Crucial insights - Servicing the Lady

At the Cologne meeting last weekend, I met this nice lady introduced earlier and I swiftly took her into custody, away from this cold, away from this parking lot (see subsequent report on the Cologne meeting). She introduced herself as "Busy secretary", Japanese from Linemar, born ca. 1960. I readily wanted to give her the job, but the Lady remained mysteriously silent. Did I not push the right buttons?

Back home this warranted some closer inspection:

In principle the Lady feeds on two 1.5 Volt batteries. I bought a new pair, but no reaction.

Looking under the hood of her "Tom Thumb"-labelled typewriter (nice detail).

At this point, my "Dame ohne Unterleib" seems to worry a little - where would this journey go?

First rough cleaning from decades worth of dust.

It appeared that one cable was loose.

Beneath the hood, and letter which usually comes with the setting is missing.

Don't worry my dear Lady!

A closer look at the motor, including the bulb lighting the red keys of the keyboard. All not working.

The construction scheme of this nice yet not overcomplicated contraption: left: on/off button. blue: compartment for 2 1.5 V batteries. red and yellow (plus and minus) cable duplicating in the middle and then leading on to the motor (brown, right upper corner) and light bulb.

The battery compartment. I went shopping for some parts: new wire, new light bulb. It turns out the motor is intact - big luck as this would have been difficult to replace. Some sand paper (black) for brushing the contacts. All in all, repair costs came up to 2 dollars.

The motor (see also video at the bottom).

After some soldering - not difficult, but requires a steady hand and some PATIENCE.

The Lady still in waiting, but back on her throne.

Slowly regaining confidence (still a bit shy).

Finally back at her desk!

A kiss from the Miss, thanks Mr. typewriter repair man!

Now to catch up with some work!

Long live the typosphere!