[Milsurplus] BC-348QvsR

[Ray Fantini]

The first time I saw this did not think about it much, but hear it is again “IMHO the RT-91/ARC-2 is of a little higher construction quality than the follow-on RT-298/ARC-2A (which compares to the RT-91 in the same way that the cost-limited BC-348-Q compares to the traditional BC-348-R).” myself I have owned and used both versions of the BC-348, the Q and the R and have always regarded the Q as the newer version of the same design and in no way a inferior or cheaper version of the radio. I am lead to think that both versions were in production at the same time although looking at the Q can see where that is built using newer components then the R. What was the last series in production? What was the last series still in active service? Would assume the Q was a lot easier to support then the R due to age and type of tubes used. Myself have to regard the Q as a better radio then the R just biased on the fact that it looks better with all matching knobs and no toggle switch for the BFO also like using more modern tube set and last but not least every Q I have seen had a real metal data plate and not one of those plastic weird plates that were on the other series.
I will say that this is only my opinion and in no way a statement on what others think, but it would be useful to know what variant was in service last, my vote goes for the Q.
Ray Fantini KA3EKH