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Scott MI, for one, would love to hear some of the stories you have as I started my modest collection back in the mid 70s as well...
I didn't get to deal with some of the legendary figures that you mentioned but I will always be grateful to another hobby veteran of that era, Irv Lerner, who helped my father and I with our collection when we got started in the hobby.
Scott
Edited because I forgot to add to Jason who started the thread, please email me whatever stories you'd like to share or tell me where I can see them as I'd be interested in reading what you've put together...