11-26-2017, 08:32 PM
Hi Folks,
In this thread I will share the tale of a 16X that was found, saved, nearly lost again and is now getting close to its second saving and a more full restoration. There are pictures I will share along the way, some of which might upset those of a nervous disposition.
Chapter 1: the find
Rewind to the year 2000, and a blossoming love affair stretched from the UK to California (I promise there wont be too much sloppy stuff). My new girlfriend bid me visit the West Coast, and just before my arrival, had spotted a radio and decided I might find it interesting. It was among the last items in a yard sale and was secured for $20 from the sellers who were glad to see it go. During that trip it was possible to get enough info to identify it and order a schematic. We worked on the cabinet with help from museum conservator friends. I returned to the UK with a list of items and plans to get back to California. During my next trip, there was time to tinker and add the caps I had brought, still aware that the blocks needed attention. The set was basically complete but dilapidated, had been repaired in the past since the old wet electrolytics were gone and other signs told the tale. With attention to some caps completed, including the large multi block but not the bakelite blocks, it was time to test. At this point the radio played rather well, and was reassembled and kept carefully in the house with the intention to restore in full when there was time...
Well, before I knew it, lots of life happened with no time to revisit this project. Then we were packing up the LA house and moving to Northern California, and the radio had nowhere to go but storage.
Tune in next post to the thrilling tale of agent 16X and her rescue from "The Pit of Dispair".
The radio is an early 5 band 16X matching the 1934 spec. The cabinet is the style with 3 posts in front of the speaker, lyre motifs and a large flat top, similar to some 18X sets. Pics soon.
In this thread I will share the tale of a 16X that was found, saved, nearly lost again and is now getting close to its second saving and a more full restoration. There are pictures I will share along the way, some of which might upset those of a nervous disposition.
Chapter 1: the find
Rewind to the year 2000, and a blossoming love affair stretched from the UK to California (I promise there wont be too much sloppy stuff). My new girlfriend bid me visit the West Coast, and just before my arrival, had spotted a radio and decided I might find it interesting. It was among the last items in a yard sale and was secured for $20 from the sellers who were glad to see it go. During that trip it was possible to get enough info to identify it and order a schematic. We worked on the cabinet with help from museum conservator friends. I returned to the UK with a list of items and plans to get back to California. During my next trip, there was time to tinker and add the caps I had brought, still aware that the blocks needed attention. The set was basically complete but dilapidated, had been repaired in the past since the old wet electrolytics were gone and other signs told the tale. With attention to some caps completed, including the large multi block but not the bakelite blocks, it was time to test. At this point the radio played rather well, and was reassembled and kept carefully in the house with the intention to restore in full when there was time...
Well, before I knew it, lots of life happened with no time to revisit this project. Then we were packing up the LA house and moving to Northern California, and the radio had nowhere to go but storage.
Tune in next post to the thrilling tale of agent 16X and her rescue from "The Pit of Dispair".
The radio is an early 5 band 16X matching the 1934 spec. The cabinet is the style with 3 posts in front of the speaker, lyre motifs and a large flat top, similar to some 18X sets. Pics soon.
I don't hold with furniture that talks.
