Mechanical Memories Magazine

This in turn has led to an infrastructure of antique malls , flea markets and collectibles
shows such as the Chicago land slot show, on a sca le that we ha ve not see n ove r here.
For some Americans, going 'antiquing' at weekends is as normal as eating out for
breakfast.
Where does this leave the Chicago land show for an English collector thinking
about a trip? Well , it is definitel y a great visua l experience for any col lec tor, but not
necessa ril y the hqliday of a lifetime which he may ha ve led hi s dearly beloved to
believe. So, an expens ive trip if you don ' t find anything . Damaging too, if yo u ha ve
deceived yo ur panner into the trip; the show is 30 mil es wes t of Chicago and
sutTounded by pleasant, but pretty much just small functi onal tow ns. It 's rather
unfo11unate that the overal l cost b1ings down the viability of attendance at the show for
many British collectors as it is a great event to indulge in. Unfortunately, as is log ica l
and to be expected, the show is very much an American show and so probabl y unlikel y
to net a prize for a British collector. For many, maybe the answer is to look at how
much the trip would cost, decide not to go, and then spend the money yo u ha ve saved
on buying a machine in JetTy's next auction. I personall y find that buying machines
seems much better va lue using this form of accounting.
Finally, for me, all I found was a mannequin figure for my Williams Ten Strike
project, but I enjoyed the spectacle of the show, meeting up with old acquaintances and
so I treated it as my ideal holiday. So, my best advice is, lea ve th e wife and kids at
home and go with a mate ... oh, and go and see the House on the Roc k up in Spring
Green Wisconsin roads ide America at its finest!
Some very desirable floor standing rou/ettes at this year 's Chicago/and shull'
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