Joseph Oprysko wrote in: How many machines in the warehouse are actually functional?
I have past experience in mechanical terminals/typewriters as well, although I am 20+ years out of practice so I don't know if I'd want to start with anything super rare (like how I worked on the IBM Selectric at Festivus) but would have been nice to have white grease, oil, spring hooks, etc. it's really been way too long since I've worked on them, especially since I used to rebuild them, and no longer have any of the tools or documentation from them. I actually took a college class in repairing them. :)
I'll contact you privately, on a lead for some IBM Selectric tools. In general I'd say Selectric typewriters aren't rare, but I imagine there's not lots of Selectric terminals among vintage computer collectors. But I'm sure there's discussion of them and documents available in some number of on-line venues. And small tools are available from flea markets and as surplus - if you want to build up a set of tools and greases and oils. I'm encouraging you to reestablish your skills set, if you wish to put time and a budget to work, and if you have space for at least a Selectric typewriter or two. Herb Johnson -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net