Classic Radio Gallery logo dial
presents,

Old Time Radio Transcription Disc Collection

The Adventures of Frank Race
Boston Blackie
Box Thirteen
Calling All Cars
CBS Radio Mystery Theater
Chandu the Magician
The Cisco Kid
Crime Classics
The FBI in Peace and War
Frontier Town
Front Page Drama
Globe Theatre
Guest Star
I was a Commie for the FBI
Johnny Dollar
(KTEQ-fm)
The Lives of Harry Lime
Inner Sanctum
The Lone Ranger
Metropolis
Mr. District Attorney
(Music radio shows - 12" & CDs)
Mutual Radio Theater
Mystery Playhouse
The Planet Man
Philo Vance
Radio Theatre of Famous Classics
Suspense
Theater Five
21st Precinct
The Unexpected
The Weird Circle
The Whistler


boy&grandpa listening

16" radio station transcription records

Radio Transcription record labels
Prior to 1928, transcription recordings were limited to 5 minute segments on 78rpm 12" discs.
In 1928 new technology in electrical transcriptions was introduced.
Superior recording quality on 16" discs that were slowed to 33 1/3 rpm gave 15 minutes on each side.
16" Radio transcription discs were used as a method to
distribute content to radio stations in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
Networks shared music recordings, syndicated old time radio drama recordings,
and other recorded content among their stations.
By the 1960s, 12" discs returned, capable of 30 minutes per side.
Radio transcriptions were never available to the public - never sold commercially.
Record labels are commonly found with scribbled or stamped air dates.
The records were pressed using different materials over the years including aluminum, glass and
sometimes colorful vinyl in bright red or blue.
Early discs were very fragile and many haven't survived years of storage and handling.
Their large size require special turntables that can accommodate 16" discs.
Few copies were made of each disc, only enough for participating radio stations,
so they can be hard to find. Music transcriptions surface regularly,
but syndicated old time radio drama discs are scarce.
Many discs were originally licensed for a single airing,
then to be disposed of, or returned after airing, contributing to their scarcity.
Some were shared with sister stations before being returned and destroyed.
One policy example is stated on the ZIV transcription disc labels,
"This transcription licensed for single performance for Radio Broadcasting only
and remains property of the ZIV co. and must be returned to address below
immediately following broadcast." Then warning they will be invoiced if not returned.
After all these years, remaining survivers have mostly found their way into collections, that don't let loose of them.
Used record stores today are unfamiliar with 16" transcription records, many never seeing them before.



Transcription Record Press photo There were the network and big name transcription labels of the day,
and then there was the The Armed Forces Radio Services that produced an estimated
25,000 different transcription discs; a major producer of transcription records.
Created in 1940 to entertain and inform US troops around the world,
the United States War Department created a Morale Service Division.
It became the Special Service Division (SSD) July 20, 1942.
The SSD evolved into the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) November 1943 and
then into the Armed Forces Radio & Television Services (AFRTS) in 1949.
The AFRS produced much of their own material with big name stars contributing.
Most wartime AFRS programs were produced in Hollywood - AFRS was based in Los Angeles.
Clarion model AC-85 cathedral radio They also pressed and distributed other networks' entertainment show discs
with commercial content edited out.
These included Old Time Radio drama on 16" and 12" transcriptions from the 1940s into the 1980s,
These discs surface more often than the original network pressings, but can still be hard to find,
with value determined by the content; popular shows, big stars or big music acts bringing big prices.
The quality of the AFRS productions were considered superior in ways to commercial network radio,
as many network and radio professionals ended up in uniform and employed by the AFRS.
(see the many different SSD, AFRS & AFRTS labels below)
The popular '70s "CBS Radio Mystery Theater" episodes were transcribed to 12" discs by the AFRTS,
the only instances of the CBSRMT on vinyl that I know of.
Info was found that CBSRMT was originally distributed to CBS radio stations on reel-to-reel tape.

