Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ianrichards · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:03 pm

As warned, I have caught the bug and am now looking for my next project.
Ideally I would like:
a valve radio from the 1950s - a great decade
with VHF - still a few good stations to listen to
a good tone - so that my wife will let me have it in the house

I really would appreciate some advice as to which makes and models to look out for.

TIA
Ian

Steve_P · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:10 pm

A Pye Fenman II, If you want British. Or one of the Grundigs.

Cheers,

Steve P.

vinrads · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:17 pm

Without doubt a Hacker Mayflower you won't regret it ! superb quality all round .not from the 50s but valve .

Leon Crampin · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:28 pm

Bush VHF61 (or '64 if you want better sound in a bigger set).

These sets have the best build standard in the business and the major advantage of an extra IF stage. I have found that this makes all the difference to VHF listening in all but excellent reception areas.

Bush also tended to design conservatively so that once restored, these sets are very "easy" on the valves and will work well for long periods. I'm always quite happy to use my Bush sets of this period for hours on end.

The push button wave change system (the height of fashion at the time) has the great advantage of a separate on/off switch, saving the volume control from wear. The "gram" button is useful when the 'phone rings - although I use this input on my '64 for a CD player.

A '61 (or '62 - wooden case) is not too expensive to buy - cheaper and better built than the equivalent Grundig sets, but lacking a few the German set's features.

Leon.

stitch1 · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:31 pm

I'll put a vote in for my Cossor, not really 50's but probably a 50's design twin speakers and has a FM range of 87.5 to 104Mc/s and its used almost all day every day.

howard · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:35 pm

Small 1950s AM/FM radio .... Philips Philetta
Medium 1950s AM/FM radio .... Bush VHF61 or VHF62
Large 1950s AM/FM radio .... Grundig 3028

Howard

2nd Dec 2010, 6:38 pm

Having just had fun with an EKCO U354, 1959 I would recommend one of those. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62467

HamishBoxer · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:39 pm

Murphy 310 has a Fenman i believe now,not sure mark 1 or 2 PM Trevor.

David

kalee20 · 2nd Dec 2010, 6:44 pm

I'll second howard's recommendation.

The Philetta is a pain to work on, runs hot, but succeeds in cramming a lot into a very small space, and is a decent performer. Looks good when lit up, too. I used one as a student - still have it.

The Grundig radios have astoundingly good sound quality (I have a 2043-3D with 3 loudspeakers). Only thing disappointing is the cheap Paxolin valve holders used - I replaced all mine with McMurdos as they were intermittent.

Radio_Dave · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:05 pm

In my collection I have at least one, of each, of the following radios:-

Pye Fenman II
Grundig 3028
Phillips Reverbeo B7X14A
Hacker Mayflower mk1
Bush VHF64

and IMHO the Pye Fenman II is the best

HTH
David

JoshWard · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:10 pm

Bush VHF90A? Attractive set (large round dial) and works well too.

You could go into the early 60s and consider a Bush VHF81 (or VHF80, same thing in a plastic case). Cheap, well layed out chassis and sounds very good.

AlanBeckett · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:12 pm

Pye VHF2D?
Or if you've really got some space a VHF3D

I'd go along with the Fenman II but it's not the easiest to work on.
Alan

petertheorgan · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:14 pm

Ekco 274 or one of its brothers , I have just given Gerry my second one having tweeked it to bring in classic FM

see

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=54098

ianrichards · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:38 pm

Phew ! what a response

Which way to go?
I was starting to lean towards the Fenman II, but then I read that it was not the easiest to work on.
I am a virtual novice at this, so taking my status into account, what would you now suggest?
I am quite happy replacing components, but would not want to strat disassembly quite yet.
TIA
Ian

Peter.N. · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:46 pm

I would go for the VHF 64, I was there when they were new and nothing else sounded quite like it.

Peter

ppppenguin · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:47 pm

A Fenman II for sale in the forum at the moment. Act fast and the FCS might be able to help via Wootton Bassett.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62500

Steve_P · 2nd Dec 2010, 7:52 pm

They are not that hard to work on. You will need to change bits on any radio you get of course.

