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| Standard Typewriters » Late model R.C. Allen » 19-11-2013 18:26:18 |
- pileofbones
- Replies: 8
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Hmmm! Thank you for the info! So it should pop up every time I strike a key? Can you see where the color selector is from here? If it helps, the ink ribbon is only black, but I have no idea if someone has replaced it over the years or if it's supposed to be black only.
Nevermind, I just saw the little [B S R] selector there on the right that obviously stands for black, red or stencil and it moves now! Brilliant, I'm so glad that was an easy fix :D
So it's an unusual model you say? That's exciting!
| Type Talk » New Member Thread » 19-11-2013 16:49:38 |
- pileofbones
- Replies: 986
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Moved it, thanks! - O.
| Standard Typewriters » Late model R.C. Allen » 19-11-2013 16:48:12 |
- pileofbones
- Replies: 8
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[Partial repost from my intro as requested :3]
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This is my current machine, an R.C. Allen with an extra-wide carriage. It seems based on serial number databases to be an extremely late model, probably manufactured in 1967, although if anyone here has more of an idea feel free to share. Here are a couple photos, nothing fancy, just quick shots from my phone:
The only thing that seems to be 'wrong' with it is that a particular piece, one that holds the ink ribbon "up" for slugs to type on, falls down too low to be hit. I don't know the right words, but hopefully that makes sense. Is there something wrong, or some setting that I need to press to hold it up in place? It seems as if it's just in a setting, not broken, but I could be wrong.
Here are links to the pictures of what I'm talking about:
[Sorry, it was still a bit dirty inside!]
Pulling the piece holding the ribbon up very gently, as I did in the photo, moves some mechanical parts underneath. So I think this is something it's supposed to do. I just don't know how to put it back in place! Sorry if this is a very silly noob question :]
| Type Talk » New Member Thread » 19-11-2013 10:53:46 |
- pileofbones
- Replies: 986
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Hello all! I'm Oliver. I'm a young'n at 22, and pretty new to the lovely world of typewriters, but very enthusiastic. Although I've collected a few machines in the last couple of years, I've ended up with just the one. But it's a good one! The one I have now is an R.C. Allen brand, with an extra-wide carriage. From what I can gather online it seems to be a late model, perhaps late 50s early 60s, but I have not seen one exactly like mine posted anywhere. As far as I can see there is no instance of the word "Visomatic" anywhere on mine, so I can only guess that it's not one of those models. Here are a couple photos, nothing fancy, just quick shots from my phone:
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Serial number is B-2400079-18. It's in very good shape, though I wish I had a case for it; I can't imagine how difficult it will be to find a case for one like this.
<<question snipped and moved to different thread>>
Now then... A few things I need to learn:
1- General anatomy, what parts are called and what they do, how they work, etc. Especially the "word processor" bits up there on the carriage, that are meant to help with margins etc. They're quite fiddly and mysterious to me.
2- I think the keys could move a bit more smoothly. They don't stick exactly, but they can be just a bit hard to depress sometimes. What would be good for 'lubricating' them or making them move as smoothly as the carriage?
3- I'd love to know the model name, and when exactly this was manufactured. How could I find that out, possibly going from the serial number? [It says Grand Rapids, Michigan on the back under the brand name, if that helps.]
4- Just general newbie usage tips! I'd love to start using this machine more regularly, once I get it fixed up properly :>
Anyway, wonderful forum you all have here, thank you all! - O.
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