DUMONT TELECRUISER (WFAA-TV)

[Bob E. Nelson]

Take a look at this picture taken around 1953:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DuMont_Telecruiser_B-101.jpg

Sewell Motors is quite visible to the left as is a building across the street (to the right).

1). In what part of town this picture taken?

2). Can anyone discern what the letters spell on the A-frame tower on the right?

 

[jd]

That's a tough one. For some reason I want to say the Cedar Springs or McKinney Avenue area, but that's strictly a guess. As for the tower I'm thinking it says "Gosden," for what that might be worth.

 

[gbranch]

The Golden Telecruiser still exists, and is owned by Chuck Conrad, who operates Chalk Hill Educational Media and KZQX radio in Longview/Kilgore. He has current and classic pictures of the truck on his website.

http://chalkhillmedia.org/telecruiser/index.htm

 

[Chuck]

The Golden Telecruiser still exists, and is owned by Chuck Conrad, who operates Chalk Hill Educational Media and KZQX radio in Longview/Kilgore. He has current and classic pictures of the truck on his website.

http://chalkhillmedia.org/telecruiser/index.htm

Or you can visit www.telecruiser.com if you like shortcuts. The picture on Wikipedia came from my web site. It was sent to me by an ex-(now deceased) WFAA Employee who actually worked on the unit. He sent quite a few other pictures that can also be found on the Telecruiser web site. Sewell (and most other Dallas car dealers) were on Ross Avenue during the 1950's, so that is a good guess as to the location, although it might have been a side entrance.

Recently a friend sent a scan of a 1948 DuMont Broadcast catalog. Inside is a picture of not just any Telecruiser, but this Telecruiser. I don’t know how many they made, but this one is Serial Number 101. My friend speculates that it was the prototype. Eventually, most DuMont owned and operated stations had one.

I'm in the process of restoring this vehicle. It is quite a big project. The good news is it is running (It was out of the garage just this morning, in fact) and is getting close to visiting a paint shop for a bit if "freshening up." (OK, a LOT of "freshening up."

I’m always interested in finding out more information about this vehicle. Of course, chasing parts (especially DuMont parts) has become a real passion. I’m always happy to hear from anyone who has info, or wants to know more. I can also be reached by phone at the radio station. Just visit the KZQX web site for that number.

 

[Chuck]

2). Can anyone discern what the letters spell on the A-frame tower on the right?

It says "Channel 8" That A frame supports a microwave dish. You can see a picture of the whole thing on the telecruiser web site. I don't have the dish, but it is on the list of things to find. Got one lying around?

 

[easttxtv]

2). Can anyone discern what the letters spell on the A-frame tower on the right?

Looks like 'Cosden', a former oil company.

 

[jd]

Sewell (and most other Dallas car dealers) were on Ross Avenue during the 1950's, so that is a good guess as to the location, although it might have been a side entrance.

That makes sense, Chuck. And if you remember that I'd guess you probably remember "Goss On Ross."

 

[Megapsycle]

Sewell (and most other Dallas car dealers) were on Ross Avenue during the 1950's, so that is a good guess as to the location, although it might have been a side entrance.

That makes sense, Chuck. And if you remember that I'd guess you probably remember "Goss On Ross."

"The Tradin' Hoss"!

 

[Chuck]

That makes sense, Chuck. And if you remember that I'd guess you probably remember "Goss On Ross."

I do indeed. In fact, I think I helped make some commercials for them when I worked at KTVT (Channel 11) about 1970 or so. I could be wrong about that, but we did a lot of used car commercials at the Meadow Road studios.

 

[MikeShannon914]

Carl Sewell's Lincoln-Mercury dealership was at 712 Harwood in Downtown Dallas. Opened July, 1941.

 

[MikeShannon914]

Carl Sewell's Lincoln-Mercury dealership was at 712 Harwood in Downtown Dallas. Opened July, 1941.

That photo should be looking towards the south. 712 Harwood today falls around the site of a Quizno's subs (I guess that's still there,) and across the street from the old Maxus Energy Centre (now called the KPMG Centre. No, KPMG is not a broadcasting station.)

 

[Chuck]

Incidentally, last weekend I acquired a genuine DuMont branded tripod, which will go nicely with my DuMont Camera. I’ve never actually seen one of these before, except in a 1949 DuMont Broadcast Equipment catalog. It is all a part of putting the Telecruiser puzzle back together. It is a long process.

If any of you come across any DuMont bits and pieces, I’d really like to hear about it. Just visit www.telecruiser.com and send me an email. Any DuMont info, literature, parts or memorabilia is welcome.

Thanks