AFRS, AFRTS and SSD transcription record labels
Emerson Radio model 400 Patriot with red catalin cabinet Zenith Radio model 12-S-232 Walton, large tombstone, motorized tuning, robot shutter dial, magic eye tuning tube Many half hour radio drama transcriptions were split onto sides A and B
but many require 2 discs to complete each of 2 episodes.
(Disc one: sideA;episode 1-part 1 sideB;episode 2-part 1
Disc two: ep1-pt2 & ep2-pt2)
Many have lost there partners over the decades
and have become incomplete "orphan" discs.
The separate discs allowed the disc jockey to cue both parts up on two turntables
for an uninterupted segue between the records when airing.

Atwater Kent model 206 tombstone radio Fadamodel L56 maroon catalin radio Labels usually include a note to "Start Outside" or "Start Inside".
Some discs were pressed "backwards" so the record plays inside out,
I've heard this explained; it was for smoother transitions by matching the
fidelity differences between outside and inside grooves from one disc to the next.

transcription turntable Audiotronics 425VT Transcription Record Player



(Listen and download many of these radio shows free at archive.org)


Boston Blackie

Boston Blackie was a top ten detective in the OTR Detective genre.
Its popularity brought about many Boston Blackie movies as well.
Blackie was "an enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend".
Boston Blackie starred Chester Morris when it began June 23, 1944.
Richard Kollmar took over the role the following year.
Over 200 episodes were produced through Oct 1950.

These 16" ZIV label discs from the 1940s split two 2-part shows onto 2 discs,
some with part 2 on red vinyl.
Boston Blackie radio transcription disc
"The Brandon Jewel Robbery" 02/05/46
Boston Blackie radio transcription disc
Episode 43
Boston Blackie radio transcription disc
"The Condon Ransom" 02/12/46
Boston Blackie radio transcription disc
Episode 44
Boston Blackie radio transcription disc Boston Blackie radio transcription disc

Episode 197 (January 19, 1949)
notes from the record sleeve:
A Boat, the Viking, Is On Montgomery Street with a Body in It
AKA: "boat in the Street" - "the 'High and Dry' Murder"
First line: "If any more calls come in, hand 'em to Sgt. Matthews. I'm busy."

A dead body is found on a boat, the Viking, in the middle of Montgomery Street.
It is a stunt to publicize the movie "High and Dry". But the body turns out to be the
director of the movie, Eduardo Bernetti. This one's so weird that Faraday wants
Blackie to solve it.

Boston Blackie radio transcription disc Boston Blackie radio transcription disc

Episode 198 - January 26, 1949
from the sleeve notes:
The John Frawley Imposter Murder
AKA: "Unknown Man"
"John Frawley, While In Africa, Reads That He Is Dead"
First line: "I wonder what the Natives are up to now, John."
John Frawley reads a newspaper while in Afreica and finds out he has bee reported as dead.
His brother Eddie is trying to grab all the money. Frawley want Blackie to
help him prove who he is. Before he can talk to Frawly's old nurse, Martha Blake,
she is murdered. The butler Charles is killed as well.


Red Vinyl Boston Blackie Transcription record

Boston Blackie ZIV transcription disc ad


The Lone Ranger

Below are original Lone Ranger 16" transcription records issued to radio stations in the late '30s, early '40s.
The First King-Trendle NBC labels contained two episodes that were divided between a 2 disc set.
The War Department, NBC and RCA labels contained 1 episode per disc; parts 1 & 2 on sides A & B.

