aussie-esque emblem.

 

[olePigeon]

And someone said abandoned warehouses of Macs only exist in the U.S. Pfft. I'm completely jealous. Awesome score.

 

[CJ_Miller]

Amazing adventure! I am so happy for all involved. If I told my wife I was going to anything like this she'd probably try knocking me out with a rolling pin!

 

[macman142]

Hmmm, so is this still happening?

What is left?

 

[classic]

Congratulations. Looks like your efforts have paid off.

Likewise, looking forward to seeing the photos of this once in a lifetime haul!

Picks of the lot for me are the Quadra 700 and IIfx.

And quite apart from the brilliant array of macs, you got a Dick Smith Wizard!

btw if you don't need a MB for one of those color classic's I would definitely be interested

I get the feeling that you might need a full page or more for your signature..!