RAE 68 and Thunderbird Fly-over

[EarlH]

Is that the right turntable for that machine? I'm refinishing a cabinet for an RAE that has the same mechanism in it, but that one has a different turntable on it. I would have thought that was a frankenmachine with that mechanism in it. But that's a better changer than the earlier style from what I understand.

[Victrola-Monkey]

Yes it is the correct turntable. I assume you are referring to the record platter. Both of my RAE 68s turntables are the same. Sort of encased in rubber on top and side edges. Whereas my RAE 84s have the same size turn tables, but the very top edge and side edges are metal. I should mention the 68s' finish is sort of an antique nickle while the 84s' finish is a wrinkle medium shade brown paint. Note that both these RCA models use the same changer type.

Just for those that don't know, RCA put their first changer in Victor's leftover VE 10-69 cabinets (I call it type 3). The VE 10-69s had Victor's type 2 changer in it. Another big difference was that the RAE 68 had a radio in addition to the phono changer.

[ALVES]

Lovely mechanism . Would be good to see working . What is the turntable made of ?

[Victrola-Monkey]

Thanks. The turn table seems to be made of a molded spongy rubber. Since there's such turn table interest, I'll take some close ups of it when I get back east.

[marcapra]

You got a real clean machine there! Looks like a real winner! Is it from 1931?

[Victrola-Monkey]

Thanks Marc and I would say yes since the service notes have a 1931 copyright.

Here's the underside of the turn table below.

[startgroove]

The changer, the amplifier chassis and the radio chassis (with exception of the remote control equipment) is the same as the rest of the RAE series (except for the RAE-26), and a few other RCA and Westinghouse radios of that year. So spares would be relatively easy to find. Russie

[thedman]

I just finished my RAE-68. They are great sounding machines. I do see the pushbuttons for the on/off have been altered. Here's a video of mine. I see you also have the early version of the changer. The second version has a roller for the magazine and the third version has a different platter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xexVdn3r3Y4

Donald