R1155

[Smuggler FM]

Here is the R1155 that I have been restoring. It has taken a couple of years and isn't finished yet but it works on all bands. Some of the DF circuitry is still to be reinstated even though it will probably never be used. It was stripped back to bare metal and all resistors replaced and most capacitors restuffed. The PSU/amp is the standard 6v6 5z4 setup. It's currently keeping my garage warm and I may build a solid state version for summer.

It was bought as a donor for another R1155 but turned out to be more interesting being older and aluminium so got restored instead. Peter Holtham's book, the other R1155 as a guide, this website, a load of photos taken during disassembly and Ebay were all part of the success.

Thanks for reading.

[Smuggler FM]

Most of the labels were too badly damaged to hope for successful restoration so I made some more. They are made of thin aluminium with black paint applied over a silver background using a silk screen. Looking at the originals I am not convinced they are painted but anodised. I may try making some anodised versions using the same artwork.

[Smuggler FM]

I'm not sure what version of R1155 this is because the data plate was completely rusty. Given its likely age I assumed it was an A. The data plate was de-rusted using electrolysis to reveal the serial number and another silkscreen made to add the black paint once it had been copper plated. The original showed signs of brass plating under all of the rust but I don't know how to do that.

[Aub]

Looks beautiful. You must have spent loads of time on it.

Aub

[G6Tanuki]

Impressive indeed!! I admire the effort you have put into it.

How well does it work?? Try listening around 3615 tomorrow morning and you should hear some of us vintage AM operators. Several of them use 1154/1155 on the band.

[Silicon]

I like the wrinkle paint. What brand of paint did you use?

[deliverance]

Very nice looks great .

[turretslug]

That's lovely! Great to see this classic respectfully restored after what must have been lots of time and care. I've seen too many sad R1155 wrecks apparently vultured/neglected beyond hope under tables at vintage meets, so it's good to see a happy outcome here. I do like the idea of retaining/restoring the DF circuitry, and using an external PSU/AF amp, that one has an appropriate "utility-funk" look to it.

[Radio Wrangler]

The people who got to see R1155s in that condition were on their way to drop bombs and be shot at.

It is an exceptional restoration. There isn't too much gloss to the black wrinkle paint. The period word would be 'spiffing' !

David

[Reelman]

Wonderful job you’ve made of that, you have every right to be proud!
When I finally get round to mine again, I originally got them working in the 70s, I intend to restore the DF circuit to working order. Fortunately I have the plugs, meter, actual loop and even a brand new couple of the very rare VR102s! Unfortunately my T1154 has sadly been butchered on the inside and like most I’ve never managed to find the 192 junction panel.
Peter

[Graham G3ZVT]

As a schoolboy, I found an 1155 dumped on waste ground. it was in much the same condition as yours was. I took it home to my den/shed and proceeded to dismantle it, imagining I was defusing a bomb. I remember unwinding long rolls of paper and foil, and getting oil on my hands

By the way, welcome to the forum Smuggler!

[turretslug]

Originally Posted by Graham G3ZVT

I remember unwinding long rolls of paper and foil, and getting oil on my hands.

I recall removing the guts from one of those aluminium-cased 100nF 2BA-studded paper capacitors (in this case, from a CR100 but used in a great many things over a couple of decades) and being amazed at just how long the aluminium foil ribbon was- I wondered if there was any connection with the manufacture of ”Window" strip, sure enough I subsequently found that capacitor makers had been approached to manufacture it.

[dave walsh]

Goodness it's back from the dead Smuggler! Tremendous restoration work there. You would be welcome at the Science or British Museum I suspect [or maybe not] Peter's book is very exceptional indeed but I doubt that I will never be able to make such good use of it myself!

Dave W

[Smuggler FM]

Thanks for all your kind words. It has been a rewarding experience with some new skills learnt along the way. It took a long time but there were lots of milestones so it wasn't a slog. I have to mention my son who produced the artwork for the silk screens.

Try listening around 3615 tomorrow morning and you should hear some of us vintage AM operators.

I had a listen but couldn't make out what was being said. I think I need a better aerial, or possibly better alignment.

I like the wrinkle paint. What brand of paint did you use?

It was "VHT BLACK WRINKLE FINISH SPRAY PAINT SP201". I bought mine from Ebay but is available elsewhere. Apparently the wrinkle size can be a bit hit-or-miss. I used an etch primer first. One can was just enough for the whole R1155 and the front of the PSU.

amazed at just how long the aluminium foil ribbon was

I'm still finding bits of the stuff stuck to anything and everything. Even worse is the stuff that comes out of the brown Hunts mica capacitors when they are drilled for restuffing.

I do like the idea of retaining/restoring the DF circuitry

Me too. Some of the coils get in the way when aligning so once I'm happy that no more adjustment is needed I'll finish the DF. I have acquired the missing Jones socket but need to fabricate a bracket and spacer.

[Smuggler FM]

I borrowed an IR camera to check nothing was getting too hot. A few of the original resistors had burnt out, presumably because of leaky capacitors. I thought it wise to check that my replacements were sturdy enough.

[Lloyd 1985]

Very nice work! I have 2 of these to play with, I even managed to get an original wooden crate for one of them! One needs a re-spray, so I’ll try the paint you mentioned. Neither of mine were in as bad condition as yours, and both manage to work even with the old caps in place! Luckily the DF circuitry is still in place in both of mine, just missing the valves.

The IR photos are interesting!

Regards
Lloyd

[Malcolm G6ANZ]

It puts my efforts to shame.
Mine was in similar condition and I have has to rewire it as the insulation on the original insulation was crumbling to dust. I haven't rebuilt the DF section as several of the inductors were missing as was the ,expensive, double triode.