Hi,

I've been lurking on FPN for a bit now.
I live in New Hampshire and recently re-discovered the fun of fountain pens about a year ago.
I picked up a Sheaffer Targa calligraphy set back in the early 80's that I toyed with, and then a Waterman Phileas and Laureat as gifts, but I never used any of them for any length of time.
I was browsing in a great little pen shop in Kansas City last Thanksgiving (the Pen Place in Crown Plaza), and picked up a Lamy Al-Star. I started using it all the time, but wanted something with more style.
So I picked up a Parker 51 at Ron Zorn's Web site and then I was hooked.

I think the most fascinating thing to me about pens is the variety of filling mechanisms. If anything, I have been collecting about one of each type of filler: syringe, eyedropper, bulb, and of course the lever fillers and various vac pumps.

Now I'm starting to learn to restore pens--I have a pile of cheap lever fillers to practice on and a smaller pile of nice ones to do when I feel confident enough--that should take me through the winter.

I've already learned a lot reading here, and hope to learn more from all of you.

-Randy (otter1)

Let me be the first to welcome you at FPN!

I see you have already a good knowledge on this hobby. I will just recommend you to go next for some modern piston filler on the likes of the Pelikans. You will be impressed on how easy is to fill the pen and how much ink this kind of pen can store!

Welcome again,

Andre

Randy, welcome to FPN!

It sounds as if you have a great start.

Welcome Randy.

Hello Randy!

Hello and welcome to FPN.

hello and welcome to FPN. Take a look around there is lots to see.

Kurt

Hi there and welcome too!

You seem to have made a giant start. And your drive at restoration sounds good too. I don't have enough pens to restore but that might change someday.
Best regards

Mike

Hi Randy and welcome to FPN! Are you familiar with Rick Ayotte and Melissa? They are in your neck of the woods!