Lone Ranger radio transcription advertisement

Lone Ranger transcription 003-1 record
The Lone Ranger

"Crooked Banker & Sheriff"

(003-1, MS018470) (003-2, MS018471)


Program 3: 38/01/19
Jan 19, 1938
(777 "Crooked Banker and Sheriff")
alt date/# found:
( May 10, 1937, ep 668)
Lone Ranger transcription 003-2 record
Lone Ranger transcription 004-1 record
The Lone Ranger

"Silver Mine Surprise"

(004-1, MS018475) (004-2, MS018476)


Program 4:
Missouri and Sleepys' Silver Mine
and the Brugan Brothers
Jan 24, 1938
(779 "Silver Mine Surprise")
Lone Ranger transcription 004-2 record
Lone Ranger transcription 015-2 record
The Lone Ranger

"Panamint Nash"

(015-1, MS016415) (015-2, MS016416)


Program 15:
Feb 02, 1938
(790 "Amy Holcomb")
Lone Ranger transcription 015-2 record
Lone Ranger transcription 016-1 record
The Lone Ranger

"Jim Flood's Mine"

(016-1, MS016923) (016-2, MS016924)


Program 16:
Feb 21, 1938
791 "Jim Flood's Mine"
Lone Ranger transcription 016-2 record
Lone Ranger transcription 021-1 record
The Lone Ranger

"Stage to Dodge City"

(021-1, MS020000) (021-2, MS020001)


Program 21:
Sept 3, 1943
Program #1657/870
"Sam Slater"/"The Stage To Dodge City"
Lone Ranger transcription 021-1 record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Jim Murdock's Mine"

(022-1, MS020007) (022-2, MS020008)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Don Diego Sanchez"

(131-1, MS029180) (131-2, MS029181)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Ezra Pike"

(132-1, MS029660) (132-2, MS029661)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"The Hawk"

(135-1, MS029682) (135-2, MS029683)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Link Hamlin"

(135-1, MS029826) (135-2, MS029827)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Cattle Stampede"

(137-1, MS029698) (137-2, MS029699)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Trouble in Arrowhead"

(138-1, MS029847) (138-2, MS029848)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"The Black Caballero
(Episode 1 of 3)"

(169-1, MS029983) (169-2, MS029984)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"The Black Caballero
(Episode 2 of 3)"

(170-1, MS034031) (170-2, MS034032)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"The Black Caballero
(Episode 3 of 3)"

(171-1, MS034038) (171-2, MS034039)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Oklahoma Homesteaders"

(172-1, MS034203) (172-2, MS034204)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Mysterious Wagons"

(173-1, MS034058) (173-2, MS034059)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Great Winston Repertory Co"

(174-1, MS034068) (174-2, MS034069)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Banker Kline"

(175-1, MS034137) (175-2, MS034138)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Contraband Whiskey"

(176-1, MS034079) (176-2, MS034080)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Snake River Dam"

(177-1, MS034084) (177-2, MS034085)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

"Mr King (Mistreated Boy)"

(178-1, MS034088) (178-2, MS034089)

Lone Ranger transcription record
Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#1562

(NBC)

43/01/25 Trail's End

Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#1587

(NBC)

43/03/24 On the Two Front Wheels

Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#1598

(NBC)

43/04/19 The Sheriffs Son

Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#1956

45/08/03
Water Hole

(RCA)

Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#2099

46/07/05
Dead Man's Justice

(RCA)

Lone Ranger transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record
The Lone Ranger

#26
Gopher Gage Wants Revenge
Sam Slater robs woman on stagecoach
and is murdered by Gopher Gage.
(War Department SSD release)


Our OTR 16" transcription collection includes a few orphan shows that are missing their partner discs.
Maybe it's a long shot, but I thought I would try to put these three Lone Ranger 16" radio transcription discs back together with their missing discs.
I am willing to sell these discs or buy the missing discs. Perhaps you know a OTR radio transription collector you could pass this along to.
They are:
The Lone Ranger - Programs 13, 14 part 1 (missing part 2 disc)
The Lone Ranger - Programs 17, 18 part 2 (missing part 1 disc)
The Lone Ranger - Programs 19, 20 part 2 (missing part 1 disc)

