Support the Kalamazoo BattleTech VR Pods

Hello, my name is Nick "PropWash" Smith, and I have been restoring, preserving, and operating Virtual World Entertainment BattleTech Virtual Reality cockpits since 1999.

My mission to "keep them flying," and to tell the Virtual World story has been an awesome adventure.

To date, this mission has generally been self funded, through community member contributions, or through revenue streams related to convention appearances.

Now, post Covid, we are challenged to bridge the gap, and I'm reaching out to the "Community At Large" with a tip jar for those who would be willing to contribute to the cause.

As it stands, the pods are currently being stored in 2 locations, one of which is in Kalamazoo, MI, and they are in a heated facility that allows restoration activities as well as private use.

To additionally help offset costs, the pod may be "rented" for a fixed fee for private events, and they can be played during "open events" with attendees making a cash donation if and when able (Not required for open events)

All in, our "Rent" at the Kalamazoo facility comes in at about $9000 a year, and I am currently working up a near-term list of cockpit items that MUST be replaced and restored. Chairs, Chair Brackets, and Cockpit Cabinetry are at the top of the list for the first year.

As I do not expect many convention appearances in the future, this leased space is an experiment. If we can sufficiently offset the overhead costs through fundraising activities, I think we can secure the preservation and access to these cockpits for years to come.