UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Powered By Google Custom Search Vintage Radio and TV Service Data

Go Back   UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum > General Vintage Technology > General Vintage Technology Discussions

Notices

General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 3:52 pm   #121
David G4EBT
Dekatron
 
David G4EBT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 5,737
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

A glance at the quite involved application form indicates that the 'back-story' is a central plank on which the application (one of very many, only a few of which get selected), will stand or fall. It's interesting to note that the application form is for 'casting'. The owner of the item is applying to be a member of the cast of a TV programme, with all that entails.

https://www.ricochet.co.uk/casting/t...shop_1071.aspx

The bit I always struggle with is that they state:

"If you have a damaged heirloom, a prized antique, a loved one’s treasured possession or anything else that needs restoring, apply now..."

Very few of the items I've seen on the programme can be described as 'heirlooms', prized antiques, or 'treasured possessions' or they wouldn't have got into such a dreadful state of disrepair and dilapidation. They have mostly been poorly stored, neglected, or otherwise mistreated.

Whether an item is selected depends on the quality of the application:

Quote:

"We receive a great many applications, so please do help yours stand out by giving as much detail as possible about the item and what it means to you. If you are able to include a short video as part of your application, that will also help your item get noticed".

"You can FAST TRACK your application by sending us a video (no more than 3-4 minutes!) Simply record a short video on your smart phone or iPad. Introduce yourself, your item, tell us why you’d like it repaired and why it has sentimental value to you. Don’t forget to show us the damage! If you're not sure what to say you can use a selection of questions from the above application form as a guide".

What is the history behind your item? Where is the item from and how did it come into your possession?
*(Prized family heirloom, found in the attic etc.) Please give as much detail as possible.

Tell us why the item is of special or emotional significance to you. Please give as much detail as possible.

What would it mean to you to see it restored/repaired and working again?

End quote.

The programme formula seems to chime with the millions of viewers:

Disconsolate applicant turns up with a dilapidated item, hoping against hope that it can be at least repaired if not restored to its former glory. The team gets to work, the applicant returns for the big reveal, and is tearfully overcome with joy and emotion at the transformation. It works every time: All's well that ends well - put the kettle on.

In a troubled world in which nothing seems to be going right, it's escapism, and if it lifts the viewers spirits, there's no harm in that. After all, TV has been described as 'the opiate of the masses' and maybe still is for some, but I think social media probably wears that crown these days.
__________________
David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club member 1339.
David G4EBT is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 4:00 pm   #122
stevehertz
Dekatron
 
stevehertz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ms660 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doghouse Riley View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ms660 View Post
A lot of the posts in this thread remind me of the four those.

1) Those that know.

2) Those that don't know.

3) Those that don't know that they don't know.

4) Those that don't give a rats either ways.



Lawrence.
Thanks for that wonderful insight, you've added much to a topic in which you've obviously no interest.
But sometimes I do when I correct some on here for the lack of observation/not paying attention before criticising Mr. Stuckey (no names mentioned)

When I've watched it I've actually quite liked the program and I don't get what all the moans/fuss is about, after all it's only TV program.

The program makers seem to have done a good job targeting the market audience, not only have they got the attention of their usual viewers they've also got the attention of the most critical it would seem...which has got to be a win win for them so far as eyes on screens goes.

Lawrence.
Your logic makes perfect sense Lawrence even if I didn't quite 'get' your previous post!
__________________
A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..
stevehertz is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 4:27 pm   #123
radio69
Tetrode
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Hangleton, (Hove) East Sussex. UK.
Posts: 61
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Wow, I've had exams that were easier than that application form, good grief!!

You only have to look around to 'see the tv landscape' as it were. Reality tv is now the standard, the default setting. It didn't used to be, but it is now. Sad, but true. We have finally reached the bottom of the barrel....and continue to scrape.....very hard....

TV production companies produce 'content' - 'shows' not 'programmes'. As an aside, I remember Piers Morgan on Question Time a few years ago: "...the last time I was on this show...." to which David Dimbleby instantly cut across him: "It's not a show - it's a programme!"

So 'The Repair Shop' is a 'show'; it's not a documentary; it's not 'Horizon' or 'Civilisation' or 'The Secret War' (perish the thought)

I watched the 'show' last night; a nice old Fergie. Interesting that no electronic repairs were shown; just a quick once-over, some other chap making a new part, and the girl fitting some new grille cloth. Oh, and a bit of paint scraping for good measure....
They must have footage of Mark's electronic repairs - in his interview I remember him saying that everything has to be done on camera at the barn - it just must end-up on the cutting-room floor; or in the Recycle Bin of the Editor's IMac....
radio69 is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 4:33 pm   #124
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Some might say "If you don't like it, don't watch it."


