[bluenosecamper]

I am looking for information on a Philco Tropic battery radio, Model # A 3629, Serial 8280, which I bought about 1955 in England and used extensively at sea until 1960. This radio has been in storage since and I am anxious to find schematics and other info. I have looked at dozens of sites with Philco Tropic radios, but to no avail. Thankyou in advance.

[klondike98]

Welcome to the Phorum!!  
I moved your post to the appropriate section. If you post a picture of the radio it might help.  How to post is in the link here.  Between 1937 and 1953 the US models started with the year, i.e 37-, etc.  In 1954 they start with B and increment a letter each year.  Except some of the Tropics seem to have a different model # as seen here.  So...it may be a British set??   The Model number of some British sets seems to follow the A3xxx pattern as seen on this fellow's site who sells schematics, but there is no A3629.  With the pic, some of the more experienced guys will know.  I'm assuming you've seen these pages on the Tropics.

[bluenosecamper]

Welcome to the Phorum!!  
I moved your post to the appropriate section. If you post a picture of the radio it might help.  How to post is in the link here.  Between 1937 and 1953 the US models started with the year, i.e 37-, etc.  In 1954 they start with B and increment a letter each year.  Except some of the Tropics seem to have a different model # as seen here.  So...it may be a British set??   The Model number of some British sets seems to follow the A3xxx pattern as seen on this fellow's site who sells schematics, but there is no A3629.  With the pic, some of the more experienced guys will know.  I'm assuming you've seen these pages on the Tropics.

Thank you Bob, I will take a photo of it and post that soon. It is British, that is where i lived when i bought it. Keith

[klondike98]

OK great.  Less info on the British sets but that means more to learn!  Also, check with Dave at Just Radios.  He has European Schematics for sale.  http://www.justradios.com/valve.html/

[klondike98]

Could it be an A3626 instead of an A3629??

[bluenosecamper]

Bob I am totally lost in trying to send photos. Is there any way I can send you a seperate e-mail with the photos attached? Keith

[klondike98]

Sure..I'll PM you with my email.

[klondike98]

Pics added for Keith...
can anyone help him out with schematic and other info.  Definitely a British A3629 and I did not find any schematic for that model in the usual places.

[bluenosecamper]

Pics added for Keith...
can anyone help him out with schematic and other info.  Definitely a British A3629 and I did not find any schematic for that model in the usual places.

Thanks Bob. Can anyone shed any light on this mystery radio from the 50's????? Keith

[Ron Ramirez]

I have a Tropic that looks just like yours, Keith...model A.3655 and it is designed for AC mains. I would say your A.3629 is the battery-operated version of my A.3655.

I do have the DVD of service information sold by UK Vintage Radio Service Data. Unfortunately, neither your set nor mine are included in the DVD.

It appears that your radio was painted gray, and that paint may be original? Some dummy painted mine red. At least now I know that the background for the dial is supposed to be burgundy in color.

[bluenosecamper]

I have a Tropic that looks just like yours, Keith...model A.3655 and it is designed for AC mains. I would say your A.3629 is the battery-operated version of my A.3655.

I do have the DVD of service information sold by UK Vintage Radio Service Data. Unfortunately, neither your set nor mine are included in the DVD.

It appears that your radio was painted gray, and that paint may be original? Some dummy painted mine red. At least now I know that the background for the dial is supposed to be burgundy in color.

Thank you Ron, now at least I know a model similar to mine exists. I am going to try to find someone locally that is able to test the tubes and try to get it working, I am not qualified to go sticking my fingers in that nest of wires  . 

[codefox1]

Yes, do have tubes tested, but on vintage sets that have not been used in decades tubes are the least of your problems. At very least the electrolytic capacitors in the power supply section are almost certainly bad, and should be replaced BEFORE you attempt to fire the set up with mains power. Once you get a schematic, post a copy of it here and someone will help you identify these "must dos."

[bluenosecamper]

Yes, do have tubes tested, but on vintage sets that have not been used in decades tubes are the least of your problems.  At very least the electrolytic capacitors in the power supply section are almost certainly bad, and should be replaced BEFORE you attempt to fire the set up with mains power.  Once you get a schematic, post a copy of it here and someone will help you identify these "must dos."

Thank you for that information. I am currently travelling and when I get home I will follow your suggestions. I would like to thank everyone on this site for the assistance.

[radiohenry]

You might go to Past Times Radio site . They are in the UK . Richard Boothe ( spelling?) may be able to help.

[radiohenry]

I did goggle Philco Tropic radio made in England and looked at one page of images but did not see your radio. Then moving from images to web there was a listing from radio museum for a model Philco made in England . Opening that at the bottom of the page they offer their listings of all Philco models made in England.( 3 pages) Many have pictures.I did not see your model listed but if it were me I might click on all the pictures and maybe you will find yours listed as another model.
                                       Good Luck ,
                                                  Henry