[GreenKeys] Interesting item on eBay web site item#2523006369: Western Union Telegraph Co Simplex Typewriter

[Tom Jennings]

I've got one of these things too, with an ASCII interface and motor
control. I'm usually pretty good at getting this stuff reliable but this
thing defies me; lots of problems with platen shifting (FIGS/LTRS; the
rubber wheel ass'y) and sluggish type bail return causing occasional
lockup. Probably the wrong lube. (Suggestions welcome!)

I added the lamps to show the innards while running.

I find making paper to be troublesome as hell; if anyone goes into the
business I'll buy a bunch! Mine wants 5/16" paper, not 3/8". I hadn't
searched for "film slitter" but will shortly. Slitting is one thing,
spooling up the three resulting strips is the problem.


http://wps.com/products/Story-Teller/Strip-printer/index.html