Philco Experts: Model 87 Grid Condenser?

[Winky Dink]

I'm supposed to be working on a Radiola 28, so how did I end up with a Philco Model 87?
Well, I started working on the cabinet of the Radiola, and found that all four feet were dry-rotted.
I found a local woodworker who could fix the feet, and he just happened to have a Philco 87 that he's listened to since he was a small child. But now it doesn't work. So I have the opportunity to work with a fine old classic and save a few dollars on the woodworking.



This set is in beautiful condition. The cabinet appears to be undamaged, and as far as I can tell everything is original except the power cord. So far I have rebuilt the filter condenser block and replaced the bypass condensers. Now I'm stuck on the grid leak resistor and condenser because this is an early model with some variations from the Model 87 data that I have found.

The information I have is that the grid condenser is part #3082, a Philco body-type 3 mica condenser, 250 mmf.



The condenser in my set is an Aerovox, no part number, no color code, which is currently measuring 350 mmf (by my Radio Shack multimeter). It matches Philco body type 1 in the catalog illustration. The catalog lists hundreds of condensers types 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, but only one type 1. The listing for the single type 1 condenser indicates that it's 600 mmf and color coded yellow.



My inclination is to leave the original mica condenser in place since it's probably OK and I don't know what to replace it with. Anyone have a better idea?