Today my long awaited RS-1520 from eBay arrived. This was a much better experience than my purchase of the RS-1700.
The machine arrived in some of the best packing I have seen. It was in a box that is over 3' tall. In side that was another box. Inside that box was lots of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and cardboard. The machine was bagged.
Once unpacked, I inspected the machine. It really doesn't look that rough to me. The slider for the Cue has been damaged and repaired, sort of. The repair works, but it isn't pretty. At least it doesn't stand out too much.
On the back of the machine is a sticker proudly stating: Gateway Tech. Institute, followed by a property number. Did a bit of searching, but I think that this machine, and likely its partner on eBay, came from the Kenosha, WI campus of Gateway technical college. For having been in that environment I would say that this machine looks much cleaner than I would have anticipated. Well, that's how it looks. We'll find out if it is sound mechanically.
Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce