This young man is pulling in the proverbial strong local station thanks to one of two sets described in Popular Mechanics 70 years ago this month, June 1951. Both sets are billed as low-cost sets for young radio experimenters, and the magazine noted that such designs re not as plentiful as they should be.

The set above is a crystal set using a galena detector. The tuning coil is wound on a rectangular piece of wood under the chassis, and there is an opening on top for a slider.

The father-son team at left have upgraded the set. First of all, instead of a galena detector, this set uses a 1N34 diode. And for added volume, it employs a 3Q5-GT tube as audio amplifier. For the B+, the set uses 9 volts, but the article points out that for added volume, as much as 90 volts can be used.

If you are thinking of recreating one of these designs, you might find ideas for sourcing parts at my crystal set parts page.