Re-purposing TV valves

[Nick]

Don't have to go to China - I did a very popular nixie PSU design that been built many many 100s of times, including by folk who use them for small valve units, like stomp boxes and pre-amps...

http://www.desmith.net/NMdS/Electronics/NixiePSU.html

I designed it as an exercise in efficiency, not economy - not sure that there are any similar supplies out there that are more efficient...

Also, a lot of folk have built VTTCs (Vacuum Tube Tesla Coils) using the PL-series of cheap tubes...