The Lone Ranger radio transcription discs


Box Thirteen featuring Alan Ladd

Alan Ladd Box 13 radio show

Alan Ladd Box 13 radio show transcription Alan Ladd Box 13 radio show transcription
Box Thirteen, Program #39
Alan Ladd Box 13 radio show



Calling All Cars

Calling All Cars was one of the first police dramas on the radio and aired from 1933 to 1939.
Citing Archive.org, "Calling All Cars aired from 29 Nov 1933 until 8 Sep 1939 and originated
on the West coast over the Columbia Broadcasting System. The show was sponsored by
the Rio Grande Oil Company which was a part of the Sinclair Oil Corporation.
The show only ran in areas where Rio Grande "Cracked" gasoline was sold.
The writer-director of the show was William N Robson.
Each episode was dramatization of a true crime story, how each crime was solved and justice served.
Episodes were introduced mainly by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Sgt Jesse Rosenquist, a police dispatcher was a part of the entire run of the series."

These early, 1930s discs were very heavy and one-sided transcriptions.

Calling All Cars radio show transcription Calling All Cars radio show transcription
Calling All Cars #70-A "The Rhythm of the Jute Mill"
March 26, 1935


Chandu the Magician

Chandu the Magician radio show

Chandu the Magician were 15 minute episodes, pressed only one episode per disc,
The single-sided 16" disc had the Columbia Records logo on the unused side.
This is a very early, and heavy, 1935 transcripton disc.
Chandu the Magician transcription record Lone Ranger transcription record

"Clash of the Wizards"
from the sleeve notes:
Chandler Goes to the Jungle Temple & Clashes with Vitras.
8/7/35
Wiki episode guide: 05/31/33 #323 "The Temple Of Death"


Frontier Town starring Tex Chandler

These discs split 2 shows onto 2 discs, all on red vinyl.
(dozen left to scan yet, hopefully added soon)
Frontier Town radio show 16 Frontier Town radio show 16
Frontier Town radio show transcription Frontier Town radio show transcription


Frontier Town red vinyl radio 16


Front Page Drama

Front Page Drama was a 15-minute weekly show promoting American Weekly magazine.
Each show dramatized a story in the upcoming magazine issue.
Front Page Drama aired for many years, from 1933 to the mid-'50s.
Front Page Drama radio show transcription
Front Page Drama #924 "Chester Graham"
Front Page Drama radio show transcription
Front Page Drama #925 "John Rogers Alias Ramsey"



Metropolis

All the "Metropolis" episodes were pressed on blue vinyl.
(dozens more yet to scan)
Metropolis radio show transcription Metropolis radio show transcription
Blue vinyl Metropolis radio transcription disc


The Planet Man

All the "Planet Man" episodes were pressed on red vinyl.
(dozens more yet to scan)
The Planet Man radio show transcription The Planet Man radio show transcription
Red vinyl Planet Man radio transcription disc


Globe Theatre

Globe Theatre radio show transcription
Episode #155
Globe Theatre radio show transcription
"Phantom Lady"



Guest Star

Guest Star radio show transcription
Humphrey Bogart #85 "Incident in Freedom"
Guest Star radio show transcription
Bonita Granville #86 "The Road to Yesterday"



I Was a Communist for the FBI

"I was a Communist for the FBI" starred Dana Andrews.
This is a 16" first episode audition promotional copy as the label shows.

It included this large promo 10 page brochure.

IWACFTFBI brochure

radio show transcription radio show transcription

The Lives of Harry Lime

"The Lives of Harry Lime" starred Orson Welles.
These are 16" discs of the first 2 episodes
Cue sheets dated 1-12-51 are still with the discs.

Harry Lime, Orson Welles radio show transcription
Episode 1
Harry Lime, Orson Welles radio show transcription
"Too Many Crooks"
Harry Lime, Orson Welles radio show transcription
Episode 2
Harry Lime, Orson Welles radio show transcription
"See Naples and Live"


Harry Lime CUE SHEET

Mystery Playhouse

"Mystery Playhouse" was hosted by Peter Lorre,
who introduced re-airings of some classic OTR episodes from
"The Inner Sanctum" to "The Whistler".
These 16" discs included one 2-part episode on side A & B.

Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
Mystery Playhouse #44 - The Inner Sanctum
Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
"Deadman's Vengeance"
Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
Mystery Playhouse #49 - Mr. District Attorney
Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
"Comical Corpse"
Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
Mystery Playhouse #139 - The Whistler
Mystery Playhouse radio show transcription
"Final Returns"

Philo Vance

Philo Vance was one of the great private eyes,
These 16" discs included one 2-part episode on side A & B.

Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #35
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Curtain Call Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #36
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Million Dollar Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #37 (disc 37-1, 38-1 dark red vinyl)
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"White Willow Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #38
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"High Hat Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #39
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Movie Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #40
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Green Girls Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #59
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Blue Penny Murder"
Philo Vance radio show transcription
Philo Vance #60
Philo Vance radio show transcription
"Brotherly Murder"

Radio Theatre of Famous Classics

A 16" red vinyl disc with inside-out tracking.
Radio Theatre radio show transcription
Radio Theatre of Famous Classics #7
Radio Theatre radio show transcription
"The Inn"

Radio Theatre radio station transcription disc

Suspense

"Suspense", perhaps the finest produced mystery drama aired more than 900 episodes from 1940 through 1962.
These records were pressed for the War Dept Special Service Division (SSD).
In November 1943, the SSD became Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS),
dating these discs to the early 40s.
Suspense radio show transcription
Suspense (War Dept #9)
Suspense radio show transcription
"The ABC Murders"
Suspense radio show transcription
Suspense (War Dept #17)
Suspense radio show transcription
"In Fear and Trembling"
Suspense radio show transcription
Suspense (War Dept #20)
Suspense radio show transcription
""
Suspense radio show transcription
Suspense (War Dept #25)
Suspense radio show transcription
"Philomel Cottage"
Suspense radio show transcription
Suspense (War Dept #38)
Suspense radio show transcription
"The Sisters"



The Adventures of Frank Race

Frank Race was first broadcast in 1949 and ran for 43 episodes.

Frank Race show transcription
Frank Race #28 Nov 6, 1949
Frank Race radio show transcription
"The Six Week Cure"
Frank Race radio show transcription
Frank Race #29 Nov 13, 1949
Frank Race radio show transcription
"The Fairway Beauty"
Frank Race radio show transcription
Frank Race #32 Dec 4, 1949
Frank Race radio show transcription
"The Silent Tongue"
Frank Race radio show transcription
Frank Race #33 Dec 11, 1949
Frank Race radio show transcription
"The Kandy Killing"


Frank Race radio transcription disc


The Cisco Kid

The Cisco Kid was first introduced on the radio October 2, 1942.
Over 600 episodes were produced through 1956.
The Cisco Kid also ran on television, movies and comic books.

These early 1950s 16" transcriptions of the "Cisco Kid"
were 1/2 hour episodes each having 2 parts, split between 2 discs.

The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 47 (1-29-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Quarter Horse"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 48 (2-5-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Jewelry Holdup"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 49 (2-12-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Ghost Town"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 50 (2-12-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Quicksilver Murder"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 51 (2-19-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Buried Treasure"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 52 (2-19-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Spanish Dagger"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 55 (8-17-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"The Talking Dog"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 55 (10-5-52)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Pancho and the Pachyderm"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 85 (11-12-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Bandaged Badman"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 86 (11-19-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Chinese Gold"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 87 (11-26-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"The Faded General"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 88 (12-3-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"The Fugitive"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 91 (12-24-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Outlaws Gallery"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 92 (12-31-53)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"The Black Terror"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 105 (9-25-54)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Six-Gun for No-Pain"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 106 (10-2-54)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"The Haunted Stage Stop"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 107 (10-9-54)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Gold Strike"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 108 (10-16-54)
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
"Trouble in Tonopah"
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 257
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
""
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Episode 258
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
""
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
Orphan disc Episodes #141-142 part 2
The Cisco Kid radio show transcription
MISSING #141-142 PART ONE disc

