Thanks very much! I am starting to look at typefaces in a completely different way now. And it's interesting going though my collection finding out which typewriters work best for sketching. A combination of carriage release and platen knob size, plus variable spacing all in the right places for my small hands!

At the moment, my favourites are the Remington portable 2  and the remington de luxe model 5.
A very close second favourite is the lettera 22 because it has a very easy carriage release on both sides, and a variable line spacer that stays put.
The skyriter has some good function features, but fiddly platen knob size and plastic  texture is not nice. I am considering recovering them with sugru - gasp! - to increase the size and comfort.
Pica or elite hmm, I use pica a lot, and can get quite small details in.
Having more than one or two to practice on is definitely a plus! The subtlties of design defiinitely come out when you try to make the typewriter dance on its hind legs.



 

Thank you