They seem to forget that it's permissible to indulge in a bit of mickey taking of an otherwise mostly enjoyable TV programme.


One mustn't forget the comedy element of this programme.

I like Jay Blades, he's very involved in this programme, yet hardly does anything. Yes you see him plane a bit of wood sometimes but it's usually unconnected with any project.
I bet he feels better that the producers no longer require him to wear that stupid looking unblemished glossy designer leather full length apron, with the unused 1" paintbrush stuck permanently in the top pocket.
That always made me smile.
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 4:36 pm   #125
radio69
Tetrode
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Hangleton, (Hove) East Sussex. UK.
Posts: 61
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

It makes me laugh how he never takes off his titfer......
I was always taught that ladies can wear a hat indoors, but gentlemen should remove them...
radio69 is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 4:48 pm   #126
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by radio69 View Post
Wow, I've had exams that were easier than that application form, good grief!!

You only have to look around to 'see the tv landscape' as it were. Reality tv is now the standard, the default setting. It didn't used to be, but it is now. Sad, but true. We have finally reached the bottom of the barrel....and continue to scrape.....very hard....

TV production companies produce 'content' - 'shows' not 'programmes'. As an aside, I remember Piers Morgan on Question Time a few years ago: "...the last time I was on this show...." to which David Dimbleby instantly cut across him: "It's not a show - it's a programme!"

So 'The Repair Shop' is a 'show'; it's not a documentary; it's not 'Horizon' or 'Civilisation' or 'The Secret War' (perish the thought)

I watched the 'show' last night; a nice old Fergie. Interesting that no electronic repairs were shown; just a quick once-over, some other chap making a new part, and the girl fitting some new grille cloth. Oh, and a bit of paint scraping for good measure....
They must have footage of Mark's electronic repairs - in his interview I remember him saying that everything has to be done on camera at the barn - it just must end-up on the cutting-room floor; or in the Recycle Bin of the Editor's IMac....
That was a bit two faced of Dimbleby.


He presented a historical series on Britain a few years ago. In one episode "six men" (I'm joking, but I bet it needed more than two), hoisted him up in a harness and crash helmet to examine a feature on the ceiling of a church.
He was filmed as he went up and then we were shown a close-up taken with a camera on "zoom" from the church floor, of the feature about which he wanted to talk.
So there was absolutely no necessity for him to be hauled up there.

But it was a "show" wasn't it?
He probably thought he looked good. I though at his age, he looked daft.
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 5:10 pm   #127
dodgy-dxer
Heptode
 
dodgy-dxer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 611
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Paul

Watch the video interview with Mark linked in post 94

He states they get very little forewarning of what they have to do, and even less time to do it

Fred


Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulR View Post
At least he didn't rip out the internals and substitute a modern amp. The mat on original similar turntables I have come across has gone rock hard but no mention was made of that. I also wondered about the suitability of the replaced idler wheel as it almost stopped when the record dropped. The original seemed to be warped.

I don't find the electronic repairs to be particularly interesting as I think "I could do that" I envy the lovely equipment the clock repairer has " I will just turn one up on the lathe" and the resources generally available. I could never repair ceramics, paintings, leather or wooden items to the standards shown which are very high but maybe others who do it as a hobby feel about those as I do about the electronics items.

I am under no illusions that this is the first time the restorers have seen the items or that they and their stories aren't carefully vetted before being accepted but I find the programme interesting and entertaining.
dodgy-dxer is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 5:26 pm   #128
Restoration73
Nonode
 
Restoration73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK.
Posts: 2,801
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

It's a global market in TV, and the production company will also sell into other countries.

So whilst made in the UK which is probably the primary market (it is shown on more than
one UK channel) there may be other audiences and versions for distribution. I would be
interested in seeing a "version" made elsewhere to a simular formula.
Restoration73 is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 6:23 pm   #129
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgy-dxer View Post
Paul

Watch the video interview with Mark linked in post 94

He states they get very little forewarning of what they have to do, and even less time to do it

Fred
//////
Don't believe that, I think it's typical BBC PR spin.

Sometimes stuff has to be sent away for sandblasting or re-chroming.

Same with as I mentioned before, specialised equipment has to be brought in for some jobs that wasn't in the barn in the previous episode.

"It takes as long as it needs to do the job, then it's edited down to fit the time available on the show."

It's "show business."
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 6:40 pm   #130
ex seismic
Heptode
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Tonbridge, Kent, UK.
Posts: 685
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

The prized and much loved heirloom that has at in the loft/garage/garden/shed (your choice) for 50 years until someone comes along and offers to repair it for free AND you get to be on the telly.

