IBM 5155 analogue display fault

[Tony Duell]

> 
> On Tue, 31 May 2005, Randy McLaughlin wrote:
> 
> > To replace an original part with a different part with no valid reason it is
> > a shame, part of history is lost for no good reason.
> 
> The argument then boils down to what is or is not a "valid" reason, and
> whether the change is enough to get in an uproar over (i.e. "history is
> lost" if two screws are replaced).

I would argue that history is lost if _any_ change is made, and 
certainly if any part is replaced.

What it comes down to, really, is 'is the benefit from making that change 
worth the loss of history'? Since non-working computers have little 
interest, I would claim that replacements needed to get or keep a machine 
going are likely to be worth doing. But I am still not happy with 
replacing a part just because you don't want to buy the right tool.

Also, please remember that this machine is owned by a museum. I would 
expect museums to have higher standards for preserving originality than 
most enthusiasts. Pity this doesn't seem to be the case.

-tony