[Boatanchors] Zenith transoceanic

[Robert Nickels]

I think I've got about all of the Zenith portables, and have to say, if 
AM BC listening is your goal, the Royal 500 wasn't called the "Royalty 
of Radio" for nothing.  Superior audio quality and performance to most 
any other portable, which is probably why Zenith got an arm and a leg 
for them even back then (about $500 in todays mini-dollars).    They 
still bring a premium but the "unbreakable" nylon case holds up well and 
they seldom require much restoration.  With four alkaline AA cells, they 
seem to play forever.

I find the Royal 2000 to be a fine performer also with great sound, and 
holds the distinction of being the first American-made AM-FM portable 
all transistor radio.   Here is a scan of an ad for this unique member 
of the family:  http://imageshack.us/m/837/5019/royal2000004.jpg
They did another color ad which was a rip-off of the '59 Thunderbird ad 
- I wonder if Ford was amused?

The shortwave portables are fun to play with, but if you just want to 
listen to the ballgame or local oldies station instead of Brother Stair, 
look for an "owl" portable.

73, Bob W9RAN