Yes they did!
Going back to BBC Transcription Discs, BBC Records always had a different catalogue number and a different run-out matrix on each side - but they always linked back to the catalogue number on the label.
This, however, continued for the Language courses from 1963 up until 1974. The "Main" catalogue became far more normal in 1970.
But this isn't the end of the story! What seems to be unique for BBC Records is what is shown in the run-out matrix. These don't always show the same catalogue number on the label!
Below is a list of the interesting ones I have seen so far.
Here is the first example. Side 1 has a runout code of RE 1, side 2 though has RE 2. This follows on from the non-consumer records and the OP language series which did the same. Slightly different here though it also includes a side of 1 and 2!
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE 1 S1 BBC
Side 2 = RE 2 S2 BBC
Here is the second release, which in number 3, not 2.
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE 3 BBC
Side 2 = RE 4 BBC
I now have this release and this one is one sided. This is something the BBC did for transcription discs regularly, but for a commercial release?
Runout code is:
Side 1 = RE 5 BBC
The next release follows the previous two.
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE 6 BBC
Side 2 = RE 7 BBC
The next release follows the last three, though this seems to have only been released to the Cunard passengers.
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE 8 BBC
Side 2 = RE 9 BBC
The next release has a slightly different code. It doesn't state BBC on it, instead it has LP.
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE LP 10
Side 2 = RE LP 11
The next release follows the same format as the last one, however (like RE 5), this is another single sided LP.
Runout code is:
Side 1 = RE LP 12
RE 13 / RE 14 exists, but I have not been able to buy it or get a picture of the cover. It is another two sided disc about choirs and where they sing.
RE 15 may be like RE 5 and RE 12, perhaps another single sided disc about choirs?
What should be RE 16 and RE 17 uses a completely different code BBC 1005! I haven't been able to track BBC 1001-1004 yet either.
Runout codes are:
Side 1 = RE 16
Side 2 = RE 17
From release 18, the runout code format resembles normal coding, that is one number for each release. There are a few more odd entries to come!
The odd thing about record 21 is the runout code is not 21, it's 22!
Runout codes are:
RE 22 SIDE 1 1 G
RE 22 SIDE 2 1 G
The odd thing about record 22 is the runout code still has 22, but shows sides 3 and 4!
Runout codes are:
RE + 22 + 3
RE + 22 + 4
Next we are onto the subset of "Gold" records. REGL 1 cunningly has RE 21, but RE 21 already exists - though as shown above this has a runout code of RE 22!
Runout codes are:
RE 21 SIDE 1 BBC
RE 21 SIDE 2 BBC
I don't have REGL 2 (apparently this refers to RE 22 !) or 3 yet.
Next REGL 4 uses RE 25!
Runout codes are:
RE 25 SIDE 3 BBC
RE 25 SIDE 4 BBC
Now moving on ... The next tricky part is the Roundabout series. The second disc in this series has runout codes from the main catalogue, with the additions of side 3 and 4! Bit odd as release 55 is a Wildlife series record!
Runout codes are:
RE + 55 + 3 BBC
RE + 55 + 4 BBC
Straight after that is Roundabout 3 which cunningly has RE 55 again, but sides 7 and 8! I have yet to find sides 5 and 6.
Runout codes are:
RE + 55 + 7 BBC
RE + 55 + 8 BBC
While on the subject of Roundabout records, the first one uses RE 57 sides 3 and 4!
Runout codes are:
RE + 57 + 3 BBC
RE + 57 + 4 BBC
The last one is the fourth Roundabout record, this uses RE 59!
Runout codes are:
RE + 59 - 3 BBC
RE + 59 - 4 BBC
The other Roundabout series then uses RERT, followed by RBT for the later ones.
While we are talking about strange entries, one other thing about the Roundabout series is that it ends with release 21 only to start again with release 101 ...
I hope you enjoyed this interesting article!
