TJ, that was a wonderful response coming from one of the younger
"up and comers" to this hobby.  I'm one of the older hobbyists looking
forward to retiring in a couple years so I can devote a lot more time
to restoring not only my Nelson Wiggen and Cremona A Nickelodeon, but
also my 1930s and 1940/50s tube radios and jukeboxes.

Like you, I'm interested in how things work, and the old technology
vs.  modern printed circuit.  Working on the old technology, like
vacuum tube electronics, is like putting together a jig-saw puzzle
and once you solve and fix it you have a working example of historical
value and design and one that actually plays music!

I think you "hit the nail on the head" with your statement regarding
your young counterparts who are more interested in "process/end-result
rather than mechanical inner workings."  That also is very apparent in
my current job as vehicle maintenance director where we've found that
there are no young people who want to enter the field of Diesel engine
technicians (mechanics).  They would prefer to sit at a computer in a
cubicle all day.

Mechanical music is going the way of the vacuum tube radio and jukebox
hobbies.  I attended the Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Radio Meet last April
where tube radio and jukebox hobbyists show, sell, and share their
interest in the hobby.  I travel with some local members of a radio
club in Virginia and we all quickly noticed that we could count on one
hand the number of attendees under age 40.

However, TJ, through your interest I see hope that our hobby might
still be in good hands if enough of you who appreciate the simple,
yet elegant "inner workings" of these historical relics continue to
collect, restore, and share that interest.  Unlike many of my
counterparts who don't have a clue what they will do when they retire,
I have a hobby which will keep my senior years fulfilled!

Britt Abbott