[PAradiogeek]

Ben,

Regarding dim bulb testing, here is a great page: http://www.antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm

I have just read through the entire thread. You seem to be of the opinion that vacuum tubes are the weak link in an old radio. That is simply not the case. Tubes are actually quite reliable compared to other components, especially electrolytic and paper capacitors. This is not to say that they never fail, just that those other components are _much_ more likely to fail. That is why they should get replaced first.

At this point you know that there is a fault somewhere in the radio, because the power transformer is overheating when the unit is powered. I recommend that you replace ALL of the paper and electrolytic caps before you power the unit again.
Jon