Cheers,

Steve P.

ianrichards · 2nd Dec 2010, 9:01 pm

Thanks for all the advice.

Trevor (MurphyV310) has just offered me a Fenman I, unrestored, which will be ideal for me to hone my skills a bit more.
That should keep me busy for a while and then I will probably seek out one of the other recommended models.
Thanks
Ian

Brian R Pateman · 2nd Dec 2010, 10:34 pm

The Fenman I is a good choice. It will get you hooked and then you'll have to get a Fenman II and you'll understand how good the best of the mass produced British sets could be!

They are, as Steve points out, not difficult to work on. It least they have a proper wave change switch not "piano keys" like the continental offerings of similar vintage.

You just need to have patience, and there are many years of experience among our membership to help you out. For the ultimate in late '50s style listening look out for the Fenman II RG radiogram, if you have room for one.

The VHF2 is capable of good performance but suffers from a printed circuit board audio amplifier which hasn't aged well. You are embarked on a fascinating hobby.

(Now is the time for me to admit to my Pye bias of course, as regulars here will expect).

maitiustandun · 2nd Dec 2010, 11:16 pm

i agree with howard and radio dave re the grundig 3028. of all my 52 radios its my favourite, and best all round set, though slightly large on account of it having three speakers, capab le of rattling your windows and the windows nextdoor,plus vhf, maitiu.

2nd Dec 2010, 6:03 pm	#1
ianrichards Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Callington, Cornwall Posts: 18	Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? As warned, I have caught the bug and am now looking for my next project. Ideally I would like: a valve radio from the 1950s - a great decade with VHF - still a few good stations to listen to a good tone - so that my wife will let me have it in the house I really would appreciate some advice as to which makes and models to look out for. TIA Ian

2nd Dec 2010, 6:10 pm	#2
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? A Pye Fenman II, If you want British. Or one of the Grundigs. Cheers, Steve P. __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...? Last edited by Steve_P; 2nd Dec 2010 at 6:19 pm.

2nd Dec 2010, 6:17 pm	#3
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,755	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Without doubt a Hacker Mayflower you won't regret it ! superb quality all round .not from the 50s but valve .

2nd Dec 2010, 6:28 pm	#4
Leon Crampin Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,870	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Bush VHF61 (or '64 if you want better sound in a bigger set). These sets have the best build standard in the business and the major advantage of an extra IF stage. I have found that this makes all the difference to VHF listening in all but excellent reception areas. Bush also tended to design conservatively so that once restored, these sets are very "easy" on the valves and will work well for long periods. I'm always quite happy to use my Bush sets of this period for hours on end. The push button wave change system (the height of fashion at the time) has the great advantage of a separate on/off switch, saving the volume control from wear. The "gram" button is useful when the 'phone rings - although I use this input on my '64 for a CD player. A '61 (or '62 - wooden case) is not too expensive to buy - cheaper and better built than the equivalent Grundig sets, but lacking a few the German set's features. Leon.

2nd Dec 2010, 6:31 pm	#5
stitch1 Heptode Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Durham, County Durham, UK. Posts: 826	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? I'll put a vote in for my Cossor, not really 50's but probably a 50's design twin speakers and has a FM range of 87.5 to 104Mc/s and its used almost all day every day. Attached Thumbnails

2nd Dec 2010, 6:35 pm	#6
howard Nonode Join Date: May 2005 Location: Godalming, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,593	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Small 1950s AM/FM radio .... Philips Philetta Medium 1950s AM/FM radio .... Bush VHF61 or VHF62 Large 1950s AM/FM radio .... Grundig 3028 Howard

2nd Dec 2010, 6:38 pm	#7
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Having just had fun with an EKCO U354, 1959 I would recommend one of those. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62467

2nd Dec 2010, 6:39 pm	#8
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,932	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Murphy 310 has a Fenman i believe now,not sure mark 1 or 2 PM Trevor. David

2nd Dec 2010, 6:44 pm	#9
kalee20 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynton, N. Devon, UK. Posts: 7,079	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? I'll second howard's recommendation. The Philetta is a pain to work on, runs hot, but succeeds in cramming a lot into a very small space, and is a decent performer. Looks good when lit up, too. I used one as a student - still have it. The Grundig radios have astoundingly good sound quality (I have a 2043-3D with 3 loudspeakers). Only thing disappointing is the cheap Paxolin valve holders used - I replaced all mine with McMurdos as they were intermittent.

