Here's the other Philco console that I got from the same place that had the Philco tube console that I bought. This one was also in danger of being gutted for use as a TV cabinet; so, I figured I'd better save it.

The radio fires up and works; but, it has the usual dirty controls and probably needs some caps. The record changer is a VM that uses a Tetrad cartridge and tracks at a little over two grams, according to my scale. The changer needs the usual work that all of these need.

This is a very heavy stereo and looks to be one of their better models.

Here's a video I made of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2sYVoDrLMQ

Good save on that console, its in nice condition too.
Im like you i see them at thrift stores and have to save them, because i know what will happen otherwise

I had a Solid State Philco Ford console when I was in my teens-20's, it was a much simpler model that yours but it had a similar light tracking tone arm.

I can't even remember where I got it now, probably a swap meet or garage sale.

It sounded quite good for what it was and it served me well for recording tapes to listen to in the car. (it had tape outputs, not a built in)