[Milsurplus] BC342N Question

[Glen Zook via Milsurplus]

I didn't replace any of the frequency determining capacitors.  The bypass capacitors, that are basically on the outside of the boxes were cut loose and replaced.
Since I was not even attempting to actually restore the receiver, I just removed the bathtub capacitors, etc., and used modern replacements.  In fact, I basically stripped the tube sockets and replaced all of the resistors and capacitors.  There had been so many attempts at modifying the receiver, and so many resistors had changed values, that I just, basically, "started over".  
I did make a few changes, which were modifications that were suggested in a number of conversion articles over the years.  Also, the pilot lamp dimmer was removed and the hole was used for a volume control separated from the r.f. gain control.
The biggest problem was coming up with something that was "stout" enough for the band-change knob.
I really don't have any idea as to how the BC-312 series was used in any theater of war.
The receiver works pretty well.  I don't have that much surplus equipment.  Besides the BC-312 I have a BC-348, BC-453, BC-454, BC-455, and a BC-457.  All but the BC-457 had been "amateur radioized" before I got them.  All the receivers have had the fixed capacitors replaced, by me. Glen, K9STH

Website: http://k9sth.net
      From: Joe Connor <joeconnor53 at yahoo.com>
 To: Glen Zook <gzook at yahoo.com>; David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com>; K3PID <Ron.K3PID at sbcglobal.net>; "milsurplus at mailman.qth.net" <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Saturday, December 6, 2014 2:19 PM
 Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] BC342N Question
   
Glen:
     That is some great work and a very interesting article. These receivers are very common at hamfests. When properly restored, they perform well and are living pieces of history. A BC-314 or BC-344, too, is a nice catch because they tune the broadcast band. 
     I have a couple of questions:
     1.  Did you have the pleasure of dropping the RF boxes to replace the caps inside? Any comments or tips?
     2. How did you handle the replacement of the square can caps behind the RF tube deck? I'd love to know how to re-stuff them. 
     3. How and where were these receivers used in the ETO during WW2?
                                   Joe Connor