Linear tracking turntables, whatever happened?

The Revox Linear tracking TT has a high electronic failure rate, it has nothing to do with the operation of the arm itself. Many times you will see the revox up for sale as not working due to this electronic problem.

I can’t remember what the problem was exactly, but it is not all that difficult a fix for a tech - but they all need it, as times has gone on.

Other than that, they are a fine example of a mid level short armed linear tracker.

As for air bearing linear trackers, don't forget the Maplenoll tables.

Unipivot do not 'suck'. I have enjoyed two unipivot arms over the years. First one was a Magnepan Unitrac 1 on a Rega. Nice arm.  
In fact I am playing a Mozart Piano Concerto using my Kuzma Stogi S unipivot as I write this!

From responses so far it does appear I can summarise the demise of the linear TT as a package, nothing to do with later linear arms.

They were out at the time that vinyl in general was on a rapid decline due to CD.
They were packaged and marketed for the most part as a simple and easy alternative to CD, with the result that a lot were neglected, heck it would not surprise me if some people did not even realise there was a stylus in there that needed cleaning.
They were somewhat complicated electronically ( required to compete with CD) and as such were more prone to breakdown than regular pivot arm manual TT of the time.

Uberwaltz - I agree with you
take for example another timing example.  
 
The original ET2 Air Bearing Linear tracker was introduced in 1980. The same year that CD was introduced. Bad timing ? yes, but thousands were still sold. Today they cost $5000 in US dollars new and without the pump system, but can be had for under $1000 used in good shape for an original version from the 80's.

Now unless someone has driven over one with their car ,there is nothing but a good isopropyl cleaning of the manifold's capillaries,  to bring it to factory specs. No mechanical bearing to deal with, no oil or lubricant to get hard over time. Unlike the Transfi with its multi bearing (air and mechanical), the ET2 is a full 360 enclosed air bearing. But it needs a pump with air line.  

My reference tonearm is a custom build ET 2.5. Once set up properly, it outperformed all previous tonearms including VPI 12, FR64s, and a Dynavector the last of which came to me on a Jean Nantais (his preferred arm) 100 lb Lenco. This TT had the same gear on it that Salvatore called the best he has heard with the first Ref 1.

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But it takes a Type A personality to own an ET2, not a Type B.
What is an Type A you ask ?

Well, think back to before GPS in cars. If you were out in the middle of nowhere and lost, would you

Type A) pull out the map and/or ask for directions. (or)

Type B) keep prodding on hoping to find your destination.

(Type B's should not own ET2's)

Anyway there is a whole thread dedicated to this unique tonearm if anyone is interested.