The Unexpected

These 16" discs had two 15 minute stories.
The Unexpected radio show transcription
The Unexpected #102 "Solid Citizen"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc
The Unexpected #103 "Finale"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #104 "Cargo Unknown"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #105 "Find the Man"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #106 "Revenge"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #107 "The Cripple"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #108 "Fool's Silver"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #109 "Horoscope"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #110 "Eavesdropper"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #111 "Legacy"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #114 "King Champion"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #115 "The Mink Coat"
The Unexpected radio show transcription record label
The Unexpected #120 "Shipwreck"
The Unexpected radio show transcription disc label
The Unexpected #121 "The Winfield Diamond"



The Weird Circle


The Weird Circle was a 30-minute, syndicated, supernatural/fantasy series.
78 episodes were produced from 1943 through 1945.

These are the first 2 episodes of The Weird Circle from 1943.
The first is Edgar Allen Poe's, "The Fall of the House of Usher"
and show number two is "The House and the Brain"
The Weird Circle radio show transcription The Weird Circle radio show transcription
The Weird Circle radio show transcription The Weird Circle radio show transcription





12" Radio Station Transcription Records

Transcription discs changed to a 12" format in the 1960s
capable of holding 1/2-hour programs on a single side.

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater

The popular CBS Radio Mystery Theater (CBSRMT) ran from 1974 to 1982 airing 1399 different episodes.
Armed Forces Radio & Television Service (AFRTS) transcribed the CBSRMT episodes to 12" discs,
the only instances of the CBSRMT on vinyl that I know of.
Information found says CBSRMT was originally distributed to CBS radio stations on reel-to-reel tape.

These AFRTS discs have two programs split onto 2 separate discs and many are split among 3 record sets,
numbered so that all 3 records were required for 3 complete programs.
(disc one A-1 & B-1, disc two B-2 & C-1, disc three C-2 & A-2)

CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc AFRTS RU 40-0 26A and 27B
1M "The Face in the Coffin"

Official Episode #1077
CBS Air Dates
First Run - April 16, 1980
(Repeat - August 7, 1980)
actors included Fred Gwynn
CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc AFRTS RU 40-0 26B and 27A
2T "The Return of Edward Blair"

Official Episode #1109
CBS Air Dates
First Run - August 13, 1980
(Repeat - November 27, 1980)
actors include John Lithgow
CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc AFRTS RU 52-2 26A and 27B
586M "Tony's Market"

Official Episode #1380
CBS Air Dates
First Run - October 11, 1982
(Repeat - December 23, 1982)
CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc CBS Radio Mystery Theater radio transcription disc AFRTS RU 52-2 26B and 27A
586M "The Romance of Mary Oates"

Official Episode #1347
CBS Air Dates
First Run - July 5, 1982
(Repeat - October 12, 1982)


Dozens are still waiting to be scanned,
photo of box of CBS Radio Mystery Theater  radio records


The Whistler

These 12" Armed Services transcription discs of "The Whistler" included one episode,
with each disc backed with the gospel music program "Amen Corner"
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc
The Whistler radio transcription disc Amen Corner radio transcription disc


see also the 16" transcription disc of The Whistler that aired on "Mystery Playhouse".


