I know that you got several answers on your questions but I couldn't get the post to work. Anyway for an alternative for specific crystals is in the new Digikey catalog. Look at page 255 for the custom oscillator modules that come in an 8 pin DIP package. Needing a 31.00mhz crystal for the 15 meter band module in my "Georgia" Sierra I ordered a #SG-8002-DC-PTM-ND and specified 31.00mhz. With minor circuit re-arrangements including a 5 volt feed I was in business for $3.33. Keep in mind that if yoyu spend less than $25 they will hit you with a $5 service charge but they sell lots of stuff that QRPers use.

As far as the vacuum tube stuff goes I recently put together a 2 tube regenerative receiver that was so hot that 25 feet of wire clipped to the tuning capacitor frame was enough to bring in a whole dial full of CW, SSB and AM stations. If interested send me an e-mail and I will send you the details.

Mike W3IRZ w3irz@att.net