Wartime Civilian Radio back to life - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

coopzone · 2nd Dec 2018, 4:12 pm

I've been working on this set for a few days on and off and am pleased to say it's almost back to 100% working.

Had an issue with feedback due to loose IF can and it needed some wiring / cleaning / replacement caps etc normal stuff.

The wextector was sadly missing - so in loving memory of it i've built a look-alike one, see pics. Also did hide the new PSU caps in coloured card tubes just to keeps it looking a bit more in keeping with it's 75 years!

Also the case was in a mess, but has polished up ok after some hard work with various sand papers etc. The new speaker grill cloth (see photo) is a tea towel from morrisons supermarket (well it looks ok and it's cheap!)

What I need now is new graphics for the top label and back label, does anyone know where to get them or have electronic copies of these. I can get them printed ok just can't find them online anyplace.

Derek

ronbryan · 2nd Dec 2018, 4:33 pm

Here is a top label that was put on the Forum a while back.

Ron

coopzone · 2nd Dec 2018, 5:28 pm

Thanks for that, one to go....

David G4EBT · 2nd Dec 2018, 6:17 pm

If it's any help, back in 2017 I made a couple of sheets of waterslide transfers as depicted in Ron's post and offered them for sale at two transfers for £1.25 post free. They all went and I subsequently received PM requests, so printed off some more sheets. I've still got a few transfers left so if it's any help to you Derek, (or to anyone else who may need them), just send me a PM with postal name and address.

Why two you may ask?

Applying waterslide transfers (decals) is an acquired skill and anyone who hasn't applied any may well mess up at the first attempt, though I'll supply instructions.

The original thread is at the link below, which explains a bit more about the transfers - how to successfully apply them etc, and a picture of one applied to wood. If you prefer to have a go at making your own transfers, post #10 in the earlier thread explains how to create them. You can use either an ink-jet printer (as I do), or a laser printer, but must use the correct 'decal' paper for the type of printer in use.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=137619

Hope that might help.

David G4EBT · 2nd Dec 2018, 6:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopzone

Thanks for that, one to go....

Ooops, I forgot to say that I can send you a printed back label too, as depicted below on the replica back I made.

(The paper will be 'aged' rather than white, to try to make it look a bit more authentic).

If you want the waterslide transfers, I'll pop a label in too as it's no extra post.

Herald1360 · 2nd Dec 2018, 11:02 pm

Did the cabinets look that good even when they were new?

coopzone · 3rd Dec 2018, 2:18 pm

Just to says thanks for the offer Dave, but i think i have managed to source the artwork ok. I'm getting some printouts etc made today - if they turn out to be rubbish i'll PM you !

And i don't know if the cases where originally that 'gold' colour - I doubt it, but after a few layers of wax and I suspect a previous owners wood stain! this one now is! Why do you like it?

Derek

David G4EBT · 3rd Dec 2018, 5:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopzone

Just to says thanks for the offer Dave, but i think i have managed to source the artwork ok. I'm getting some printouts etc made today - if they turn out to be rubbish i'll PM you !
Derek

No probs Derek - the labels there if you need them.

michamoo · 3rd Dec 2018, 5:23 pm

I have never seen a version with a black dial before!

TrevorG3VLF · 3rd Dec 2018, 5:59 pm

My battery radio seems to be made of plain unstained wood with perhaps a thin coat of varnish. It has been treated harshly, used a stool and speaker for my transceiver. It is time it all came together as it was made.

Herald1360 · 3rd Dec 2018, 6:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopzone

.......

And i don't know if the cases where originally that 'gold' colour - I doubt it, but after a few layers of wax and I suspect a previous owners wood stain! this one now is! Why do you like it?

Derek

I like it as a look with that black dial; I suspect it isn't exactly original!

I always thought that the original finish was deliberately utilitarian, more so than material shortages would have dictated. Maybe the manufacturers had one eye on post war replacement sales?

coopzone · 3rd Dec 2018, 6:53 pm

I did find some info on this version but alas i don't seem to be able to find it again... I believe the dial is original and that the LW on this model was factory fitted, it's not an add on kit. I remember that the article said this was one of the later versions. It's a U3 version if anyone is interested I think that was Cossor made.

Derek

John10b · 3rd Dec 2018, 7:33 pm

In the Radio Shop that I worked in back in the 50s, down in the stock room (cellar) we had several of those receivers and they certainly didn’t look as good as in the Photo. You did a nice job on the cabinet.
Cheers
John

Hybrid tellies · 4th Dec 2018, 12:37 pm

You have done a great job with this set it looks superb. When I look at my civilian radio and admire the quality and build of the cabinet its hard to believe they were built in times of deep austerity.

