If you’re a regular here on the SWLing Post, you’ve no doubt discovered that I’m a fan of vintage radios.
Lately, I’ve been attempting to let go of some of my vintage gear to give my favorite rigs proper shelf space and dedicated antenna time. To keep temptation at bay when I visit flea markets or hamfests (like Hamvention and the one in Shelby, NC) I now focus on WWII era radios; specifically “morale” radios that were used for troop entertainment. I’ve two morale sets: the Scott Marine Radio Model SLRM (technically, a commercial version of a Navy set) and the Minerva Tropic Master.
I purchased this Minerva set off of eBay a couple years ago. I got it for $50 or $60, if memory serves (the seller originally wanted $180 + shipping!). He claimed it worked, but after I asked him a few questions prior to making an offer and learned that “working” meant the speaker prodeced a noise and the backlight worked. I made a low offer and he accepted.
Last year, I took Minerva over to my buddy, mentor and boat anchor doctor, Charlie (W4MEC). Charlie discovered the radio had many issues and several poorly implemented repairs. Still, in a few short weeks, when parts arrived he brought the girl back to life.
With front cover closed.
The Tropic Master is a portable eight tube receiver that covers both the AM broadcast band and shortwave bands from 5.5-18 MHz. It can be powered by AC or DC. It was “tropicalized” to withstand extreme heat and humidity. The internal speaker produces mellow, full-fidelity audio and the volume can be increased to room-filling.
To give you a taste, this morning I tuned the Tropic Master to my in-house AM transmitter on 1570 kHz which was being fed audio from The UK 1940s Radio Station (my favorite Internet radio station). This particular clip features Jay Lawrence’s excellent show, From Stateside:
Click here to view on YouTube.
The Tropic Master is portable and even has a fold down handle on top of the chassis. Though substantial, it must be the lightest of all of my vintage metal chassis radios.
Tuning isn’t exactly precise, but it does the job and is a pleasure to use. It’s quite sensitive on both shortwave and mediumwave. Last night, she was tuned to the Voice of Greece on 9420 kHz–I probably listened to two hours of Greek music while her eight tubes warmed the shack.
Who could turn down a radio with this speaker grill?
If you ever find a Minerva Tropic Master at a flea market or hamfest, I say adopt one! It’s a beautiful receiver and like all good vintage radios has a story and history of its own.
Post readers: Any other Tropic Master owners out there or do you have a morale radio? Have you ever spotted a Tropic Master in the wild? Please comment!
I have one – was my Dad’s in WW2 –
Make offer – hate to just throw it away
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I have one. Good performer with decent selectivity. been recapped and aligned. It’ll outlast me and the next 5 owners. Wish it could tell me all the signals received and places it went when it was issued.
I had one back in the 1960’s when I was a teen living at home. When I moved out on my own, I unfortunatly left it there and my step mother sold it without my knowledge.
I have one for sale right now! > it needs a restoration. It will be on Facebook market place Austin, Tx.(6/8/20)
You still got? still for sale?
I have one. Just found it in my storage.
I picked one up today. What is the paper work that goes on the door?
I picked up one at an estate sale this weekend. It appears to be complete. Not working, quite dusty inside, the steel exterior case is quite weathered.. The faceplate and tuning dial is very nice though. I not restoring boat anchors any longer, will be happy to sell this for what I paid, $40.00. Shipping extra of course, probably in the $45 range I imagine. I took several pictures I will send on request. 73 tc(dot)fischer(at)yahoo(dot)net
Very nice old school AM/SW radio Thomas, glad you were able to get it restored. Just the name itself, “Tropic Master “conjures up thoughts of far away exotic places one can hear via the ethers. The simplicity also, just four knobs, compared to today’s radios, makes you yearn to turn it on.
Enjoy using the radio and thanks for the post.
Theres one of these on ebay right now. Pickup only-if you live in LA (fullerton). Heres a project for someone.
https://m.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Minerva-Tropic-Master-radio-short-wave-AM-historic-WWII-Military-Army-/202176916567