A bit about the author.

In case you were wondering just what sort of person would spend so much time and money on this hobby then I did not think it too vain to use one page to tell you a little about me.

My introduction to computers came at University (what was then called the University College of North Wales in Bangor - hi guys!) in 1977. This was on a DEC PDP-11 although you never got to see the beasty as it was locked securely away in an air-conditioned space. Following University, I joined the Army (Royal Corps of Signals) in 1978 at which time computers were forgotten as I learned to use radios, dig trenches, fire weapons and all the other exciting things that soldiers do (and believe me, had a fantastic time doing so). However, in 1982, I was sent on a 12 month technical course where, amongst other things, I was taught computer programming. By the time the course finished I was hooked and owned my own computer (a Sharp PC-1211).

Since those early days, I have always owned at least one computer and, since my retirement from the Army some 16 odd years ago (my, how time flies), have worked entirely in IT. I now manage the IT support team for a large law firm in the North East of England where I get to play with things like VMWare, EMC SANs and all sorts of other equipment.

The computer collection came almost by accident. I am a terrible hoarder (I also have a huge collection of vinyl records) but one day at work someone was talking about their first computer which they still owned. I mentioned I still have my original Sharp PC-1211 and, that night, endeavoured to find it to take to work. Imagine my horror to find it missing, possibly the victim of about 12 moves since I had bought it. One of my kids told me to "check out eBay", whatever that was. My wife convinced me it would turn up but while looking at eBay, I found something else interesting (I forget what) going for just a few pounds so bid on that. After a few weeks, I decided the Sharp was, indeed, lost so bought one of those for a small cost, as well as a Sharp PC-1500 which I had fancied at the time I had my original.

Initially, it was just an odd machine every few months but it did soon get a bit more serious with me checking all sorts of web sites for finds. The pile of old computers just grew and grew!

My eventual aim is to find somewhere to display all of these PCs, perhaps if we get a house with large out-building. I always intended them to be accessible. In the meantime, this web site is the best I can do to remind everyone of the fantastic early years of home computers. My next project might be to write a "book of the web site".

Just to complete the pen picture, I am also a very keen motocyclist with three old bikes (the youngest 28 years old) and love working on them as much as riding. I live in a lovely house in rural Northumberland.

If you have anything to add to the site or just fancy a chat then please use the contact page

Happy readying!

Greg