2nd Dec 2010, 7:05 pm	#10
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? In my collection I have at least one, of each, of the following radios:- Pye Fenman II Grundig 3028 Phillips Reverbeo B7X14A Hacker Mayflower mk1 Bush VHF64 and IMHO the Pye Fenman II is the best HTH David

2nd Dec 2010, 7:10 pm	#11
JoshWard Octode Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Near Stowmarket, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 1,962	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Bush VHF90A? Attractive set (large round dial) and works well too. You could go into the early 60s and consider a Bush VHF81 (or VHF80, same thing in a plastic case). Cheap, well layed out chassis and sounds very good.

2nd Dec 2010, 7:12 pm	#12
AlanBeckett Rest in Peace Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Burton upon Trent, East Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 1,686	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Pye VHF2D? Or if you've really got some space a VHF3D I'd go along with the Fenman II but it's not the easiest to work on. Alan

2nd Dec 2010, 7:14 pm	#13
petertheorgan Hexode Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bromley, Kent, UK. Posts: 332	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Ekco 274 or one of its brothers , I have just given Gerry my second one having tweeked it to bring in classic FM see https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=54098

2nd Dec 2010, 7:38 pm	#14
ianrichards Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Callington, Cornwall Posts: 18	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Phew ! what a response Which way to go? I was starting to lean towards the Fenman II, but then I read that it was not the easiest to work on. I am a virtual novice at this, so taking my status into account, what would you now suggest? I am quite happy replacing components, but would not want to strat disassembly quite yet. TIA Ian

2nd Dec 2010, 7:46 pm	#15
Peter.N. Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Charmouth, Dorset, UK. Posts: 3,601	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? I would go for the VHF 64, I was there when they were new and nothing else sounded quite like it. Peter

2nd Dec 2010, 7:47 pm	#16
ppppenguin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North London, UK. Posts: 6,168	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? A Fenman II for sale in the forum at the moment. Act fast and the FCS might be able to help via Wootton Bassett. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=62500

2nd Dec 2010, 7:52 pm	#17
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? They are not that hard to work on. You will need to change bits on any radio you get of course. Cheers, Steve P. __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

2nd Dec 2010, 9:01 pm	#18
ianrichards Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Callington, Cornwall Posts: 18	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? Thanks for all the advice. Trevor (MurphyV310) has just offered me a Fenman I, unrestored, which will be ideal for me to hone my skills a bit more. That should keep me busy for a while and then I will probably seek out one of the other recommended models. Thanks Ian Last edited by ianrichards; 2nd Dec 2010 at 9:02 pm. Reason: Spelling error

2nd Dec 2010, 10:34 pm	#19
Brian R Pateman Nonode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Lake District, Cumbria (CA20) - UK Posts: 2,136	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? The Fenman I is a good choice. It will get you hooked and then you'll have to get a Fenman II and you'll understand how good the best of the mass produced British sets could be! They are, as Steve points out, not difficult to work on. It least they have a proper wave change switch not "piano keys" like the continental offerings of similar vintage. You just need to have patience, and there are many years of experience among our membership to help you out. For the ultimate in late '50s style listening look out for the Fenman II RG radiogram, if you have room for one. The VHF2 is capable of good performance but suffers from a printed circuit board audio amplifier which hasn't aged well. You are embarked on a fascinating hobby. (Now is the time for me to admit to my Pye bias of course, as regulars here will expect). __________________ Brian

2nd Dec 2010, 11:16 pm	#20
maitiustandun Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dublin, Ireland. Posts: 157	Re: Which 1950s VHF radio to go for ??? i agree with howard and radio dave re the grundig 3028. of all my 52 radios its my favourite, and best all round set, though slightly large on account of it having three speakers, capab le of rattling your windows and the windows nextdoor,plus vhf, maitiu.