Well, I have been completing various project around the farm, some that have been sitting incomplete for many years. And one was to complete the wood working room in my shop. And...now it's finally done!
So, the first large project I'm starting is the rebuild of a radio that's been waiting for about 12 years. It's a Northern Electric 1321A Vimy, built in 1938. It was the top-o-the-line set for that year, 13 tubes, allwave reception, high fidelity, and station presets. It is so named to commemorate the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge in the First World War. A bit eerie, being that Canada would be engaged in the second great war in the matter of a year after it was sold...
That is an interesting and unique radio, and looks to be well worth saving. Lots of work ahead, and I look forward to following along
Cheers
Ed
That is a very interesting radio. I really like the dial, controls, and speaker chamber
Yes, I've often thought about covering the speaker chamber of a console to see what difference it makes. This radio is truly a different look. I hope it sounds as good as it looks.
Rod
I have it taken apart, and the repair process has begun...
Wowsers! look at that transformer... I am guessing it was designed to be compatible with 25 cycle/s mains?
Yes, it is a 25-60 cycle set. They built two versions. The "A" in the model number designated 25 cycle. I seem to find more 25 cycle sets than 60 cycle here in Canuckistan. How common are they in the U.S.?
Transformer and speaker seem far too tiny!
You need to be a wrestler to get that chassis out of the cabinet. Only thing I know about Vimy is Battle of Vimy Ridge WWI. Good luck with that big fella.
I am curious as to how you are making out with the Northern Electric Vimy?
I have a Vimy and a Bombay. and they both perform good although on my Vimy I could not get one of the presets to work.
Dan in Caalgary
Chassis looks like fun. Console, not so much! this will be interesting to watch. please provide lots of pics!
Hi Dan,
Progress has been made, but slowly. Lots n lots of gluing and clamping! And my work has picked up a bit, so I'm fitting this in whenever I can (and am in the mood) :p
BTW, I have the London...and while it needs lots of work too, it's not nearly as bad condition wise.
If you need full schematics to diagnose your preset issue, I can send you a copy.
Hi Robert,
Yep, I'm taking pictures. I'll try to update on a weekly basis...
Brad,thanks for the offer on the schematics, but I have all the schematics.. The model that I sold was the one that the preset didn't work in.
The customer liked the cabinet so much ,he wasn't concerned about every preset working.
Keep up with the photos. it is a lot of clamping
Dan in Calgary