The FBI in Peace and War

These 12" Armed Services transcription discs of "The FBI in Peace and War" included one episode,
with each disc backed with a music program.
The FBI in Peace and War radio transcription disc Folk Music of the World radio transcription disc
The FBI in Peace and War radio transcription disc Folk Music of the World radio transcription disc
The FBI in Peace and War radio transcription disc Ira Cook radio transcription disc

Johnny Dollar & Theater Five

These 12" Armed Services transcription discs of "Johnny Dollar" included one episode,
with each disc backed with a "Theater Five" episode or music programs.
The FBI in Peace and War radio transcription disc
"The Happy Family Matter"
Folk Music of the World radio transcription disc
"A Genuine Grenot"
Johnny Dollar radio transcription disc Hawaii Calls transcription disc
Johnny Dollar radio transcription disc
"The Mojave Red Matter"
Hawaii Calls transcription disc
#569

21st Precinct

These 12" Armed Services transcription discs of the police drama, "21st Precinct" included one episode,
with each disc backed with a music program.
21st Precinct radio transcription disc Just Music radio transcription disc

Crime Classics

These 12" Armed Services transcription discs of the police drama, "Crime Classics" included one episode,
with each disc backed with a music program.
Crime Classics radio transcription disc Just Music radio transcription disc



Mutual Radio Theater

Radio theater production from the '80s that was introduced by famous movie stars.
This 3 record, 12" box set included Leonard Nimoy, Lorne Greene and Vincent Price.
They were distributed to radio stations in box sets to cover a week of programs.
The shows were intended for only one licensed airing on a specific date.
The labels include the instuctions to destroy the records after broadcast.

Mutual Radio Theater radio transcription disc
Box set cover (week of Nov 24, 1980)
Mutual Radio Theater radio transcription disc label
November 28, 1980 with Leonard Nimoy


Mutual Radio Theater radio transcription disc label



Golden Age Radio Theatre

Golden Age Radio Theatre from the 1980s rebroadcast shows from the '40s.
Each show included comedy shows like Duffy's Tavern and Abbott & Costello,
paired with a radio drama like X minus One and other classics. (12")

Golden Age Radio Theatre radio transcription disc label



National Lampoon Radio Hour

National Lampoon's great cast included John Belushi and Gilda Radner.
Each weekly single 12" disc show arrived in a record jacket with the same artwork on the front.

National Lampoon Radio Hour radio transcription disc cover National Lampoon Radio Hour radio transcription disc label



Radio Canada

Radio Canda produced many different documentary radio shows.
This example discusses the sinking of the Titanic including survivor interviews. (12")

Radio Canada radio transcription disc label Radio Canada radio transcription disc cover


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12" MUSIC radio show transcriptions


In the 1970s, '80s and into the '90s, syndicated music radio shows were distributed
to radio stations on 12 inch discs, for scheduled, licensed airings.
Music programs and concerts were delivered to radio stations with specific air dates.
Transcription records were usually sent in just a paper sleeve with cue sheets,
but they starting releasing them with picture cover jackets or in box sets for some multi-part shows.
They were licensed for broadcast only and never available to the public
with much of the content in the shows never published commercially.
Some of the radio shows' concert and interview recordings are the only source for the material.
In the '90s, the format for distribution switched to compact discs.

AFRTS Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention Burnt Weenie Sandwich radio record label AFRTS Ten Wheel Drive radio record label
AFRTS #RL39-0 (programs P-11840 and P-11839)
The Armed Forces Radio & Television Services (AFRTS) released highlights from current
albums of the day with 2 albums chosen per disc.
This release highlights the albums "Burnt Weenie Sandwich" by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (SIDE A)
and "Construction #1" from Ten Wheel Drive (SIDE B).

