Generally the easiest to work on sets are the ubiquitous 7" Motorola electrostatic sets from the late '40s. Very straightforward, and you don't even have to know what you're doing for the most part to tear into one! (I'm proof positive of that
). Just go along and replace all the components until you get a picture. Easy!
Nightmare sets include:
1. Philco Predictas
2. GE Locomotive sets (or any of the breadbox style)
3. RCA "donut" chassis portable sets
4. Old color sets (unless you know what you're doing)
5. RCA PT-7030 (the tiny RCA metal portable with the cooling fins)