I used to watch it and admire the skills of some of the staff but like some others here I cannot stand the weepie bits so have stopped watching it. And yes, I accept it is purely entertainment for the masses, not the technically inclined. I find Salvage Hunters - The Restorers a much better programme.
ex seismic is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 6:54 pm   #131
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ex seismic View Post
The prized and much loved heirloom that has at in the loft/garage/garden/shed (your choice) for 50 years until someone comes along and offers to repair it for free AND you get to be on the telly.

I used to watch it and admire the skills of some of the staff but like some others here I cannot stand the weepie bits so have stopped watching it. And yes, I accept it is purely entertainment for the masses, not the technically inclined. I find Salvage Hunters - The Restorers a much better programme.
I find some of these similar programmes far too presenter orientated.

I could never see the sense of having "one of the usual subjects" inbetween the camera and the object. I'd rather have a closer look without them, I'd rather have a voice over instead.
Far too many of those on permanent contracts to a channel use the programme as a "showcase for their talents" with their eye on a possible future presenter opportunity, so indulge in a lot of "showboating."
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 2nd Sep 2022, 9:35 pm   #132
Junk Box Nick
Octode
 
Junk Box Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 1,571
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doghouse Riley View Post
My point was that the BBC, as often, think their target audience is more stupid and have poor attention spans, than in reality.
This is goes for most TV production. I tried Smithsonian channel but began to lose the will to live because after every commercial break they had to recap what you’d seen before the commercial break. And then there was the inevitable working up of/introduce the drama.

Civilisation would never be made today.
Junk Box Nick is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 12:49 pm   #133
Welsh Anorak
Dekatron
 
Welsh Anorak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: North Wales, UK.
Posts: 6,884
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Ref post #121 -= "TV is the opiate of the masses". Karl Marx would be turning in his grave. Or perhaps not...
__________________
Glyn
www.gdelectronics.wales
Welsh Anorak is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 1:06 pm   #134
Beobloke
Heptode
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 816
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doghouse Riley View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgy-dxer View Post
Paul

Watch the video interview with Mark linked in post 94

He states they get very little forewarning of what they have to do, and even less time to do it

Fred
//////
Don't believe that, I think it's typical BBC PR spin.
Not always. I remember getting a call from a vintage audio dealer friend of mine at 7am on a Saturday morning, desperately searching for a ceramic cartridge for one of the Repair Shop audio jobs, as the handover to the owner was happening later that day.

He’s helped them out on a number of occasions and says there’s rarely much time to organise anything properly!
Beobloke is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 1:17 pm   #135
The Philpott
Dekatron
 
The Philpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Colchester, Essex, UK.
Posts: 4,081
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

I would like to see some ad-lib breaking of the 'fourth wall' to insert a bit of humour. Then again it would likely be edited out. It would also be good to see the cock-ups- and we know they happen, it's just a fact of life!
Dave
The Philpott is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 1:59 pm   #136
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beobloke View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doghouse Riley View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dodgy-dxer View Post
Paul

Watch the video interview with Mark linked in post 94

He states they get very little forewarning of what they have to do, and even less time to do it

Fred
//////
Don't believe that, I think it's typical BBC PR spin.
Not always. I remember getting a call from a vintage audio dealer friend of mine at 7am on a Saturday morning, desperately searching for a ceramic cartridge for one of the Repair Shop audio jobs, as the handover to the owner was happening later that day.

He’s helped them out on a number of occasions and says there’s rarely much time to organise anything properly!
Obviously the owner would have to be at the barn at a particular day and time for the recording of the "reveal" and may have to travel some way. This might entail an overnight stay.

It would be likely that the item would have been given a final check the day before the hand over to ensure there wouldn't be a problem. That doesn't say the repair wasn't weeks in the restoration.

I don't think the repairs are recorded in sequence.

There's "the usual suspects" plus several others that are brought in for particular jobs. Common sense tells me that more than one of these specific jobs would be filmed at the same time and slotted later into different programmes.
It's not mentioned in the long list of credits, but I bet someone is responsible for continuity. It's "telly" after all.
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 3rd Sep 2022, 3:32 pm   #137
radio69
Tetrode
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Hangleton, (Hove) East Sussex. UK.
Posts: 61
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

If you haven't already; it's well worth watching the interview with Mark Stuckey posted further up this thread. He describes a lot about the filming process, and camera use, etc.
radio69 is offline  
Old 5th Sep 2022, 10:21 pm   #138
avocollector
Heptode
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Wellington, New Zealand.
Posts: 653
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

