Big Brunswick Motor Query

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CDBPDX
Victor V
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Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

Does anybody know if the big 4 spring Brunswick phonograph motor that was in the model 117 was ever used in other Brunswick model phonographs? The only references I can find about this motor are as part of a 117.

Thanks! Cliff
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Kirkwood
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by Kirkwood »

I can testify that it was used in my Brunswick Hampton (this was one of the all acoustic Panatrope series). Mine had been horribly mutilated by former owners, the spring barrels were missing and they would simply stand there and turn the crank to power the turntable. They thought that this was how it was supposed to work! I sent it off to George Vollema and he worked his magic and rebuilt the thing entirely. Now it is nearly dead silent in operation, plays multiple sides of music on one winding. The speed control, set at 80, plays exactly at that speed, and steadily, no matter how worn the records are. You know how some dime store labels will fight the needle and slow down as you play the song? No worries with this motor on the job. I think it's very well designed and built motor.

Victrolacollector
Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by Victrolacollector »

I have only seen this one on the No. 117. I worked on one of the Brunswick No. 117's before, it was one of the quietest motors ever. You just have to make sure they are cleaned up and lubed and oiled in all the areas, and it provides enough power to run through some of the most worn records.

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Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

Thanks for the information! I agree, this is a very well designed motor. It is the last and best spring motor Brunswick used before they went to electric motors. It is unusual in that the 2 double spring barrels work in tandem, unlike most other motors where the spring barrels work in series. Each spring barrel has a drive gear that powers the spindle and can drive the spindle independently of the other spring barrel, if needed. If one spring barrel fails, the other spring barrel can still power the motor. Other multiple spring barrel motors use only 1 drive gear for all the spring barrels. If a spring breaks on those machines, the motor is dead.

It would have been interesting to see what their next generation spring motor would have been.

I am going to rebuild both of these motors, including new springs. Just started on the first one yesterday. Only one of the spring barrels was winding, I thought the other one had a broken spring, but it turns out the winding gear for that spring barrel was loose on the winding shaft. The pin that secures that gear to the shaft had sheared off. Had to fix that, first. The winding gear for the other spring barrel was OK. Cleaned up everything today and ordered springs for it. Should have it back together by the weekend, I hope.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

BiliBug
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by BiliBug »

The Type "B", 4 spring motor was used in many models including 117, 217, 122, 127, and 135. I think my 120 has one also.
Brunswick Model 120, Victor Victrola VV-IV (Rev E), Victor Victrola VV-XIV (Rev B), Edison Standard A and B (2)

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Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

Here is the motor right now, awaiting new springs.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

BiliBug wrote:The Type "B", 4 spring motor was used in many models including 117, 217, 122, 127, and 135. I think my 120 has one also.
Thanks!
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

The springs came today! YaHoo!
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Victor V
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

The speed adjust knob was broken so I 'glued' it back together with JB Weld. Seems to work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUMKtLSAXTc
Attachments
tn-600_IMG_2609.JPG
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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Victor V
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Location: Castle Rock, WA
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Re: Big Brunswick Motor Query

Post by CDBPDX »

CDBPDX wrote:The speed adjust knob was broken so I 'glued' it back together with JB Weld. Seems to work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUMKtLSAXTc
This is not part of the Brunswick motor, it was supposed to be posted in the Edison Home phonograph thread. Ooops! Cliff
Cliff's Vintage Music Shoppe, Castle Rock, WA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIz_IpaVrW8

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