This Forum..

[Surest1tch]

Something similar happened to one I bought last year, it was definitely the couriers that damaged it, I could see it had been really well packed.  The lady I bought it from was really helpful and told me what I should have done but DH could see how upset I was and took it to his man cave and repaired it before I had chance to take photos and contact the courier.

[Efemera]

This wasn't well packed....and after the fiasco of getting the wrong machine the first time I don't have much confidence in the seller.

[Roger]

Im so sorry to hear of your fiasco!
I would lodge a complaint with eBay, you should receive a complete refund, P&P the lot Id also leave the Seller negative feedback. Theres no excuse for all that.

I hate to say it... but ive never seen another 500a in the UK.

[Efemera]

I've not seen one either.... but you never know!

[arrow]

They are few and far between. Were there ever any 220V version made?  I have been looking for a 301, it was only  made at the US factory too. The 401 is just as nice though, I doubt you ever will regret it when it comes to  practical considerations, the advantage is the look though not as much the internals of them.

[Roger]

Id love a 301, they turn up in the UK occasionally on Ebay, but I've never seen a 500a on the UK Ebay.

The 301 and 500 and 401a (slightly different style to the g) were a;; US only afaik.

My 500a (which Arrow spotted for me on Gumtree) came with a massive transformer and still has all the US plugs.

[Efemera]

Well the courier picked it up  so here's to a refund!

[Roger]

Fingers crossed, and don't forget you can start an eBay complaint if you get back less than 100% of what you spent!