The PHILCO Phorum

Hey everyone,
There is a listing on Craigslist for what the owner says is a Philco 40-215. not too far from me. I'm not normally into Philcos of this period, but have been thinking I would like to get one with the "Mystery Control". Is this set one that would have it? The seller makes no mention of a control unit, so I don't think it has one. If it is a mystery control model, will any other control unit work with it? I would also like to get anyones opinion of what a fair offer would be? The seller is asking $200 but says price is not firm. It looks to be in fair condition, although it looks like it might be missing some veneer on the front. I might be interested in it and would like to make an offer, but not sure where to start on this one. Any input or opinions on this set would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Kevin
http://sheboygan.craigslist.org/atq/3506288127.html

It has chipped veneer on the front but the finish on the top is also shot. It would be nice if there were some photos of the sides of the cabinet as well. I wouldn't know where to begin on an offer, to me it's maybe worth $50-75 tops as is. Don't forget that these are full of rubber covered wire, and it's missing the remote control box, unless the seller has it sitting around and not knowing that it belongs with the radio. According to the gallery it's the same as a 40-205RX/39-55RX chassis, except that they added a pair of shortwave bands. An interesting set because of the remote control but nothing special in terms of performance, basically a five tube radio with a push pull output stage, no extra RF or IF amplifiers.
Regards
Arran

I think Arran pretty much summed it up for me. If you really like the set, I could see paying up to $100. $200? Naah, I would pass and wait for a better one at a lower price.

In fact, if you wait for Radiofest in August, you might find a better one there at 1/4 the price of this one. I do not know if there are any radio clubs in Wisconsin.

To be honest I like the cabinet styling of most of these squarish 1939-42 Philco consoles, but if I were going for a remote control set it would have to be one of the /16 series that at least has something in the front end. This is a very average console set with the gimmick of remote control, better then the 40-205RX but not enough to pay top dollar for.
Regards
Arran

Agree with Arran too. For $200 you might find something like 38 or 37-116 that will knock the socks off of the 40-215. Must admit it is a interesting design but a lot of work to get it working right.
GL & Happy New Year!!
Terry

Thanks for the input guys! Arrans thoughts as to price were pretty spot on to mine. I was going to contact the seller and offer him $50 to $75 for it, but after thinking it over, I'm going to pass on it. I've got enough projects as is The only reason it called to me was because it was a Mystery Contol set. By the way Terry I have a 37-116 in the collection, waiting for some attention, but, looking at that chassis, I'm kinda scared to work on it I here they are great performers though!! Thanks again and Happy New Year to everyone!
Kevin

On the 37-116 after you build the stand to hold the chassis upside down that half the battle. The other half is marking everything (wires on the RF deck) so you can get it back together right the first time. The rest is the same old replace all the cap and resistors on the RF deck and the caps on the rest. Check the resistors. Lots of fun!!!!
Terry