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Problem with most radios is that the electromagnetic pulse from the bomb will fry the silicon.

That poses an interesting question: Would EMP also fry a radio that was powered by a hand crank? If it's components were microchips, I'm betting yes.

That poses an interesting question: Would EMP also fry a radio that was powered by a hand crank? If it's components were microchips, I'm betting yes.

I think EMP is overrated from what I've read about it. Basically if your radio or electronic device isn't connected to a power source (usually the A/C line) or an antenna, it should be safe but if you want added protection to make sure, put it in a grounded metal box. I think your Walkman should still work and even with cars, the body is metal so that should shield any electonics. The problem is that an outside antenna and the power lines will act as an antenna and direct the EMP into the device in question. Of course, nothing is 100% so it is a good idea to protect them as well as you can.

BTW, I do have a battery powered tube radio, my grandfather's 1953 Philco 53-656, it even has the Civil Defense symbol on it past the AM band. B-) IIRC, above 1610 kc to about 1800 kc, it was used for local Civil Defense communications by the authorities at that time. Many police departments still used 2000 kc for their radios although even at that time, they were using VHF-Lo/Hi.