Ekco AC74 - different dials scales?

[stevehertz]

The dial scale on an Ekco AC74 does not show station names (see photos). As I understand it, as new, these sets were supplied with a scale marked in metres and 'add on' clear scales were available marked with station names to place over the top of the one marked with the graduations. I'm told there were small round headed bolts at each end of the two scales allowing the station scales to be added, exchanged, whatever.

That's all very well and makes sense, but 1) my dials scales are held in place with aluminium rivets, and 2) looking at sets on the internet (not very clear always) there appear to be some without any form of bolt or rivet holding them in place. So, the whole thing raises lots of questions and anomalies! Does anyone know 'what is what' regarding dial scales on the AC74 please?

The first two photos are of the set in question, and subsequent photos are taken from the internet.

Close up photos of yours are very welcome!

[stevehertz]

Photos of other AC74 sets taken from the internet.

[Lloyd 1985]

That’s interesting, I wonder if there was a slight gap under the rivet head so that the replaceable scale could just slide under it?

I have a set here with a replaceable scale, but I can’t remember off hand if it’s this model or the one that looks similar with a semi-circular scale! I’ll go have a look…

Regards
Lloyd

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by Lloyd 1985

That’s interesting, I wonder if there was a slight gap under the rivet head so that the replaceable scale could just slide under it?

I have a set here with a replaceable scale, but I can’t remember off hand if it’s this model or the one that looks similar with a semi-circular scale! I’ll go have a look…

Regards
Lloyd

Lloyd, there's no chance of fitting a second scale 'under' the rivet heads, they're flat to the scale underneath them. No, whether they're factory fitted or some kind of mod or repair by someone, they ain't for placing anything underneath. That doesn't necessarily mean that they're not original though, hence my question/points raised. Cheers.

[sandy_r]

are you able to access the rivet 'tails' and see if there's any way of loosening them slightly to give enough slack around the 'heads' to facilitate hanging annotated dial sheets from them? (just an idea)

[Cobaltblue]

Cossor did this on sets built the same sort of period only they used little knurled brass screws. 1933/34

Radio frequencies were moving around as part of the Lucerne plan.

https://second.wiki/wiki/luzerner_wellenplan

This required the station names to be moved on the dial.

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/cossor_353.html

It seems pointless to do this then not make it possible to change the overlay

Need to see the back of the rivets really.

Cheers

Mike T

[stevehertz]

Thanks Sandy, Mike,

The back of the rivets doesn't really concern me at the moment. I'm really looking for answers as to what variations of scale mounting - if there were variations - were actually manufactured and issued. I can sort out the rivets if they are deemed to be 'wrong' by simply removing them (easy) and replacing them with small bolts - as it seems was how the set was manufactured. But based on the photos in post 1, there's a question mark over this, possibly three variations. That's why I'd like owners of this set to confirm what mountings and dial scales are on their sets.

Yes, I have a Cossor 386 'Thermometer' model with changeable dial scales.

[sandy_r]

SH >> "The back of the rivets doesn't really concern me at the moment"

...sometimes the 'past' leaves a gift for the 'future'

[stevehertz]

I'm afraid I have little 'sympathy' for incorrect mods and repairs from the past. Usually I ascertain that they're 'wrong' and revert them to the correct status.

The more I think about it, what has happened with my set is that for whatever reason, but for example, the station scales have warped, shrunk, gone smoky, whatever, and the owner had removed them and possibly due to the screw-on nuts now being too long, ditched them and used rivets instead.

[sandy_r]

SH >> "I'm afraid I have little 'sympathy' for incorrect mods and repairs from the past"

...i was referring to the designers when i mentioned the 'past'

no matter

[stevehertz]

Are there any Ekco AC74 owners out there who can take a close up photo or two of the front and possibly the rear of their sets's dial scales please? The area at each end where the small dial mounting bolt is please. Thanks.

[stevehertz]

I've come to a conclusion about the different dial scales that I've seen.

1) My riveted version. What I think has happened here is that a previous owner has removed - for whatever reason, shrunk, station names rubbed off etc - the clear, station name scales and just 'filled in' the mounting holes with ali rivets as they serve no other purpose other than visual. I don't believe that the rivets are original for one moment.

2) Sets where there doesn't appear to be any form of bolt type mounting for the station scales: I believe that a previous owner restorer has printed the station scales onto card or plastic and glued them into place over the holes.

3) Sets with small dome headed bolts at each end of the dial scales are original and how they left the factory. This enabled set owners to change the station scales as and when new ones became available to reflect the rapid changes in stations at that time.

[Rejectostat]

Originally Posted by stevehertz

2) Sets where there doesn't appear to be any form of bolt type mounting for the station scales: I believe that a previous owner restorer has printed the station scales onto card or plastic and glued them into place over the holes.

Here is a picture of the scale of my AC74, no sign of any holes. I very much doubt any restorer has worked on it, it came from a house clearance auction house many years ago. I have never done anything with it or even had the back off. The scale has the mild distortion as seen on other black and chrome Ekco's of the era (not to mention the self evident years of dirt in the picture!)

John.

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by Rejectostat

Here is a picture of the scale of my AC74, no sign of any holes. I very much doubt any restorer has worked on it, it came from a house clearance auction house many years ago. I have never done anything with it or even had the back off. The scale has the mild distortion as seen on other black and chrome Ekco's of the era (not to mention the self evident years of dirt in the picture!)

John.

Thanks John, that's very informative and changes my initial thoughts and conclusions above. I now think that a certain production run of the AC74 (probably the first) used the small bolts to enable the front mounted, clear, station scales to be changed as new stations appeared, changed name etc. Another production run (probably later) discarded the bolts and instead used a printed scale (card? plastic?) that simply fits behind the clear, dial scale - as per John's above. Does that make sense anyone?

[stevehertz]

All I need now are the dimensions L x W x thickness) of the add-on (removable) station name scales, and... can someone provide the scale artwork to enable me to get mine (when I get them made) screen printed. Anyone please? I'm now stuck until I can get these. Thanks.

[stevehertz]

Ah, I've found a photo of the station scales actually being changed!

Is there no-one out there who owns an AC74 and can at least provide me with dimensions for the removable scales? Please? Pretty please?

[stevehertz]

Surely there must at least one owner of an Ekco AC74 amongst us?! Can I make one last plea, what I need is relatively simple:

1) the measurements of the removable dial scales, that's length, width and thickness (mm).

2) a scan of the two dial scales.

That would be very much appreciated and will enable me to proceed with the restoration of my AC74. Thank you.

[Lloyd 1985]

Not guilty! There’s one on my wish list though, and there is a set on eBay with its scales and screws fitted.

Regards,
Lloyd

[stevehertz]

Still hoping an Ekco AC74 owner can help me with the information required as per post 17. Thanks.