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Just A Towa

Discussion in 'Vintage Telescopes & Equipment' started by CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015.

Just A Towa

Started by CosmicLugNut on Sep 10, 2015 at 12:33 PM

15 Replies 7150 Views 3 Likes

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  1. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015
    #1
    I have just recently completed a Towa 339 project that has given me a great amount of satisfaction. I know this is not a very rare or exotic vintage telescope, however it is my first actual project scope and I am quite proud of it. I, like many others in this community, operate on a limited budget so I must shop very wisely. The procurement of this classic telescope generated several threads on that other astronomy website and I want to share a few photographs with my new friends here on AC:

    Unboxing.JPG aHotRod 339.JPG aTray&Light.JPG TOWA 339_032.JPG TOWA 339_034.JPG
     
    Last edited: Sep 10, 2015
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  2. LewC

    LewC Well-Known Member

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    LewC, Sep 10, 2015
    #2
    LugNut,
    Absolutely beautiful restoration of an absolutely beautiful scope! I have a 1961 Swift model 839 60mm f/13 that I use all the time because of its convenience in quickly setting up at a moment's notice. I mounted it on a Unitron model 114 alt-az mount. Here's a picture of it.
    (As you can see, I live in an apartment complex. That's a railroad crossing in the background and a Jack-in-the-Box across the street. Amateur astronomers live in the oddest places!)
    SWIFTY-TRON - 2small.jpg
     
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  3. clintwhitman

    clintwhitman Well-Known Member

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    clintwhitman, Sep 10, 2015
    #3
    Bill, Nice restoration on the Towa, Over the years I have collected a couple of these. Good tough old scopes. Whats in the box?
     
  4. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015
    #4
    That Swift is quite a piece of equipment Sir, youi should be quite proud. I, like you use my classic scope quite often as it is a quick and easy setup.
    Bill
     
  5. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015
    #5
    Clint,
    Which box would you be referring to Sir?
     
  6. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015
    #6
    Well I just figured how to do a quote, Lug Nut strikes again. . .

    Clint,
    Which box would you be referring to Sir?
     
  7. Bomber Bob

    Bomber Bob Well-Known Member

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    Bomber Bob, Sep 10, 2015
    #7
    My first 3 refractors were rebranded Towas , and they were good to great, and definitely Classic.
     
  8. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 10, 2015
    #8
    Thanks Bob I'm surely enjoying my classic Towa 339.
     
  9. Turk

    Turk Well-Known Member

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    Turk, Sep 11, 2015
    #9
    Great restoration of a nice telescope. Is the light on the tray original to the scope?
     
  10. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 11, 2015
    #10
    "Great restoration of a nice telescope. Is the light on the tray original to the scope?"

    Turk, thank you for the kind words and as far as I know the light is same as the original equipment shipped with the telescope, however that particular illuminator was given to me by a member of "the other" astronomy web site.
     
  11. clintwhitman

    clintwhitman Well-Known Member

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    clintwhitman, Sep 11, 2015
    #11
    The Box? It was in one of the photos you posted. It looked like an old box. Hoping you found some old eyepieces hiding in there..
     
  12. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 11, 2015
    #12
    Ah Clint, thank you for asking, I made that box to do just that, I store my .965 eyepieces, 2x vixen Barlow, spare diagonal and erecting prism in. As you can see in my signature, I enjoy building things and that Vintage looking Eyepiece box is one of them. I have posted a few photographs of it for you Sir.
    EP Box Closed b.JPG EP Box Open.JPG EP Box Top.JPG
     
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  13. ScottAstroNut

    ScottAstroNut Member

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    ScottAstroNut, Sep 12, 2015
    #13
    That is one sweet eyepiece box! I've thought of making one, but my skill at mitered corners is nowhere near as good as yours. The descriptive label on the lid is a very nice touch. Kudos!

    Very nice Towa scope as well. Those old long-focus refractors can be real performers.
     
  14. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 12, 2015
    #14
    Thank you for the kind words Scott, the eyepiece box was a labor of love, it took a while to complete.
     
  15. cturek

    cturek Member

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    cturek, Sep 17, 2015
    #15
    Yes, a very nice eyepiece box!
     
  16. CosmicLugNut

    CosmicLugNut Member

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    CosmicLugNut, Sep 17, 2015
    #16
    Thank you very much Sir I enjoyed building it.
     

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