Recently, I finally received all models of TPS-L2 family.

The grandfather is TCM-600, a recorder and the prototype of TPS-L2, whose design inspired TPS-L2.

The father of WALKMAN, also the first member of WALKMAN, is TPS-L2. I have collected five versions of this model, the initial Japanese version, the initial SOUNDABOUT American version, later SOUNDABOUT version, later WALKMAN Japanese version and later WALKMAN American version. They are all brand new in boxed, rarely used. 

On 1981. 5. 21, SONY rehashed TPS-L2 and presented a deluxe version - WM-3, with a black main color adorned by golden part on the right side. 

At the end of the same year, on 1981.12.1, SONY rehashed WM-3 again by providing a red velvet box and an all golden body, hence the presumed excellent WALKMAN - WM-3EX, a more luxurious version of WM-3. WM-3EX had a more sumptuous blue leather carry case and better headphone, MDR-50II. 

Very interesting indeed.  I think the Soundabout evolution to walkman is quite well doccumented but wat is interesting is the regional variants of the TPS-L2 packaging, we've never seen them side by side like this, the differences are remarkable.  It's almost as if the US, Europe and Asia had seperate marketing divisions who simply weren't in communication with each other.

An interesting little curio is that if you look in the battery compartment of most TPS-L2s you will see the round indentation in the plastic casting left over from when it used to be an opening enabling motor speed adjustment when it was the TCM-600.  A bit like the small bones on snake skeletons where their legs used to be.

Wow, that TPS-L2 series is impressive, Demiwang. I've never seen that serie almost complete, except in photos of the famous 'Walkman room' that SONY has in Tokio.

Those three boxes with the Soundabout and the original walkman logo are extremely rare, and pretty expensive. You're very lucky to have them!

Now you only left two boxes to have the complete family: the stowaway (UK) and the freestyle (Sweden). if you finally get them you probably will have one of the most rare Walkman series in the world!

Michael what a fantastic topic and addition to S2G for us collectors to share in your enthusiasm for collecting.  I have never seen all the models pictured together boxed in mint condition as all yours are.  It is wonderful you included the TCM-600 (TCM-600B was black edition) which as AO mentioned was the model that was the prototype and most of parts used to produce the TPS-L2 the Father of all cassette WALKMAN !!

I know your dedication to finding the models you want.  When you do finally find the mint boxed UK version Stowaway and the Swedish Freestyle TPS-L2 be sure to add them to this topic and include photos of ALL the versions of this Iconic first Walkman.

I agree with Hugo when you do acquire them I believe you will be the only collector in world to have them all mint condition and boxed.  Thank you for sharing with us and your excellent quality photos.

Thanks your compliment and kind encouragement, Hugo and John. 

I will continue looking for meaningful walkman. 

I finally got TCM-100B, the last member of TPS-L2 family I have been looking for.

great news and supercongrats Demiwang, but... we want pics!

great god, your collection is awesome!

I recently aquired a tps-l2 from an local auction for a low price, just needed to replace the inner belt.

Thanks Demiwang; I have learned a lot about the TPS-L2 from your post. Lovely collection you have there. Didn't know there were so many versions and regional variations of this machine; posts like this is what s2g is all about for me!

Any photos, demiwang? We WANT photos!! 

I agree Seb. Such posts are great.

I have a long article about the TPS-L2 in my website, with lots of info. Did you see it?

http://walkman-archive.com/gad...01_tps-l2_eng_v3.htm

Patient, I will take photos as soon as possible.

Finally, I get the stowaway version.  

John, you ask me to add photos of the STOWAWAY once I get it, now I made it. I believe you are watching it up there.   

Finally, I am lucky enough to acquire the UK stowaway version of TPS-L2. John, you ask me to add the photos of it once I get it, I believe you are watching it up there. 

Special salute to John.  

I'm spechless, Demiwang. Your collection is getting even better, something that I though it could be almost impossible, but I was wrong.

To have that serie complete and in that condition is something that I think it's reserved for very few collectors that have the time, passion and resources required, which is not easy at all.

My most sincere congratulations! Wow. Hats off.

You should start a walkman museum .

I wonder if Sony in Japan have special storage spaces for each unit they have ever produced.

I'm sure,
left is a record covers in the picture, not a Walkman box.
Look closely.
I recognize the bottom right German record label "ARIOLA"

Good eyes Renzgi !

This is a very rare sight to see. Look after them