John,

You asked what this radio looks like; here is a link:

http://www.owdjim.gen.nz/chris/radio/Realistic-12-655/

About the external antenna, the radio has a place for one and I tried
it with about 55'
of wire stretched out in the back yard...nothing changed that I could
hear. I know 55' is real short for MW
but it's all I could find. I'll play with it a little more and see
what works, without opening it up.