One big surprise

[captain]

Several days ago I receiver a notice from USPS that Bryan had sent me a package, which was no big deal as I get pieces parts he sends fto me to work on if it needs some machine work or some type of modification such as a metric to US adapter. Well the package arrived today and I was curious as usual as to what he had sent and what type of work he needed done.
When I open the package I found a Voit VR 2 regulator, a new set of green hoses and mouth piece and a bag of parts but the best part was a letter from Bryan saying it was a gift. I was blown away. It was exactly like my first regulator I bought as a thirteen year old kid in 1957 along with a Voit tank that I still have. I do not recall what ever happened to that regulator, I probably sold it to someone many years ago.
]I really can not put in to words how much I appreciate this gift. I really don't know what I have done to deserve it. I want to thank Rob and Karl who helped Byran in getting this regulator. I will keep everyone posted as I do the restoration of it. Allen, I will be needing a Voit green harness for my original tank to complete the restoration.
The picture is of my nephew using my original regulator and tank in about 1965. The green hoses had been replaced with black ones and the web harness replaced with a hard pack.

Bryan, thank you very much. If it wasn't for you and all the things you have done I probably would still be diving with a single hose regulator.

[simonbeans]

I would be honored to make a harness for you. PM me your personal email address and I will email you the measurements to be taken to make the fit right. Again it has been hard keeping this surprise a secret, but I think we all did pretty good, huh??
Allan

[kgehring]

Tom, I am glad to be involved in vintage diving and am touched that I could play a part in getting a regulator that you first learned on. I have gained alot of information in a short time in the vintage world and appreciate all Bryan has done for the sport. I am sure that you have played a big part in the success of VDH and wish you many years of diving pleasure with your new project! Please keep us posted with your rebuild of the VR-2.

[duckbill]

Good job guys. That was a really, really nice gesture.
Captain, any work you do in helping Bryan helps us all in the vintage diving community. Your work behind the scenes is appreciated.

[Nemrod]

"Bryan, thank you very much. If it wasn't for you and all the things you have done I probably would still be diving with a single hose regulator"

What a horrid fate, yes, a big thanks to everyone out there, it is the sum total of many efforts that is making double hose diving possible today more than thirty five years after they fell from favor, a renaissance age truely.

Nemrod

[JES]

Captain,

Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I know that this regulator will bring you years of diving enjoyment.


Bryan, you're to be commended on your thoughtfulness and generousity.

[1969ivan1]

It could not have gone to a nicer guy. I appreciate that Bryan mentioned that I was involved, but my part was VERY small and most of the credit should go to Bryan. I hope that you can make it to SD IV and we can all watch you hit the water with your old friend, the voit LUNG!
I think it would be neat for you to post pics as you bring the reg back to life. THis could be very interesting indeed.
Also, nice touch Allan! Those harnesses are the best ever!

[Bryan]

I am always sending Tom some weird part to make, some broken part to mend or some crazy idea that I want his help to brainstorm on……..He always says yes, never calls me crazy or tells me that I’m being a pain in the butt.
I could have a lot of the small machine work I do done here in KC but when I send it to Tom I know he will take a personal interest in it and that whatever he does will be as perfect as possible before it comes back to me.
Once I heard him say that he wished he would have never gotten rid of his 1st regulator which just happened to be a Voit Mariner VR-2. It was personal and meant something special to him. He is one of the few divers that are still around and active that can educate us all on how things were when the double hose was king.
Now the only problem is…..A Voit Mariner VR-2 is one very rare bird indeed. Tom is very modest and way too kind to ever get in a bidding war over a regulator. I knew come hell or high water I was going to acquire one….. I lost two auctions before and on the third try I had to enlist Karl and Rob as reinforcements. And we made it happen!! Thank you to all of you that made it possible. And for those of you who threw up barriers to block our efforts we remember well who you are….
Enjoy your new regulator Tom, I know you will bring it back and make it as good as new and it will be the envy of all of us at Sand Dog IV. It was just a small token to say thank you for always being there to help us and also for being my friend.

[captain]

Thanks again to Bryan and all the others who participated in getting the regulator. The restoration has begun and I will keep everyone posted on the progress. Once it is done I think it will become my fresh water only regulator to keep it in the best condition possible.

Tom

[seakrakken]

Now thats real friendship. I think you guys are awesome for doing something so selfless. I hope Captain enjoys your gift for many years to come. To your health Captain! Long may you Dive!

[treasureman]

What a nice gesture you all have made. it warms me to know that there are still human beings out there that care for their friends and fellow man.

Most people today are all about me me me. Vintage diving seems to be about friends, and helping each other out.

Hooya!

[scubajim1]

This was awesome to read. A great effort by those listed and Bryan for all he has done.

Thank you again to all double hoses divers for keeping these regulators alive.

My son is interested in diving and it ws a real treat to let him try a working double hose.

Scubajim1

[jack wilhelm]

What a wonderful, wonderful thing to do for a friend Bryan, Rob, and all involved! The more I learn about Bryan the more I'm impressed with him as an individual. Tom, enjoy your restoration efforts and by all means make it a genuine effort to post your results of the restoration. This all has peaked my interest to the max already. Take care all and keep the bubbled flowing. And by the way, I'm about half way through watching all 155 Sea Hunt episodes and it's a great collection of shows. It's worth the $100 investment if you want to buy the set, Jack.

[captain]

I dis-assembled the regultor and cleaned it up. The lable side of the box is out for a chrome job. Unlike the U S Divers lables the Voit lable is aluminum not brass.

[treasureman]

nice job...never realized just how much it looks like Aqualung from a parts point of view