Retired hobbyist builds 8-bit computer using 460 vacuum tubes

A retired hobbyist in the UK, known as Mike, has constructed a unique 8-bit computer mounted on a wall panel using 460 recycled Soviet-era vacuum tubes. The machine, which weighs 20 kg and utilizes 920 triodes wired as NOR gates, is designed to run a custom-coded flight simulator. The project is notable for its unconventional design, which includes a 'pleasant homely aroma' caused by the tubes burning off dust. Despite its impressive technical architecture, the system is a work in progress and has experienced two explosive failures, leading the builder to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. The computer currently drives vintage British Rail flip-digit displays and represents a fascinating intersection of 1950s hardware and modern hobbyist engineering. While the flight simulator software is still being integrated, the project stands as a testament to complex DIY engineering and the enduring appeal of legacy vacuum tube technology.