Rebuilt Woodstock models have a sticker on them (back left corner), which is why I assumed that the panels enclosing the machine's case were added later on. If not that, then the database is incorrect about the year that enclosed models were first produced.

Have a fun and safe trip. Don't forget to take the bear spray, and a typewriter...

Finally and BOY, the body is big! I've always been on the fence with the 3000. Some days, I like it, some days not. IMO, this machine is snappier and least stiff than my Hermes 2000. Easy on my fingers. I got lucky because the condition is in great working order. Per photo, because I was dying to try it out, I didn't do much clean up. So far, the only thing that needed attention: Left margin wasn't working correctly. Cleaned and its now working. Both front feed rollers were cracked vertically from end to end so it didn't feed properly. Since I'm not familiar with this model and it's working well otherwise, I decided not to remove the platen. Instead I decided to test repair the feed rollers with black color Sugru (first time using this on feed rollers). I allowed it to cure for 24 hrs per instructions and it turned out decent and the paper is feeding correctly. I will be testing it more this weekend followed by a deeper interior and exterior shine. Would I recommend this? YES! 

http://imgur.com/a/Rm42Z

After such a long time of searching online on ebay, and sifting through the trash at flea markets, I finally have the archetype of all typewriters: the Underwood No. 5



This thing ain't very pretty. It's missing parts like the paper guide and the left platen knob is busted so that there is none. From the looks of it, it's been redone sometime during the 50's judging from the decal on the paper table that matches the one on my 1953 Underwood SX-100. I'm a bit upset that it doesn't have the original Underwood decals, but the plain and battered look gives the typewriter some character. Apparently it's spent the last 22 years as a prop in a golf shop, and on top of that it's from 1910 which makes it the second oldest typewriter in my collection. So typing is rough even after I spent a few hours cleaning it up, but I'll have to put a few more in to get it working again. But now I finally know what people are talking about when they say the Underwood is solid and sturdy. This thing is definitely a trooper to last this long.

Oh believe me, I won't be throwing this one away any time soon. Took me nearly 2 years to get my first Underwood #5, a typewriter that I should have located pretty quickly. Maybe some of the parts that I need will pop up on ebay, but I can only hope.

Sweet!

~Joe