Model B4000

This is the battery-powered version of the Model 5000, and was manufactured in 1946-47. It could be obtained in the unpainted bakelite rainbow cabinet or a painted ivory cabinet. Most brown cabinet examples have brown knobs and ivory cabinet examples have ivory knobs. Some brown cabinet examples appear to have been supplied with ivory knobs. A photo of one of these appears on Northern Electric Service Bulletin RS 103. These models are commonly found in western Canada due to the fact that rural electrification did not arrive in some areas until the 1950s. In general I have found that these models tend to be in the worst shape when found.

Tube Complement:

1. 1A7GT: Converter
2. 1N5GT: IF Amplifier
3. 1H5GT: 2nd Detector, AVC, 1st Audio Amplifier
4. 1T5GT: Output Amplifier

Features of B4000 models:

1. The airplane dial and pointer are used, but the dial (part R8145-24) is different from the Model 5000 as the dial numerals range from 55 to 160.

2. Interestingly, unlike the Model 5000, the Model B4000 does not sport the Baby Champ label on the back.

3. The back has three screw terminals: external antenna, ground, and phono input. Three decals are affixed on the back: license warning, battery connection/tube location, and 2 volt storage cell warning.

4. A guarantee notice sticker is present on the bottom of the case.

5. The back is attached to the chassis by four slot screws.

Variations found among B4000 models:

1. Speakers are found in two shapes: round and rounded square. Both speaker shapes are stamped with manufacturer's part No. R12791.

2. Wiring to battery connectors vary from all cloth covering in some examples to all plastic covering in other examples of B4000. Most examples appear to have a combination of cloth and plastic covering.

3. Screws attaching dial to chassis are of two types: slot and Robertson.

My Model B4000 collection data:
Col No.
Color
Knobs
Back Scr
Dial
Dial Scr
Speaker
Other
001
green
white
missing
R8145-24
square
R12791 round
cloth wire to plug
002
ivory
white
slot
R8145-24
slot
R12791 round
plastic wire to plug
005
ivory
missing
slot
R8145-24
square
R12791 square
cloth & plastic wire to plug
007
brown
missing
mising
R8145-24
square
replacement
cloth & plastic wire to plug
011
brown
brown
missing
R8145-24
square
R12791 square
plastic wire to plug
012
brown
brown
slot
R8145-24
square
R12791 round
cloth wire to plug
013
brown
missing
missing
R8145-24
slot
R12791 round
plastic wire to plug
Note: 001 was obtained in Ontario and found in a green hammertone cabinet with the back screws missing. This is unlikely the original cabinet as this model was not apparently sold in this color.
Key: Col No. = Collection Number, Back Scr = Back Screw Type, Dial Scr = Dial Screw Type
Details:
R8145-24 U-Shaped Dial

 

R12791 Round Speaker
R12791 Rounded Square Speaker

 

Model B4000 Back

 

B4000 Tube Location

 

B4000 License Warning
B4000 Voltage Warning (Compare with B4100)

 

Examples:
Model B4000 (Col No 013): brown bakelite, replacement knobs, replacement dial cover.
Model B4000 (Col No 002): ivory, original knobs, replacement dial cover.
Model B4000 (Col No 007): brown bakelite, ivory knobs, replacement dial cover. (Originally found with knobs missing. Restored as per Northern Electric Service Bulletin RS 103 photo).

Model B4000 Radio Service Bulletin