The Truetone model 278-5Q was made by Continental Radio & TV Corp.
for Truetone radio distributors, Western Auto Supply.
This was the colorful "Onyx" (beetle) option.
The cabinet is a fragile, thin beetle plastic and few have survived without damage.
It is listed as a Truetone model D915 (CRT 5Q) in Western Auto Supply's Truetone manuals.
Scroll down the page to see the walnut bakelite version model 276-5Q.
The parts list show an ivory cabinet was also an option.
The beautiful, perfectly proportioned curvy design has made it popular with collectors.
Read more about beetle plastic and other radio plastics at our
Radio Plastics Explained page.
The schematics and service data are found in the Riders Manuals
listed under "Continental Radio & TV" model 5Q (Vol.11-pgs 6,7),
and under Western Auto Supply - Truetone model D915 (Vol.13 pgs 32,33),
including circuit revisions (model #s D915A, D915B and D915C).
Continental stamped their model number in orange ink on the bottom of their radios.
The schematics are dated 1939.
These pages are from Western Auto Supply's Truetone Radio Manual Vol.1
