Folks,

Quick update.
I am awaiting three "51"s from very kind people who read the thread Here
When they arrive I will do some polishing, de-dinging etc and pass them on to Richard who has offered to wave his magic wand over them.
This will probably take a little time - I'll post as it goes on.

Meantime, those already on 'The List' are, in order (God bless their patience) -

1. Yarek
2. jd50ae
3. Tricia
4. anniemac
5. Samuel07
6. HDoug
7. jlepens
8. jonro
9. longwriter
10. coolpenz
11. usqview
12. JediGamer
13. Demeter
14. Tojusi
15. Kalessin
16. kudzu
17. Dean
18. mysta rave
19. bartosz.gadomski
20. sheafferkid

PM me if you wish to be added, but remember - patience
That's the list for the moment folks

Regards,
Ruaidhrí
BTW - having checked old PMs I put Ann (anniemac) back in her proper place in the queue

I'm going to close the list at 20 for the time being. As we go through the list I'll post again.

Will you be including a bottle of Richard's faux tanzanite (50:50 mix of Watermans FB & Purple) to ensure proper flow?

Without making assumptions about the question I have provided (at no extra expense) a selection of replies below:

1. No, but I consider this a nice choice of ink
2. No, I only recommend Guinness
3. Yes, I'll bring it personally
4. Are you bloody serious ?

R

Just a quick bump to get the list finished

R

No. In light of the last "51"'s disappearance, the level of generousity being display by you, Richard, et.al. is highly commendable. However, I'd hate for you to send it to a newbie that fills it with their calligraphy India ink or Iron Gall ink and leaves it for a week or two prior to returning it to you.

After careful consideration, I have decided that the official name of said color is Binder Blurple. Note, please, that it is not "burple" -- that would only make sense if I were mixing BOO and Purple, which is not the case.

So shall it be known from this day hence

Regards,
R
Edit: just remembered - Boo is Ruaidhrí jnr's pet name for his better half (Ann).
I hope he reads this

I shall henceforth strike "Faux Tanzanite" from my lexikon, and begin learning how to pronounce "Blurple" without tripping.

Room for one more this time round folks !

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

(I'll update this as needed)

I pmed you, Ruaidhri! I want to be added! I want to be added! Choose me! Me!

Evan

Done evan

First pen has arrived, and a rather tasty journal.
Further updates as it goes.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Pen No 2 arrived

I'll post a full list of these when all recd.

R

Absolutely outstanding of both you and Herr Binder to invest in this. This community never ceases to amaze me at its ability to come up with clever new forms of generosity. My hat's off to you both.

If a third 51 is wanted, I've got a 51 frankenpen that's quite nice that I would offer up. It's demi-sized, although I believe it's been fitted with a full-size hood, judging from the bulge 'round the clutch ring. Fitted with a full-size MKIII gold-filled cap, I believe, and a smooth medium/fine nib. If you'd like, I'll send it off to Richard, should his generosity still remain in full form!

Ah, another thought.

Regardless of whether or not it might condescend others, a quick "advice and proper protocol" section might be added to the first page or two of the journal, so that if someone who is new to the addiction (affliction?) might catch the drift - proper cleaning and filling instructions, perhaps an ink recommendation or two, etc.

I sincerely appreciate the thoughts

There is a pen already on its way to Richard, I received two more in the last couple of days, and the fourth is on its way to me.
Not wanting this to turn into something totally unwieldy, and not wanting Richard to come over and shoot me , I am keeping it to four pens & journals.
Thanks for the kind offer though

As soon as I have things ready I'll post again to update folks on progress.

Warm regards,
Ruaidhrí

Great! Thanks for putting me on the list, Ruaidhri! What a guy!

Evan

Update:

1 x "51" with Richard
2 x "51"s arrived in Dublin
2 x Journals arrived in Dublin

More details anon.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

How did I miss this thread?

This is a great idea Ruaidhri. Hopefully it all runs smooth this time. I'll be looking forward to the journal entries.

Hey Ruaidhri! I don't know if this is the best place to post this, but I was wondering how everything is coming along with this great idea. So far, is it running smoothly? Where are we at in the queue right now? Is the 3rd "51" back from Richard? Just thought I (and perhaps other people in the line) might want to know how its coming. Thanks!

Evan

Good a place as any Evan
It is far from running smoothly I'm afraid.
My last update was:


Received to date:

"51" Black/Lustraloy (polished) aero from Oxonian¹
"51" Black/Lustraloy (polished) vac from Paircon01²
Journal (Celtic) from Mary A
Journal (Moleskine) from DilettanteG

¹De-dinged, cleaned & polished and will be heading to Richard in the next day or two.
²This I discovered has sentimental attachment and I am simply tidying it up and returning it. I would not be happy taking a chance on losing it, although it was a lovely thought (that it might make people more careful). Bill has kindly offered me another to replace it.

The other "51" (from Larry) is with OldGriz who will be passing it on to Richard at the Raleigh Pen Show.

I will pick up another two journals myself but, unfortunately, the only "51"s I have at the moment have various sentimental attachments.

The original that started the whole business way back seems to be gone. Several mails have gone unanswered as has a letter sent by registered post.
Pity it was one of my own countrymen!

If anyone else has sent pens/journals will they please contact me.
Meantime I'll have a look around and see if I can pick up another "51" or two somewhere.

