IN-16 Nixie Tube Clock Kit

Today I started working on a nixie clock kit I picked up after Christmas. It took a few weeks for the kit to show up, but finally at last it did, coming all the way from the UK.

So I start in on the kit, attaching the various resistors, capacitors, and transistors to the circuit board. The high voltage portion of the kit is working, generating the needed 170 volts to drive those tubes. I continued on with the remainder of the kit, and even started adding in the first couple nixie tubes. Alas, though, I noticed this:

Augh! No nixie tube clock today! The tubes looked okay when I opened the kit, so I'm guessing I busted it up on my own. I ordered a replacement set of six IN-16 tubes, which set me back $30. Ouch. So, I guess once those spare tubes come in from Russia, I'll finish that clock up and enjoy.

p.s.: The original kit is from the UK, the replacement tubes are from Russia. IN-16 nixie tubes are originally from Russia, and they haven't been manufactured for decades. Truly rare old tubes.