I've never collected washing machines or larger appliances, but I do have a little collection of vacuums. I didn't get a vacuum of my own, in any form, until I was 16 and got my christmas bonus from my first part time job. I had to sneak it into the house so my Mum wouldn't notice.
My Mum was never very supportive of my interest - she always found it embarrassing. If ever we went anywhere when I was younger and I would mention vacuums or washing machines, I would get grounded as Mum would be "so humiliated by my behaviour". Dad was much more supportive and used to pick up leaflets and such for me. He's a gas engineer and whenever I had to go with him for a job, he would say "where's the man with the vac?" and I'd be there with Henry ready to help clean up. He'd also tell me about interesting washers and vacuums in peoples houses that he had seen, and tell me about my Grandma's Constellation they had when he was young.
It wasn't until I was 18 and moved into my own place that I started getting more and more bits and pieces. Mum still doesn't like the fact that I am interested in appliances, but she can't do anything about it now - HA!
