Scored a Philco 41-316RX !

[bandersen]

I stumbled across this set on craigslist a few days ago. The seller had just listed "Two Console Radios" with no brand or model #. He did include a photo of the front though and after a little detective work I determined it might be a Mystery Control set. He didn't have a remote and didn't remember his father (the original owner) ever using one with it. However, he described the chassis including the big metal box on the right and I figured it must be a 41-316.

I headed out to see it with a friend tonight and it sure was! After a little negotiation, I got it and a box of spare tubes.

Here it is on my back porch. The previous owner didn't have the remote, but I had picked one up years ago

[radio nut]

so that radio has a remote control? How did it work? I had one of those radios when I was young but back then I did not have any clue how to repair them so I got rid of it.

[bandersen]

Yes, some functions can operated with a wireless remote control. Namely, a few AM station presets and the volume.

Here's a lot of background info: http://www.philcorepairbench.com/mystery/index.htm

Here's a great YouTube demonstration by Ampicokid30: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDWNGrm9Gk

[Kamakiri]

Wow. I've never seen the remote in a '41 model. Color me jealous!

[bandersen]

I finished giving the sides a Howard's RAF rubdown.


The top needs some repairs then I'm giving it a quick refinish.



I'll order up some reproduction pushbuttons.


Coincidentally, I just scored a second remote. It was listed on ebay as an old TV remote control so I got it cheap


I pulled the chassis tonight. What a beast!
Looks to be in good condition. Some crumbling rubber wire, but a lot is cloth covered including the transformer.

[bandersen]

The heat has been record-breaking lately so I decided to do some refinishing and touchups.



As for the rest of the cabinet, I'm going to retain the old finish. Just a light sanding following by lacquer sanding sealer to fill in the voids. Finally, a few coats of gloss lacquer.

All the sanding is tedious but I figure better than stripping.


The metal sleeves on these decorative rails are solid brass but incredibly tarnished. Once polished up, I expect they'll look awesome


The dial glass cleaned up nicely and I've ordered a set of reproduction pushbuttons.

[dieseljeep]

I always was amazed of Philco's mix of tubes. 78's in the remote unit, 7B7's in the IF. I like the old 42's, 37 and 80. All fun stuff. I'm surprised, they only used a single rectifier tube for that kind of tube count.
P.S. Your cabinet refinishing skills are brilliant.

[Reece]

Really looks nice! If you still have the dial glass out, be a good idea to scan it, just in case.....

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I always was amazed of Philco's mix of tubes. 78's in the remote unit, 7B7's in the IF. I like the old 42's, 37 and 80. All fun stuff. I'm surprised, they only used a single rectifier tube for that kind of tube count.
P.S. Your cabinet refinishing skills are brilliant.

Thanks. Don't forget the two XXL tubes for the LO and converter
I'm surprised about the 80 as well. I was expecting something beefier like a 5Z3.

Originally Posted by Reece

Really looks nice! If you still have the dial glass out, be a good idea to scan it, just in case.....

Will do. Radiodaze has a reproduction for the 41-315 but I'm not sure if it's the same as the 41-316.

[coffee123]

Dude a mystery control, frekin sweet...cant wait to see that beast done and working. Do you know if the remotes are operational? Or is that on the list of things to do...thoughts on batteries?

[bandersen]

Beast indeed - it's the largest radio in my collection. Both of my remotes are very clean inside, but I've never tested them.

Actually, it never even occurred to me to try testing them. I suppose I could rig up a power supply and see if they'll transmit.

As for batteries, once I get the set fully operational I may very well ask 'batterymaker' to whip up a reproduction.

[PhilcoCraze]

I didnt know there was a 316 model...interesting. I restored my 12 tube 315 unit and it looks great and sounds great... My question to you is how did you get the brass bars out of there? I ended up cleaning them in place, and it wasn't fun... But got it done and I was surprised to find that they were solid brass too! If your interested, I'll send you the link to a YouTube video of my restoration of this radio... Hope to hear from you soon. Jack

[bandersen]

Hi. Good question - I almost damaged one of the bars figuring it out.
First off, there is a wood screw driven into each bar from below. I laid the cabinet on it's back to get those out.
The tricky part was discovering the small wood screw driven in at a 45 degree angle behind the top of each bar.
With both screws removed. it was possible to push each bar up about an into into the cabinet which freed up the bottom. Then, tilt the bar at an angle and pull it out.
I do have some video, but might upload it for a while - I'm busy with other projects at the moment.

Please post a link to yours when you get a chance.
Thanks, Bob.

I still have a bit more work to do on the cabinet, but it's coming along nicely.