Dr Demento radio show record label Rock & Roll Never Forgets radio show record label
Superstar Concert Series radio show record label Rock & Roll Never Forgets radio show record label
Superstar Concert Series radio show record label Superstar Concert Series radio show record box
Lost Lennon Tapes radio show record label Lost Lennon Tapes radio show record cover
Mary Turner Off the Record radio show record label Mary Turner Off the Record radio show record label
Soundtrack of the '60s show record label Soundtrack of the '60s radio show record box
King Biscuit Flower Hour show record label Robert Klein Hour radio show record label
Innerview radio show record label The Source radio show record label
National Music Survey radio show record label National Music Survey radio show record cover
Metal Shop radio show record label Rock Today radio show record cover
Nightbird & Company radio show record label Nightbird & Company radio show record cover
Rock Over London radio show record label Rock Over London radio show record cover
Rock Over London radio show record label Rock Over London radio show record cover
British Wax Museum radio show record label British Wax Museum radio show record cover
Live from the 60s radio show record label Live from the 60s radio show record cover
Alison's Tea House radio show record label Alison's Tea House radio show record cover
Concert Magazine radio show record label Here's to Vets radio show record label
An Evening with Wishbone Ash radio show record cover An Evening with Wishbone Ash radio show record back cover
An Evening with Wishbone Ash radio show record label
BBC Rock Hour radio show record label


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MUSIC Radio Shows on Compact Disc

In the late 1980s, new CD technology gave DJs a much easier job;
CDs were easier to cue than vinyl discs and able to hold 1 hour of content.
Dozens and dozens of syndicated music shows were produced and licensed for single airings.
Although many were released with full packaging artwork, they were never commercially released
with the intent to have the discs destroyed after broadcast,
as indicated on the "Rockline" radio show disc below.
They included commercials in the audio tracks, with cue sheets provided for the DJ.

Dr Demento radio show CD Off the Record radio show CD
King Biscuit Flower Hour radio show CD Rockline radio show CD
Into the Music with Frank Zappa radio show CD Reeling in the Years radio show CD
Flashback radio show CD Guitar Legends radio show CD
Classic Concerts with Frank Zappa 2009 radio show CD Classic Concerts with Frank Zappa 2012 radio show CD
Superstar Concert Series radio show CD The Beatle Years radio show CD
Aerosmith radio show CD At the Core radio show CD
Blues Jam radio show CD Eric Clapton Cream of the Crop radio show CD
Crossroads radio show CD Crosby Stills and Nash radio show CD
Premier Broadcasts with Frank Zappa radio show CD Led Zeppelin radio show CD
David Sanborn radio show CD Electric Ladyland radio show CD
In Concert radio show CD House of Blues Live radio show CD
Jimi Hendrix radio show CD Pink Floyd radio show CD
House of Blues radio show CD Radio Special In Serious Lather with Frank Zappa radio show CD
Spin Radio radio show CD Up Close radio show CD
Woodstock Revisited radio show CD Woodstock Minutes radio show CD
Woodstock 94 radio show CD Wavy Gravy radio show CD
New Jazz Archives with Frank Zappa radio show CD New Jazz Archives with Frank Zappa radio show CD


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transcription turntable Audiotronics 425VT Transcription Record Player
(Audiotronics 425VT Transcription Record Player)

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Boz & Brenda on the air at KTEQ

My wife and I were weekly DJs on college radio station KTEQ-fm in Rapid City from 1983 to 1994.
KTEQ was a low power, non-profit college radio station that broadcast from the
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus, covering Rapid City and the Black Hills region.
DJs enjoyed a completely open format, with no restrictions other than "No Top 40".
Included in our weekly Blues & Rock show we aired an old time radio program;
episodes from "Dimension X", "X minus 1", "Bradbury 13" and "Suspense".
Inspiration came from the legendary Clyde Clifford on KAAY Little Rock's AM Superstation,
hosting "Beaker Street" and "Beaker Theater" which I grew up with in the 70s.
It was the beginning of my obsession with Radios, Records and Old Time Radio.
Click on the photo above to hear a sample of us on the radio many years ago on KTEQ-fm.
(double-click to pause/stop)

KTEQ-fm
(hover for a "KTEQ" stereogram and click for sign-on audio clip)

Vinyl Record size comparison

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record collection


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See many beautiful radios inside Classic Radio Gallery!

Sparton Radio art with Strider the watchdog
1936 Sparton model 557 mirrored radio

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