Herald1360 · 5th Dec 2018, 12:24 am

They were short of material, not the capability to assemble what they could get in a workmanlike manner.

2nd Dec 2018, 4:33 pm	#2
ronbryan Octode Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,960	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life Here is a top label that was put on the Forum a while back. Ron Attached Thumbnails

2nd Dec 2018, 5:28 pm	#3
coopzone Hexode Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Cannock, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 268	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life Thanks for that, one to go....

2nd Dec 2018, 6:17 pm	#4
David G4EBT Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 5,763	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life If it's any help, back in 2017 I made a couple of sheets of waterslide transfers as depicted in Ron's post and offered them for sale at two transfers for £1.25 post free. They all went and I subsequently received PM requests, so printed off some more sheets. I've still got a few transfers left so if it's any help to you Derek, (or to anyone else who may need them), just send me a PM with postal name and address. Why two you may ask? Applying waterslide transfers (decals) is an acquired skill and anyone who hasn't applied any may well mess up at the first attempt, though I'll supply instructions. The original thread is at the link below, which explains a bit more about the transfers - how to successfully apply them etc, and a picture of one applied to wood. If you prefer to have a go at making your own transfers, post #10 in the earlier thread explains how to create them. You can use either an ink-jet printer (as I do), or a laser printer, but must use the correct 'decal' paper for the type of printer in use. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=137619 Hope that might help. __________________ David. BVWS Member. G-QRP Club member 1339.

2nd Dec 2018, 11:02 pm	#6
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life Did the cabinets look that good even when they were new? __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

3rd Dec 2018, 2:18 pm	#7
coopzone Hexode Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Cannock, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 268	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life Just to says thanks for the offer Dave, but i think i have managed to source the artwork ok. I'm getting some printouts etc made today - if they turn out to be rubbish i'll PM you ! And i don't know if the cases where originally that 'gold' colour - I doubt it, but after a few layers of wax and I suspect a previous owners wood stain! this one now is! Why do you like it? Derek

2nd Dec 2018, 4:12 pm	#1
coopzone Hexode Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Cannock, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 268	Wartime Civilian Radio back to life I've been working on this set for a few days on and off and am pleased to say it's almost back to 100% working. Had an issue with feedback due to loose IF can and it needed some wiring / cleaning / replacement caps etc normal stuff. The wextector was sadly missing - so in loving memory of it i've built a look-alike one, see pics. Also did hide the new PSU caps in coloured card tubes just to keeps it looking a bit more in keeping with it's 75 years! Also the case was in a mess, but has polished up ok after some hard work with various sand papers etc. The new speaker grill cloth (see photo) is a tea towel from morrisons supermarket (well it looks ok and it's cheap!) What I need now is new graphics for the top label and back label, does anyone know where to get them or have electronic copies of these. I can get them printed ok just can't find them online anyplace. Derek Attached Thumbnails

3rd Dec 2018, 5:23 pm	#9
michamoo Hexode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Cambridge, Cambs. UK. Posts: 469	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life I have never seen a version with a black dial before! __________________ If smoking is so bad for you, how come it cures kippers?

3rd Dec 2018, 5:59 pm	#10
TrevorG3VLF Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Matlock, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 1,378	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life My battery radio seems to be made of plain unstained wood with perhaps a thin coat of varnish. It has been treated harshly, used a stool and speaker for my transceiver. It is time it all came together as it was made.

3rd Dec 2018, 6:53 pm	#12
coopzone Hexode Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Cannock, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 268	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life I did find some info on this version but alas i don't seem to be able to find it again... I believe the dial is original and that the LW on this model was factory fitted, it's not an add on kit. I remember that the article said this was one of the later versions. It's a U3 version if anyone is interested I think that was Cossor made. Derek

3rd Dec 2018, 7:33 pm	#13
John10b Nonode Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales, UK. Posts: 2,887	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life In the Radio Shop that I worked in back in the 50s, down in the stock room (cellar) we had several of those receivers and they certainly didn’t look as good as in the Photo. You did a nice job on the cabinet. Cheers John

4th Dec 2018, 12:37 pm	#14
Hybrid tellies Nonode Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 1966-1976 Coverack in Cornwall and Helston Cornwall. 1976-present Bristol/Bath area. Posts: 2,967	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life You have done a great job with this set it looks superb. When I look at my civilian radio and admire the quality and build of the cabinet its hard to believe they were built in times of deep austerity. __________________ Simon BVWS member

5th Dec 2018, 12:24 am	#15
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,536	Re: Wartime Civilian Radio back to life They were short of material, not the capability to assemble what they could get in a workmanlike manner. __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O