The PHILCO Phorum

Hi guys,

Here's a radio I picked up in Charlotte a couple weeks back. I was browsing craigslist on a whim, and decided to look for Philcos. This 14 had been sitting there for two months, and I paid $45 for it. This is my first set with shadow meter tuning and a real class A power output, with 3x 42s. It's in fantastic condition, other than the finish. Stored in decent climate for many years. Even the original line cord is intact. I'm really excited about this one!

How rare are these sets? I can find precious little info or pictures on the web. According to the gallery, 13,000 14B, 18B and 44B sets were made. Judging by the comparatively plentiful photos and articles on the other two, I would think this one is fairly scarce. Even the cabinet label seems to be stuck over something else. 

Something you don't get through the pictures is the behemoth size of this radio. It's the biggest cathedral I think I've seen.

Dont know anything about it but $45.00 was a steal. I hope they didnt get your license plate

Me

The 14 is very similar to the model 18. It uses a type 37 as the 2nd detector followed by a type 77 for the 1st audio, where in the 18 both functions were handled by a type 75, giving the 14 one extra tube. It should be a good performer.

As for the price, well, the speaker alone is worth more than you paid for the radio.

Steve

Look at the size of the transformer, very nice.

Paul

Skyscraper,

First of all - Welcome back!

And what a great find - a 14B!

The 14B and 18B share the same cabinet and are the same size, which may explain the 14 tube layout sticker over the top of another - perhaps an 18 tube layout sticker underneath? As Steve said, the main difference between the two is one extra tube in the 14.

The 16B and 17B cathedrals are larger, but still...as I said, great find!

Man!  Ya dunn good!
A Keeper.   


 

Is that the same cabinet as the 91B??

Terry

No, it is the same as an 18B cabinet. 

Steve

Thanks all!

I would have thought there would be at least a few collectors in Charlotte watching craigslist in the span of two months.. But hey, I'm not complaining.

The gentleman I bought it from had inherited it from his grandmother. Based on call letters penciled in on the dial, I think it spent its productive years around New York. He said they powered it up about 10 years ago and it played well, but it hasn't been touched since. It has lived indoors in a foam filled moving box since. So, I have high hopes for the more expensive parts.

Terry, it certainly looks like it, but I'll defer to Mr. Philco

Chuck, thanks! Do you have good service literature on the 14? I think I'll be placing an order if you do.

Actually if these sets are the same as a model 18 other then for the addition of a #37 as a detector tube, the power output stage is not class A it's a class A-B power output stage with three triode connected type #42 tubes. That being said one of the common failure points is a large bleeder resistor connected between the B+ and ground that is mounted across the inside rear apron of the chassis. It's a non standard value, 7500 Ohm I think, so to replace it you have to make it up with a combo of standard value wire wounds.
Regards
Arran

(11-24-2015, 11:43 PM)skyscraper Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks all!

..........

Chuck, thanks! Do you have good service literature on the 14? I think I'll be placing an order if you do.

Yep, got all the info you need.  Just order when ready to tackle the Beast.

  
Chuck

What a great find, all we have in the Collinsville Illinois area is Buick radio movers
like Ron found awhile back