I'd argue that both of those models, in decent condition, are good typewriters. The dual colour key Remington portables are very nice to type, and they're solid too. Work on those feed rollers, give her a good cleaning, and you'll have a nice reliable portable to hand over to the next generation.

The Erika is interesting in that you have to spend time with it before it begins to make sense. With some machines you can just sit down and get to work, but I found with those Erika models that there's a period of adjustment that's required. The key action is significantly different than many other machines, which if you're not patient will lead to a poor first impression. Again, a keeper, if you spend enough time using it. Less inspiring if you only pull it out on occasion or like to constantly switch between a number of machines. A stripped ribbon advance gear? Is it just one tooth that's stripped, several, or all? Strange. At least it should still work fine moving the ribbon in the oppostite direction.

Something less usual; a Brother Deluxe 650 TR with Russian keyboard!  Found it in the local charity shop which sells only things they have scavenged from the local public tip.  That sounds bad; what happens is the council workers at the rubbish tip look out for stuff for them, reclaim it safely and give it to them.

Anyway, this machine has never been used, as far as I can see; there is not the hint on ink on the slugs, and everything (except the case, given the machine's odd recent home) is pristine.  Odd to me that someone would think this object worth nothing other than to be thrown onto a rubbish heap, but there you go.

Unfortunately, the shell is the most revolting shade of hysterical electric terra-cotta orange, so I won't assault your eyes with a photo.  But here's the product...

My Russian is so rusty as to be corroded into an unrecognizable heap, so I'm sure that there are typos, but the theme of creative writing may appeal.

I have my own (weakly remembered) translation, but if any native speaker would favour me with a more natural one, I'd be grateful.
 

"...so I won't assault your eyes with a photo."

Beak, please don't feel obliged to pander to our delicate sensibilities... I, for one, am really curious to see a photo of your machine, given the interesting story about how you acquired it!

Re: editing: our moderator can explain (may have explained elsewhere in the forum, not sure?) but seems there was good reason to restrict the edit function

Kleine Erika Langen Beinen

This Erika <I must remember to take before photos> was bought mainly on the qualification that she was cheap, and after she arrived with her dried out ribbon and incredibly musty smelling case I'm afraid the first sentence that channeled itself through my fingers on the Ouija board was "Hello. I am the most miserable looking typewriter ever made".

Sorry.

However, when I mentioned her plight Uwe spoke up for her, and I determined to spend some time trying to put her right. As sometimes happens most of the time was mental prep, since once I put her on the bench less than an hour's work was needed. A slipping spool ratchet was solved by comparing the mechanism with the good side, and finding a slack and rather deformed looking torsion spring - the most ticklish part was removing the tiny snap washers holding on the spools without losing them. Lots and LOTS of Fe-breeze and moving air deodorized case and machine, and I finally figured out the lever-free connection to the base (I thought at first it was so cheap that it could not be removed!). Cleaning and oiling were combined with about 3 parts mineral spirits to one part... never mind what kind of oil. I don't want to be told never to use that on a typewriter. Anyway, margin adjustments freed, squeaking of every moving part stopped. Finally, external cleaning, and...


Woohoo! She is now sexy. And has a message for our sponsor...

I think she mainly wanted to show off that she could type on an 8 1/2 x 11" paper sideways. With room to spare.

Thank you, Mr. Uwe.

Spazmelda wrote:

The Erika cleaned up nicely Repartee!

Even better than that, it's healthy!

My daughter's friend came over today and I went ahead and gave her the typewriter.  She was absolutely thrilled! 

Spazmelda, thanks for sharing that! That's a wonderful photo. It's refreshing to see not just a disembodied typewriter but an actual human being using it. I like your typewriter collection - or that little corner of it. I believe I can count nine machines, not counting the one your daughter's friend is using. I have a feeling there are more...