22-08-2012, 06:31 PM
Well done on your efforts Joe.
The ironic thing about this whole business of dials is that originally (notwithstanding the economies of scale) they mut have been relatively cheap to produce to keep the cost of the set down. Also given that they didn't have access to computers or sophisticated CAD software, nevertheless, the dials were attractive, mutli-coloured and to a high standard of finish. Some, such as the DAC90A were waterslide transfer, others were screen printed either onto glass or to metal. I dare say that in quantity, they'd be cheaper to produce today than back in the 40s and 50s, but for a small batch - say 20 DAC90As, they'd cost more than what most would be prepared to pay for a commonplace set. Some years ago, a chap called Clive Mason used to produce excellent replica dials for the Ekco A22 and my son got one for an A22 I restored for him. It cost £40 but the set was worth perhaps £600 - £700, but £40 for a DAC90A dial would cost more than the set is worth or is ever likely to be.
The worst dials I've come across for fragilty are Marconi - the lettering turns to dust and just flakes off. Some other makes are very durable.
We need a 'killer ap' - something that would produce high quality dials for next to nothing!
I wo'n't hold my breath
The ironic thing about this whole business of dials is that originally (notwithstanding the economies of scale) they mut have been relatively cheap to produce to keep the cost of the set down. Also given that they didn't have access to computers or sophisticated CAD software, nevertheless, the dials were attractive, mutli-coloured and to a high standard of finish. Some, such as the DAC90A were waterslide transfer, others were screen printed either onto glass or to metal. I dare say that in quantity, they'd be cheaper to produce today than back in the 40s and 50s, but for a small batch - say 20 DAC90As, they'd cost more than what most would be prepared to pay for a commonplace set. Some years ago, a chap called Clive Mason used to produce excellent replica dials for the Ekco A22 and my son got one for an A22 I restored for him. It cost £40 but the set was worth perhaps £600 - £700, but £40 for a DAC90A dial would cost more than the set is worth or is ever likely to be.
The worst dials I've come across for fragilty are Marconi - the lettering turns to dust and just flakes off. Some other makes are very durable.
We need a 'killer ap' - something that would produce high quality dials for next to nothing!
I wo'n't hold my breath
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
