Forum Topic

Sanyo Bedside Radio RM 5430

This 50 year old radio of mine has been in storage for some time.It looks good but I'd like to get it serviced and checked over for a couple of hickies. In Ealing Fuselodge in Acton Lane comes to mind. But there's also a radio /wireless shop in Bond Street. Any recommendations?

Jim Lawes ● 1170d12 Comments

Used to be lamps and valves. They still do sell valves or vacuum tubes as they should probably be known to high-end audiophiles.Lamps though, in all their guises including some very rare fitments has always been their mainstay

N V Brooks ● 1155d

Used to be lamps and valves. They still do sell valves or vacuum tubes as they should probably be known to high-end audiophiles.Lamps though, in all their guises including some very rare fitments has always been their mainstay

N V Brooks ● 1155d

Well the chap in Bond Street wasn't exactly smiling when I walked in with this Sanyo.He'd never seen this model before... but he'll have a look at it and give it a clean up.He said "lamps" was his main earner these days. He knew about the Radio Museum. We wish this unique Ealing shop well.

Jim Lawes ● 1155d

That 'Saturday job' of mine was 50 years ago. We had some wonderful customers including Michael Flanders and Sam Kydd (really lovely bloke who was always smiling) and  Richard Briers and his wife Ann.

N V Brooks ● 1163d

Well that's interesting Nigel that you have also visited and explored Gerald's Radio Museum in a suburban house  in South East London. What an eye opener seeing that place is.I recall seeing in his downstairs lounge a 1930s TV once owned by Paul Getty!Most people would think that the word "Accumulaters" was a gambling/betting term..but back in the 40s and 50s they were the chargeable things that powered our Wirelesses!

Jim Lawes ● 1163d

City Radio changed hands about four or five years ago when the long time proprietor retired. We have been very fortunate in that someone was willing to take it on and keep the character of this wonderful shop. So few places like it are left.  I was indeed in my element when I went to Gerald's museum many years ago. It took me back to my Saturday job in Goring Electrical on Turnham Green Terrace where we used to test every lightbulb before selling it and had a charger for 'radio accumulators'.

N V Brooks ● 1164d

Never mind..I can await their return from holiday.Can't be easy running a family business for so many years... especially in  town centre and needing a break.Indeed it might be handy in finding an old Bush wireless I have amongst my  storage chain of units and garages.Many years back I had an old radiogram that needed some attention and I stumbled across a man  called Gerald Wells who had converted his extensive house and garden in Dulwich  into a Radio,Wireless and TV Museum!I made an appointment to see him at his home/museum and he came to the door in a shop uniform as though he was serving behind a counter! Every room and staircase was neatly crammed with all types and brands of radio/wireless and even his garden was overtaken with long sheds and corridors lined with his massive collection.His upstairs lounge  was his shop..and he stood behind his counter showing  me his difference valves etc. Nigel would have been in his element!There are entries and images via Google. I understand Gerald has passed on ... RIP..but his masterpiece continues:"British Wireless and TV Museum".I believe a book was published about him. A wireless enthusiast indeed. Ealing's are on holiday Jim..you'll have to wait.

Jim Lawes ● 1164d

That Jim, is the 'Law of Sod'!

N V Brooks ● 1165d

I duly went to City Radio in Bond Street.. but found them to be closed ("On holidays")I am reminded of the Rigsby quote "I didn't  get where I am today by taking holidays!"Of course..I'll try later.

Jim Lawes ● 1165d

I have a 52 year-old Grundig Yacht Boy. Still going strong and it was my car radio when it was easier just to pop the Grundig onto the parcel shelf. Fortunately it was the first to use 'D' cells(or U2's as they were them) rather than a dedicated (and no longer available) 6v cell.

N V Brooks ● 1170d

Many thanks for your response Nigel. I'm most grateful.I'm sure Fuselodge would say "Yes, we'll have a look at it" but your suggestion is now my way to go.The 50 year old red Sanyo does look good for it's ago..hang on I've got an old Bush radio in storage somewhere too!

Jim Lawes ● 1170d

I would pop it into City Radio on Bond Street. If they can't fix it they will "know a man who can".

N V Brooks ● 1170d