I must admit to loving the repair shop - it corresponds to and England I would have liked - the outside views with the Robins, horses, birdies and verdant brass - with not a cow or horse dropping in sight. The barn seems a bit weird as soldering you would think nowadays it would have be done with an extractor fan (health and safety) due to the old lead content. I find the ladies with the teddy bears a bit goulish at times 'Now dear mary we CUT off the head' etc but love whatg they do. I just wish there was more video of the actual repairs rather than all the emotional weeping and wailing that goes on. Of course here in NZ we get the programms yonks later but the only one I recall thinking 'hmm' to was when a turntable was being restored and the restorer glued a new cartridge (the olds one had disintegrated) in place on the tone arm rather then mounting it with bolts etc. But it seemed to play OK and I suppose can always be reglued. Jay Blades is like everybody's favourite London uncle so overall it does give the warm fuzzies still. I must admit though I'd love to see the bloopers ie ' did you notice the pattern was complete again on the plate - before you dropped it?' or 'Here's our grandad - he 's not moving, breathing, and smells JUST awful - can you fix him??'
avocollector is offline  
Old 6th Sep 2022, 12:21 am   #139
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by avocollector View Post
I must admit to loving the repair shop - it corresponds to and England I would have liked - the outside views with the Robins, horses, birdies and verdant brass - with not a cow or horse dropping in sight. The barn seems a bit weird as soldering you would think nowadays it would have be done with an extractor fan (health and safety) due to the old lead content. I find the ladies with the teddy bears a bit goulish at times 'Now dear mary we CUT off the head' etc but love whatg they do. I just wish there was more video of the actual repairs rather than all the emotional weeping and wailing that goes on. Of course here in NZ we get the programms yonks later but the only one I recall thinking 'hmm' to was when a turntable was being restored and the restorer glued a new cartridge (the olds one had disintegrated) in place on the tone arm rather then mounting it with bolts etc. But it seemed to play OK and I suppose can always be reglued. Jay Blades is like everybody's favourite London uncle so overall it does give the warm fuzzies still. I must admit though I'd love to see the bloopers ie ' did you notice the pattern was complete again on the plate - before you dropped it?' or 'Here's our grandad - he 's not moving, breathing, and smells JUST awful - can you fix him??'

I can understand, it's a case of "the realms of the possible," as far as repairs go. They must get asked about a lot of stuff that is unrepairable or lacking in general interest. The "back story." has to be of appeal, it's 50% of the content.

Sometimes they don't do a complete job. I remember with the repair of a pinball machine, the type that uses the solenoid powered bumpers and huge ball bearings, they didn't get the accumulative points score going and didn't mention it. With an old National cash register they got the sale part working but admitted they couldn't repair the function that gave the day's sales. But it "looked good" which for the viewers is considered all that matters.
The clocks are always complete repairs and are very impressive. Wear is usually limited to bearings which can be replaced. It's harder with ceramics as they are, "painting over repaired cracks." The colour as it's not fired, could wear off or fade over time.

Some repairs are a bit short term. As I've mentioned before with a portable radio. As they informed us, 90v batteries were now, as we say, "made of unobtainium," soldering together ten small 9v batteries in series, could only be a short term solution. "For demonstration purposes only?" At least the owner could listen to it for a short time.
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Old 7th Sep 2022, 9:18 pm   #140
Doghouse Riley
No Longer a Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Manchester, UK.
Posts: 194
Default Re: The Repair Shop. BBC TV programme.

Tonight's was a good episode.

A lot of work went into the repair of the Olympic torch.
The burner was mentioned and its heat shield that needed replacing. It looked as if it had been at the "reveal," but it wasn't mentioned again. The end result was impressive, but " no flame." I imagine there were 'elf n' safety concerns.

I wondered why they didn't put some filler between the joints of the planks on the big wooden sign, they were visible from the ground. It's where rainwater had got in and started the rot before.

The jukebox repair, a 1980 Ami R1-3 Jewel, was far more detailed than others they've done before.

It was right that they kept the original hand-written title cards and not run off a new batch which would have been so easy to do.

I shudder to think how much this repair would have actually cost. This era of machines (circa late seventies, 1980s and later) with their computers are often considered unrepairable unless a computer from a donor machine is found.

I was impressed with the selection of records chosen by the original owner of the machine, from the brief look we got of the title cards.

I noticed a few were the same as mine, including this seventies classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmAJUOXBwTQ&t=7s

The mechanisms and electrics in mine, from 1969 and 1976, had hardly changed since the forties.

Last edited by Doghouse Riley; 7th Sep 2022 at 9:44 pm.
Doghouse Riley is offline  
Closed Thread

Thread Tools



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 1:52 am.


All information and advice on this forum is subject to the WARNING AND DISCLAIMER located at https://www.vintage-radio.net/rules.html.
Failure to heed this warning may result in death or serious injury to yourself and/or others.


Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.