Ben,
That Stark Royal is a fine looking machine! I have not acquired a Royal, yet. It's on my to do list... eventually. Baby Blue looks good on that vacuum.
Rob,
Yes, the Kirby Classic III and the Legend II are my favorite Second Gen machines. I have neither, though. I have my hands full restoring the Tradition and the 517 right now, so I don't think I could convince my wife that those are needed here, yet. Yet. Yet...
I did see the Ebay ad you mentioned. In the cardboard case? Hose aside, it looks like a complete set, and they're in good shape too, it seems. I actually have my eyes on a genuine Tradition hose right now. Hopefully it lasts for the next two weeks, because by then I'll have the $$ for it. Unless I can find a jewel in the Kirby shop in town. I'll get there eventually. A hose and a Crevice Tool would be nice. I'm not going to concern myself with the Handi-Butler or the Rug Renovator for it, even though they would make a handsome set.
My kids have growing interest in vacuums. Since getting the Tradition and one of my boys claiming it because it's his favorite color, all the other kids have chimed in as well, all saying they want a vacuum, too. A DS50, DS80 and a Classic III would suit them individually, so long as they retain their favorite colors through the years.
~Tim
