Hi Keystriker

This is not an unusual problem with older typewriters that haven't been used in a while. There seem to be several factors at play in the symptom you describe.

Factor 1, If you are a right-handed touch typist, the letter A is typed with the weakest finger on non-dominant hand, so the escapement almost experiences a missed shift. Try using the ring finger on your left hand to operate the Q, A and Z keys.

Factor 2, Even though most Silent-Supers have a fusée style mainspring drum around which the draw-cord is wrapped, there still seems to be a little more force on the escapement when the mainspring is more tightly wound when the carriage is right of center. With more force on the escapement, it's easier for the fixed and floating dog to not always catch the star-wheel, especially when the letter key isn't struck as briskly as it should be (thoughts and corrections welcome). The concept of a fusée drum is to even out the linear force exerted on the escapement by the mainspring regardless of the wind of the spring.

Factor 3, The oils and lubricants on the various moving parts have thicken up over time and tend to become sticky. This stickiness slows down the action and reaction of the escapement mechanism creating a skip when a key isn't struck with enough vigor. The oil tends to loosen up with use which is why the skip will often abate or disappear with continued use.

For an acceptable low cost typewriter pad, go to Walmart or a sports store and pick up a ¼" thick yoga mat. Cut 14" off the end of the mat and cut that piece in half. You will then have two 12" x 14" typewriter pads. Round the corners off for a neater appearance if you like. Generally, typewriters don't like being used on carpet, the nap gets caught up in the mechanism. Also, there should not be any screws protruding below the bottom of the feet. This would indicate very flattened or missing rubber feet. Hope this gives you something with which to work,

Sky

Hi Ruz

This is always a good question and often starts conversations. Most stationery stores cater to offices, so copy paper of 80g/m² or heavier are pretty much your choices in those places. Some specialty stationers cater to artistic writers, so carry different fancy and expensive papers which are not very good for typewriters. I don't know which brands of paper products are available in Australia and Google doesn't seem to be much help.

The standard paper size where you are seems to be A4 or A5, so I don't know if 8" x 10" (20.3 x 25.4 cm) writing tablets are available in the stationery section of your local chemist (drug store) or the like. If you can find Hilroy product # 35700 writing tablets, they are a light weight paper 60g/m² (16 pound) making a nice change from the ordinary.

If you have thrift stores or charity shops near you, it's sometimes worth taking a look in those as every now and then. someone may bring in a packet of old airmail paper that they found while clearing out a parent's house or similar. Other members will likely give you their thoughts and ideas, we all have different views of what typewriter paper should be, so I look forward to hearing other members thoughts on this subject.

Hi Again

Just took a look at a 1938 Remy Scout S/N CB159281 and it does not have the automatic ribbon reverse system, looks like it's up to the operator to change ribbon feed direction by moving the cross shaft from one side to the other.

Also, taking a closer look at your picture #2, the left tension spring appears to be wrapped around the ribbon turntable. Recommend you take a needle or something of the like and a pair of needle nose pliers and unhook the remains of the spring from around the turntable crown gear before attempting to go any further with repairs. All the best

Hi BT

The ribbon spools on this design of typewriter are driven by the cross shaft with the two bevel gears. If you rotate the end of the shaft with your fingers, you should see the spool turntables trying to turn. The forward or reverse direction of the ribbon depends on the position of the cross shaft, driving one turntable or the other.

The position of the cross shaft is controlled by a pawl built into the ribbon tension arm assembly. As the spool runs out, the arm moves closer to the center of the spool and triggers the reverse. If you turn the cross shaft with no spools on the machine, the reversing system ends up fighting itself. The left hand broken tension arm will effect the ribbon drive system as the cross shaft will probably end up in limbo, not driving either turntable. Hope this gives you an idea of what you're looking for. All the best,

Sky

Hi Paul

I think you'll find that the Hermes-9, although being a super machine, takes up a lot of desk space and is not very easily portable. It is for this reason that many standard or office typewriters don't get the attention they deserve from collectors and often users. If you had only one typewriter and it was a Hermes-9, you would probably use it every day. Just my thoughts

Sky