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27th Nov 2009, 7:48 pm | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Reproduction Ekco Dials.
Following on from the recent discussion on the subject in this thread;
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=46199 I should like to share with you the results of my attempts at producing reproduction versions of the Ekco A22 dial. As far as I'm aware there were three different dials used for the A22; Type-1 This dial has 'Bucharest' at the twelve o'clock position in green on MW, and 'Droitwich' at the one o'clock position in red on LW. Type-2 A completely updated green MW legend showing the 'new' BBC regional services, and 'BBC Light' instead of 'Droitwich' at the one o'clock position in red on LW. Export The dial used on the export version of the A22, sporting two SW ranges and MW instead of SW, MW and LW. (I am also working an a reproduction of this dial too which is currently about 75% complete.) The following five images are of the earlier Type-1 dial; Last edited by Robert Darwent; 27th Nov 2009 at 7:56 pm. |
27th Nov 2009, 7:50 pm | #2 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
The next five images are of the later Type-2 dial;
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27th Nov 2009, 7:52 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
I have completely recreated these dials from scratch using graphics software and they are the result of several months of work. They are not cleaned up or reworked scans of original dials. However a scan of the Type-2 dial from my own A22 was used as a starting point and reference to ensure the reproductions accurately and faithfully copy the originals in all respects, such as dimensions and size/placement of the legend detail.
Initially I tried printing just the dial scan itself but quickly rejected the idea due to the imperfections of the scanned dial being too noticeable in the reproduction. Reworking the scan to the point where it would have been acceptable would have probably taken longer and involved more work than starting afresh. Recreating the dials ensures they have sharp, clear detail and legends with bright even colours. The dial artworks are printed on to photo quality paper using an A3 inkjet printer and then laminated several times in an A3 hot pouch laminator to build up the thickness to approximately that of an original dial. At present each dial needs to be trimmed by hand which is quite time consuming and the finished edges are not as accurate as I would like. I am currently trying various methods of trimming using MDF templates to achieve a more cleaner looking end product in a fraction of the time. Fortunately even when trimmed by hand all cut edges are totally concealed when the dial is fitted into an actual set. The first image below shows a Type-1 dial after it has been hand cut and trimmed, the next four images are of the same dial fitted into my A22 in place of the original. Please note that the photographs of the dial fitted in the set were taken under a flourescent light source and appear a good deal lighter in colour than they actually are, the earlier images are more accurate in this respect. Likewise the illuminated pointer is hard to see for the same reason, it can just be made out between 'Dublin' and 'Plymouth' on the full face image. |
27th Nov 2009, 7:54 pm | #4 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
To show more clearly that the illuminated pointer is easily visible, in these final two images I have switched the flourescent lighting off and the room is only lit at the far end away from the radio.
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27th Nov 2009, 8:04 pm | #5 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 2,451
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Wow. Well done indeed Robert
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27th Nov 2009, 8:29 pm | #6 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Garnant, near Ammanford, South Wales, UK.
Posts: 657
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Nice work Robert
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BVWS member. |
27th Nov 2009, 11:38 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield. UK.
Posts: 673
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Hi Robert,
A truly stunning effort; I wish I could use graphics like you but can only aspire to your quality of work. Many thanks for sharing them with us. Col. |
27th Nov 2009, 11:43 pm | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,587
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Truly exceptional
Mike |
29th Nov 2009, 1:29 pm | #9 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Many thanks to those members who have taken the time to reply. Your kind comments are much appreciated.
Regards |
30th Nov 2009, 2:44 am | #10 |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Posts: 674
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Awesome!
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Just playing with high voltage.... |
30th Nov 2009, 10:18 am | #11 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Bristol, UK.
Posts: 900
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
excellent work Robert!
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30th Nov 2009, 4:39 pm | #12 |
Octode
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 1,465
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Robert,
Very good job and thanks for sharing it with us. I'd be interested to hear what graphics software you use. I'm planning to build a half size R1155 and will need to make a a half moon dial from scratch so any info will be useful to me. TIA, Jim |
30th Nov 2009, 6:54 pm | #13 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 2,820
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Hi,
thats excellent work! certainly one of the best repro dials I've ever seen. regards, Lloyd. |
30th Nov 2009, 7:47 pm | #14 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
Posts: 1,698
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Perfectionist, that's what you are, Robert.
And why not. Beautiful workmanship. It really enhances an already delightful receiver. -Tony |
2nd Dec 2009, 8:11 pm | #15 | ||
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Quote:
Quote:
Many thanks again |
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2nd Dec 2009, 8:27 pm | #16 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Hello Jim,
The A22 dials were created using Micrografx Picture Publisher 8 which dates back to around 2000 and is no longer available, Micrografx having been long swallowed up by another graphics software company. I stick with it simply because after about 9 years of experience using it I know it 'back to front' as it were. It lacks some useful functions available on more up-to-date software such as 'layers' but as you can see from the dial artwork is still capable of good results. I can recommend 'Zoner Draw' as a good alternative to the software I use. I believe Zoner Draw 5 is the latest version and is shareware, but Zoner Draw 3 is still available too and is freeware. (I've no connection with the creators/suppliers of Zoner Draw BTW just a satisfied user ) As for using the software to create dials, there are no short cuts here I'm afraid. Its simply a matter of a gaining experience from trial and error over a long period using your chosen graphics software. Don't expect good results straight away, it simply won't happen that way. Its taken me several years of practice to become proficient enough to produce the dials shown in this thread. Regards |
2nd Dec 2009, 9:10 pm | #17 |
Octode
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 1,465
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Thanks Robert,
I must make a start, even if only to gain practice and experience. I use a mac so theoretically I should be in a good position to start. Best wishes, Jim |
3rd Dec 2009, 1:17 pm | #18 | |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
Posts: 1,698
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Quote:
-Tony |
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13th Dec 2009, 5:01 pm | #19 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 990
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
For those wishing to find suitable graphics software, Photoshop is very similar to the now unavailable Micrografx that I use, being probably 95% alike in terms of functions available and ease of use once familiarised. I haven't checked recently but earlier versions of Photoshop are probably freely available for download on the internet and more than adequate.
Regards |
13th Dec 2009, 6:41 pm | #20 |
Heptode
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield. UK.
Posts: 673
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Re: Reproduction Ekco A22 Dials
Hi Tony & Robert,
Many thanks for the graphics software information. I downloaded Zoner Draw 5 a few days ago and was making progress with it but decided to delete it due to it being 30 day trial only. Today I installed my 10 year old Corel Draw 8 but am finding this difficult to use so will now try Zoner Draw 3 and Photoshop before deciding which program to go with. I believe the key to your respective successes was to select just one graphics program and spend a great deal of time getting to know it. Thanks for the advice it's very useful. Regards, Col. |