The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Raphael, I know what you mean. The problem with the seller of the Triumph I bought was that he not only left the mechanism in the case, he used no bracing or packaging support of any kind to keep it in place. That meant that at the first shock in shipping the mechanism detached from the case and turned into a heavy free weight wrecking ball.

Clay

I just sent a heavy Columbia BG to Finland. As Ronnie (Amberola) says, brace the motor from underneath, and add a layer of bubble wrap to the point where it just barely can close against the pressure of the bubble wrap. Next I wrap the unit in a new bath towel (Costco sells them 6 for $21) and that protects the mech and casing from scratches. Then I shrink-wrap the unit and pack it in a double-wall box with new, crumpled brown packing paper all around. After that box is sealed, it goes into a larger, double-wall box, together with similar individual boxes for the lid, horn, and cylinders. In the end I had four boxes inside of the larger one. I should mention that I line the larger, outer box with a double layer of new carpet padding, cut to size. This is better than styrofoam, which can transmit shock. Then fill any void spaces with peanut chips or crumpled packing paper. All in all, material costs are about $50-$60, well worth the investment when the conveyor belts of FedEx or UPS get done dropping it from heights of 10 feet or more.

An important factor is to use heavy-duty, double-wall boxes. I often double up on them as well, especially for the box with the mech.



Raphael

(An important factor is to use heavy-duty, double-wall boxes. I often double up on them as well, especially for the box with the mech.)
Raphael

This is very important! The only thing I could add to Raphaels instructions is to secure the reproducer carriage.
I've seen alot of feed screws ruined.

Ronnie,

You are correct, I forgot to mention that, and to remove the reproducer wrap and package it separately.

Raphael

Hello,
I have started the repair to the cabinet. It is tricky going but is slowly coming together.
Pete

Great job. Looks like your friend is very lucky to have you. Looks like you want see the damage when your finished.

I will second what Raphael said about using new carpet padding. It is foam rubber sheets about ½" thick and has the best properties for isolating heavy equipment from shocks. It is firmer and more resilient than the soft foam that you could buy at a fabric shop.

I will repeat a story I have told before. When moving cross-country, I packed my collection in wood crates filled with used carpet foam. As a careless workman wheeled a crate up into the moving van, it toppled off the dolly and fell 4 or 5 feet and landed upside down onto concrete. The Edison B-19 Chalet inside was undamaged due to 5" of carpet foam inside the crate. The reproducer and platter were wrapped separately and the horn had been secured.

Pete, Looking Good....As you know, The re-Shellac blend and color will be the toughest part....but Looking fantastic so far.

You're on the right road!!

Kudos!

Keep the pics coming!!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Hello,
I finished repairing the Triumph! have a look.
Pete

Great job! Thumbs up.