This 1949
Flxible Motor Coach was converted new by Allen B. Dumont Labs as
a TV remote truck for Channel 8 in Dallas, Texas. The ID plate
calls it "DuMont Telecruiser, Model B, Serial Number 101,
This TV
remote unit has lots of history to it. Among other things, it
is thought to have been used on the air during some of the 1963
Kennedy Assassination coverage in Dallas. Originally outfitted
with DuMont equipment, it was later updated with Marconi
Cameras, a GE Audio Console and possibly a Riker switcher. The
huge (and very ugly) external air conditioner seems to have
been added during one of the the updates.
Unfortunately, the bus had been stripped of equipment when we
acquired it in late August, 2005. We were able to find one of
the camera heads, power supplies, cables, camera control units
and sync generators for two more cameras. If you know where we
can find a Marconi MK IV Image Orthicon Camera head, type 3322A,
PLEASE let us know. We are also looking for a suitable vintage
switcher and other appropriate accessories. If you have any
leads, please
click here
to send us an email. This is
going to be a huge restoration project.
More pages
on the Telecruiser coming soon!
We are a
not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to the
preservation and presentation of historically and culturally
interesting inventions, events and places. We use audio, video
and allied media, to collect and preserve the images and
artifacts of yesterday so they may be enjoyed tomorrow.
One of our cameras
makes its debut at The 6th Floor Museum in Dallas, for a special
exhibit "Covering Chaos" which documents how the press handled
the Kennedy Assassination. And yes, this camera was used during
the original coverage.
We Want Your
Old Broadcast Equipment!
One of our missions
is the preservation of Broadcasting and Recording History. Part
of our collection can be seen on our
Virtual Museum.
Our collection is available for personal viewing by
appointment. If you'd like to visit us in East Texas, please
call (903) 643-7711 for an appointment, or you may
email us.
We think it is very sad for important pieces of historical
equipment get relegated to the trash heap. Before you throw it
out, contact us.
We will try to give it a good home, and your donation is tax
deductible.
We are
always interested in old TV Cameras, Switchers, Video Tape
Recorders, Monitors, Audio Consoles, Tape Machines, Microphones,
Turntables, Tape Cartridge Machines, Audio Processing Gear, Old
Radios, Literature, Books, Signs and other interesting relics of
the past.
We are in
serious need of heavy duty studio camera tripods or pedestals,
as well as pan and tilt heads. We have several very heavy
cameras that we'd really like to display if we only had the
means to mount them. We'd appreciate your help.
Our Our Video Editing
Suite, shown under construction in this picture. We'd like to
tell you that it is always this neat, but it usually isn't.
