‘One small step for man… one
giant leap for mankind’ said Neil Armstrong when he first stepped onto the
moon in July 1969 (Written by Norman Mailer). The moment the world had been desperately waiting for.
The general public was so excited and fascinated by such an achievement they
took to the shops buying everything space related. Electronic companies quickly
released numerous items such as radios, televisions and telephones that were
shaped into forms such as flying saucers, planets, rockets, astronaut helmets,
spaceships and satellites.
It could be said that few designs
since have reflected a more futuristic optimism than these electronic items.
Creating what we now term ‘space age design’.
One item that has become an icon
of the day is the Weltron (Techwood) Model 2005 stereo released in 1970 with an
8 track player. Model 2007 was released shortly later having a cassette player
rather than an 8 track. The 2007 model was released under a couple of different
badge names including GEC (General Electric Company) in Australia, all of which
were made by Weltron. At that time
Weltron wasn’t known in Australia unlike GEC who had a large share of the
market. I've never heard or seen a GEC model 2005 / 2007 with an 8 track.
The stereo looks very much like a science fiction
depiction of a UFO space ship. Some people believe it was inspired
by the classic futuristic sci-fi movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).
Which might have had some part but I believe man landing on the moon had a lot
more influence.
It has a built in AM/FM stereo, automatic record
changer turntable with 33 1/3 – 45 – 78 rpm speeds, built in speakers, 8 track
player / cassette play & recorder. Tiny round black wheels on the bottom
allowed the stereo to be used on a tabletop or moved around the floor with
ease. The top of the stereo has a large round smoked perspex lid which looks
like a space ship door when opened. Internal green lights and psychedelic
turntable display made it easy to operate in the dark. Jacks for microphones
and headphones made it functional for all occasions. The AUX jacks allow for
additional speakers or to play your TV or CD player via the stereo. Optional
extra’s included a spun metal pedestal support stand which screws into the base
of the unit. Most commonly finished in black paint, but I've seen some from
Germany that have a chrome finish. Another optional extra were the large
external speakers named model 2006.
All of the stereo casing was made using ABS plastic
(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) which designers were increasingly using for
its design flexibility, light weight, high durability and low cost to produce.
The majority of stereos were made in either white or
yellow ABS. I've heard of a few black,
red, green and a very rare soft pink existing. Not including any
repainted. Dimensions – Height 27cm,
Height with stand 72cm, Diameter 58cm, Weight 13kg.
The only design fault I've found with these units
is
the perspex lid. It’s attached only at the top by a couple of small screws.
Back in the 1970’s they hadn't thought of what 30+ years of sun light would do
to the plastic and many a 70’s key party has seen the breaking or cracking of
the lids.
But now with an increasing interest in space age and
modern design these items are rapidly going up in price and selling for several
times their original cost. Stereos with an original lid that is not cracked,
broken or missing are rare. But you can always get a reproduction lid that is
almost as good. Expect to pay anywhere
from a few hundred up to $2000 depending on condition. A must have item for any space age fan!
Next months feature item....The
JVC
Videosphere Television
HELP UPDATE THIS ITEM INFO!
Do you know who designed
this stereo for Weltron?
Do
you own / have seen a GEC 2005 stereo with an 8 track player?
Do
you own a 2005 / 2007
stereo in a colour not pictured?
Do
you know what other
badge/brand names this stereo was sold under?
If
so, please contact Contact antiqueplastique@aol.com
