A Rare "Bird" - Columbia Eagle With 2/4 Minute Gearing

[Phono-Phan]

In the second and third picture, what is the function of the double gears midway across the winding shaft? They don't seem to mesh up with anything.

[phonogfp]

Thanks for reposting the link to that thread. I had forgotten how interesting it was. Some absolutely interesting machines.

You're welcome, Scott.

George P.

[fran604g]

In the second and third picture, what is the function of the double gears midway across the winding shaft? They don't seem to mesh up with anything.

I think what you're seeing is a double knurled section of the sliding 4 minute gearing trunnion?

[Phono-Phan]

In the second and third picture, what is the function of the double gears midway across the winding shaft? They don't seem to mesh up with anything.

I think what you're seeing is a double knurled section of the sliding 4 minute gearing trunnion?

Even if the shaft was able to slide either left or right, it doesn't look like the gears would engage any other gears.

[phonohound]

Hi Ken

If I understand correctly, the two "gears" are not gears at all. It is knurling to allow you to grab the trunion and slide it to the right from 4 minute to 2 minute mode.

Also, I cranked the phonograph up nearly all the way and it had no problem playing a full 4 minute record.

[JerryVan]

In the second and third picture, what is the function of the double gears midway across the winding shaft? They don't seem to mesh up with anything.

I think what you're seeing is a double knurled section of the sliding 4 minute gearing trunnion?

Even if the shaft was able to slide either left or right, it doesn't look like the gears would engage any other gears.

When slid to the left, it engages with the gearing of the accessory attachmment, as shown in the photos. When slid to the right, it engages with the large gear attached to the spring barrel, as any standard, unaltered Model B would do. As others have stated, the "double gears" you refer to, are simply the knurled knobs/grips that allow you grab the gear shifting sleeve and move either right or left for 2 or 4 minutes, respectively.

[Phono-Phan]

Hi Ken

If I understand correctly, the two "gears" are not gears at all. It is knurling to allow you to grab the trunion and slide it to the right from 4 minute to 2 minute mode.

Also, I cranked the phonograph up nearly all the way and it had no problem playing a full 4 minute record.

Thanks for the clarification. I makes perfect sense now. The knurling does look more like gears though.

[Lucius1958]

A very ingenious modification! Interesting how they flipped the spring barrels around to accommodate the extra gearing.

- Bill

[fran604g]

A very ingenious modification! Interesting how they flipped the spring barrels around to accommodate the extra gearing.

- Bill

I was wondering the same. That explains why the winding ratchet and pawl were moved outboard.

[JerryVan]

A very ingenious modification! Interesting how they flipped the spring barrels around to accommodate the extra gearing.

- Bill

I was wondering the same. That explains why the winding ratchet and pawl were moved outboard.

The outboard winding ratchet allows the machine to be wound while playing. Othwerwise, I believe the original ratchet arrangement could have been maintained, needing only to "flipped" for the change in winding direction.