I'm still prepared to make this work, and Richard tells me he is as well. This is NOT going away

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Ruaidhri,

Add a Grey Parker "51" Vac with Lusterloy Cap that I was going to sell at the Raleigh Show as a user pen...
I will give this one to Richard also at Raleigh....
It has been restored, but he can tweak the nib a bit....

I'm sorry to hear this Ruaidhri...if there's anything I can do to help ya out, just send me a PM or email. I will keep an eye out for "51"s whenever I'm at a flea market, estate sale, or antique store!

Evan

Thanks folks - really nice to see everyone pulling together

When I said keep the price as low as possible Tom, I wasn't hinting - thanks mate!!

Got a couple of promising PMs so when the show is over I'll update again.
I'll pick up the other two journals tomorrow.

Regards (and thank you all again),
Ruaidhrí

I have plenty of journals going unused. If you still need one or two, let me know and I'll send it (them) off to you.

Appreciate the offer Tricia - I have the journal end of things under control.
Just need to sort out the pens !

Fond regards,
Ruaidhrí

What a generous and cool thing to do. tom

Personal (and friendly) visits can offer clear up confusion straight away. We are getting more members across the UK and I am sure than many travel about. Perhaps they can't get out to post it and would appreciate someone being able to help them.

How about a county to be going on with?

Anything new from the "Traveling 51-berrys" (I apologize to the Traveling Wilburys, but I HAD TO DO IT..SATAN IS IN THE ROOM WITH ME!!!)???

Would love to know how the folks being...er...indoctrinatied...into the wonders of the P51 are enjoying their "test writes"....

Bill

I would like to be added to a future list. I have a 61, but have yet to write with a 51.

Update.

Firstly - my apologies. We have had a couple of illness (still on-going) to deal with here at home, and a number of things have had to be 'put on the back boiler' temporarily.

I would like to emphasise that any delay in this project is my responsibility alone - everyone else involved has been much more reliable!

I have two pens to go to Richard then we are off. Journals are ready. Hopefully they will go over this week, and I'll post again when that has been done.
As soon as I have the four pens back and ready to post out I'll ask for an update from people on this list - are you still "51"-less etc then we can get going.

Again - apologies.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

I'm getting the impression that this may be a list I should desire to be a part of.....is this a list of Parker 51 hopeful receipiants? I need more info.....

Since I'm a "newbie" to the world of fountain pens, I suppose some may say I'm "not worthy" but I'd like to find a Parker 51 that I could use daily, since so many have stated that they feel it is the "must have" of all the brands.

Costs? details?

-Soupy1957

I would like to be a part of this if ever availed the opportunity.

I am not looking to join the loaner program (I have two 51s already and a third in the shop awaiting a new nib, so no need to experience the wonders of the 51). But I am curious about the progress of the traveling 51s. Are they safe? Have the borrowers been swayed to join the cult?

Sharon in Indiana

Because I am so new to this forum I am not looking to join the list (yet) but I too would like to know how it is going. This is by far the most wonderful thing I have read about on a forum and I do keep up with about three others besides this one. I am just looking forward to reading what is in the journals! Lashelle

I would like to try a "51". They are too expensive to buy and then be disappointed. The problem I have with pens is my fingers slide down toe the end of the barrell so I wind up holding the flair at the end. Just looking at a "51" makes me doubt it would work for me. I really am of the opoinion that the hopala is just hype; trying one would let me see. Otherwise I am not likely to buy one.
So how do I sign up?

What happened to this effort? I'd love the opportunity to try a different pen and would be glad to pay the round trip shipping to do so...

Does anybody do loaner pens? I know it is risky but I'd put up collateral to try a new pen or two


EP

Yes, a little update on the pens & journals would be wonderful. I'm #16 on Ruaidhrí's list. Is it going as planned? I still think this is a fantastic and very generous idea. Tell us more!

Could somebody explain what this is all about? I read the thread and am somewhat confused. Why would folks part with a nice pen? I guard mine like a junkyard dog.

Have thought about a Parker 51 or 21, but have not taken the plunge. Is this list full...please help me understand

Did this project ever get off the ground? I think I am on the list of journal recipients, but I have heard nothing.

/Tojusi

Those of you who know me have a rough idea of how things are. To the others please be patient.

Pen and Journal number 1 have already been sent off, but all has gone silent.

Having lost one "51" to an earlier attempt, obviously I am reluctant to go any further until I know what's happened.
And PLEASE don't start a guessing game folks - there probably is a very good reason for this.

Fingers crossed.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Status Update on the "51"Loaning Program?

Phew and Hurray!!

As I mentioned above "there probably is a very good reason for this" - there was

The loaner and journal have just arrived back in Dublin safe and well.

I'll have a quick look through the list (to see who's still active on it) and hopefully get it off again during the coming week.

Game on again

Regards to all,
Ruaidhrí
(with renewed faith in human nature)

Could my name be placed on the list? Or the next list?
Glad the loaner and journal have returned!

Thanks,
Gawain (Craig Bryant)

Will do Craig.

Cheers,
R

Thank-you! *very big smile*

Can I still take part in this?

I would be interested in being added to your list when a spot becomes available. I would love to try the 51!

I would also like to be added to the listed when a slot opens up.

Julie