I actually on't think there's anything fouling the shift as it moves smoothly. It's just the way it is.

Is it just me or does the Olympia SM7 have a very heavy shift? I'm wondering if my SM7 is as it should be or has a problem.  The carriage lock doesn't engage properly & was fouling the shift but whilst it still doesn't easily it at least now works & doesn't foul the shift. This has made the shift better but it still seems heavy.

Regards
Peter

I bought this Olympia SM7 at a local auction for £15


It came with two new black/red ribbons dating from 1968 & 1969. They were made by Kores for the British Civil Service and have the Stationery Office logo & stock no. on them. Knicked from the office? Plus a type cleaning brush by Imperial & a "Colonel" typewriter eraser.

The SM7 is in good condition although the keys near the edges of the segment are a bit stiff. The shift does seem rather heavy. One odd thing is that the carriage lock doesn't move to lock the carriage butif moved manually will unlock. Not sure if there's a bit missing

I've heard the pub is closing...

I live about an hour's drive from Oxford. A great place to visit. If you like old churches, cathedrals, castles etc, England is a good place to visit.  Basically a lot of what went before is still there.