I'll be starting up a new project log here in the next few weeks so I'm busy gathering tools, supplies & materials. I'm writing my "begging" letters to my sponsors and setting up my new photography light tent. But mostly I'm trolling all my usual places looking for ideas and inspiration. I thought I would share some of the amazing stuff (IMHO) I've come across. These radios were designed and built over 70 years ago during the Great Depression. Comments, ideas and suggestions are always welcome. 1934 Halson model 610 1938 Halson model 100M 1934 Midwest model F-10 1933 Stewart Warner model 1262 19?? Zenith 6-S-33 1946 Stromberg Carlson model 1110 1936 Philco model 37-610 19?? Stromberg Carlson model 130H
Wow, beautiful radios. great inspiration. Do you have one in hand that you are going to mod, or are you going to scratch build something like that? (I really like the Zenith's curves, btw.) Someone on craigslist was giving away a console radio from the 50s (with a fold out phono, mono speaker, etc) that I picked up with the idea of refinishing and turning into a HTPC... right now it's sitting in the garage until I build my skills and knowledge. (and one of my own inspirations was your website!) Can't wait to see your next work of art!
I'll be doing a "case mod" for this project using a Silverstone unit. It will be very similar to my Decomatic project. I'll be replacing the Silverstone's faceplate and covers with my own creations. I started out modifying existing wood boxes (cigar humidors!?!) until I got the skills to build my own. A stereo console mod sounds like fun. I was looking at my parent's early 60's Curtis-Mathes console to do something similar to what you're thinking.
Cool! Always love your projects! As for looks, I love the rounded side of the 2nd and the 2nd to last one, and the wood & finish of the 2nd one is really nice. That semicircle seems to be asking to be a fan/air intake too. I'll be keeping an eye out for this one
Those are cool designs. The second one is a Halson built in 1938 and the second from the bottom is a Philco from 1936. Sometimes I go for the overall look of the radio. Sometimes it is the details that catch my eye. Often I'll see an ugly thing but the craftsmanship is stunning. I'm building two computers for display at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. I might use these photos for inspiration...or not. I don't like to give away my design too early in a project log. Speaker holes in radios transition nicely into fan/vent holes for computers. Here is a photo of a gutted Stewart-Warner. Notice the sizes of the two square holes on the right. Like it's begging to have a computer installed in it. 1938 Stewart Warner Zephyr And here's another little morsal I've recently found: 1935 Zenith model 811
#4 of the first set gets my vote. I think it would be awesome if you could start replicating some of the awesome bezel decorations too. The last one has some nice features too. The VU meter is very nice, and the deep pattern of the wood makes it stand out. I like the use of decorative tacks too. -Sorry...rambling.
I would go with either the Halson, or the radio in the 4th pic. They look a bit more fluid, and appear to fit a mobo easier.
Ramble on brother. I have another angle on #4 I'll try to post. It is fairly deep and kinda looks like a tower case in shape. I like it mostly for it's grill work. The wife is leaning toward #2 (Halson) and the Zenith model 811 (last photo). One of the above designs will definitely get made. The second's design is still up in the air and I'm still looking. .
The Halson is for sale on ebay at the moment. Check out the guys description on how he did the finish. It's amazing. Halson ebay listing as of Oct 3, 2008
Woods all solid, veneer is intact. Needs speaker cloth replacement. All the tuning strings I replaced and the tension springs. It's heavy because it's a record player in the middle cabinet and a 15" speaker. Great fun. John
Personally, i like the little glass bit with the dials; it could be used as some kind of LCD display or mabye be a way to see a flowmeter, HDD, or something else.
A 10" touchscreen monitor. Modding an original radio case is a sacrilege and should not be considered or discussed. On the other hand, ripping off their design ideas is fun and challenging.
very nice radios ive been trying for a long time to get my hands on a regency TR-1. (first transistor radio)
I dont actually mean modding the case itself, i mean to take the radio, blow up its design, and re-orient it so that the curve on the left is the top, make both sides of the case look the same (sans the mobo bit) and bob's your uncle!
Sorry. Some people think I'm hacking up old radios. Others think I'm trying to re-create them in exact detail. Actually I call it "taking inspiration from". Yes, I'm ripping off other people's designs. I freely admit it. It's like a band starting off learning and performing cover songs. You learn from the masters but the goal is to eventually write and play your own songs. Examples: Here is a 1938 Zenith 5-R-312 And here is my "interpretation": 1939 Silvertone 6110: 1939 Hammond Clock 1938 Bayard Clock
I've always been a bit sacrilegious, but I can understand where you're coming from (and with your excellent history of past accomplishments, it's hard not to worship in awe of your creations.) I won't mention again my plans to take a dremel to my old console (at least not in your log!) I know you want to keep the surprise going. I vote for the Halsom 100M. I really like the curves and deep rich color on the finish. That Zenith 811 is also very cool with its columns and facade. I like swooping curves, and shiny intricate wood grain. I just want to stroke them. Cool dials and buttons also beg to be twiddled and poked. (ok, a certain kind of person can read shameful things into those last sentences... don't get distracted!)
All design takes inspiration from previous great examples of design. Certain concepts and shapes are just classic (think of the anglepoise lamp, for instance). I like your interpretations very much. Please tell me that your Zenith and Silverstone off-takes are solid aluminium an passively cooled...
