In Loving And Living Memory Of KTTV…Jim Diaz Restorations

I just got the pictures in from our friend Jim Diaz in California. He has a passion for KTTV’s history and in the process of writing a book on the station’s history, but in the mean time has restored one of his TK 31s as a replica of the early years. Here are his comments:

Attached are three photographs of my “cosmetically” restored RCA TK-31A. The TK-31A is one of two that I have. It is the first to be restored with the KTTV Channel 11, Los Angeles, California, markings. The second TK-31A will be restored after the first of the year.

Please note that the TK-31A is equipped with the standard three (3) lens complement issued when originally manufactured: Kodak Ektanon 50mm, 90mm and 135mm. It also has the optional Ilex 8 1/2” lens. It is mounted on an early version of the Baughman Spider (without the mechanical height adjustment and wheel extensions, which were offered later – of which I have two). It is equipped with a Houston Fearless Cradle Head for pan and tilt operation.

In addition to the two TK-31A’s, my collection includes an RCA TK-30A, which also needs some restoration work. After restoration, the TK-30A will be mounted on either an O’Connor wooden Tripod or a Houston Fearless TD-3 Pedestal. Or, I might mount it on one of three Houston Fearless TD-11A Metal Tripods, each equipped with the TD-15A Tripod Dolly.

Also, I have an RCA TK-46 and TK-47, both equipped with Fujinon Zoom lenses. The TK-46 and TK-47 will be mounted on a TVP P-50 Pedestal. In addition, I have two working RCA / Houston Fearless TD-9B Pedestals. In the lens department, I have three each of the Zoomar Super-Universal and Studio Zoom lenses.

As these other items become more presentable, I will send photographs as well.

Happy Holidays! And, best regards. Jim Diaz

Thanks Jim and keep us posted. Seeing this in color is interesting…who new they used yellow? Enjoy and share! -Bobby Ellerbee

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