Expensive is right! I bought one new somewhere around (just a guess) 1964 or 
so and I think it was something close to $300. Mine was the solid state 
model, but didn't have the ability to copy SSB, as it didn't yet have the 
USB/LSB switch--I think that came along within a year or so of my having 
bought mine and I wasn't real happy. While not true general coverage (that 
is, 0-30 kHz), it had very wide coverage and as I recall now, an excellent 
AM and at least above average FM capabilities. The front of the radio folded 
down in two sections and inside the front was a small book (forget what was 
in it, but think it was time zones and maybe some maps) and a little metal 
wheel that allowed you to calculate the current time anywhere in the world 
based on your local time. The radio used standard D cells (either eight or 
nine of them, as I recall) and when loaded up with a full complement of 
batteries, weighed a lot more than you really wanted to carry on a picnic. I 
was one of the few I knew at the time with that radio who'd bought the 
optional plug-in AC power supply. The built-in telescoping antenna was part 
of the carrying handle and there were provisions inside the back of the 
radio for an external antenna with, as I recall now, RCA jacks. There was a 
separate ferrite rod for AM reception.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Butch Bussen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:14 PM
Subject: Re: off topic, question about older receiver


They made several models of the transoceanic.  I have a couple, one old
tube one, and a solid state one, probably the kind you saw.  They are a
very nic radio, although not general coverage.  They were also very
expensive in their day.
73s
Butch Bussen
wa0vjr