Edison Opera Help Needed, Please!

[Dave D]

I can't find my sketches from when I took this apart. I need to be scolded, I know, but that will not help much now.

I put the new governor drive gear on the shaft and put in new flutter wire from Wyatt.
I have attached a few photos to show what I am working on. Is something missing that goes through the governor drive gear assembly? I don't understand what drives the mandrel. I have two small screws that go in the flywheel assemble, a long one and a short one. Not sure which goes where. If anyone can tell me or post a photo of an Opera with the gear cover removed, I would appreciate it. This machine had been taken apart at least once before I got to it as I found the brass motor bushing laying inside that little compartment inside the case. Perhaps something is missing. Most likely a brain cell or two on my part...

I do realize that the retainer ring is still not in place. I have that.
Thanks,
Dave

[barnettrp21122]

I don't think you're missing any parts. The shorter left mandrel piece doesn't project as far to the right as you show it. That whole piece goes through the governor gear and just into the flywheel hole on the left, held in place, I'll bet, by the head of the longer of the two screws you have. The right mandrel shaft is held in place by the screw head of the shorter screw. I've attached some pictures. You'll see how the shafts connect to the flywheel, with the spring finishing off the assembly. Hope this helps!
Bob

[Dave D]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply and the nice photos. I think this is turning out to be one of those things that is easy if you know how to do it!
Do I have the "short mandrel piece" as you call it in backwards? I have the pointed end facing in toward the governor. I tried it the other way and it did not make sense to me that way either.
I placed it the way I did based on the small wire that goes through it. If you can help me understand this, I will very much appreciate it.
Dave

[Dave D]

Hi Bob,
After reading what you said several times, I realized that I did have it in the wrong way. I switched it around and now it is back together. Thanks so much!
Dave

[barnettrp21122]

Glad you figured it out before I did!
Your left mandrel shaft piece was turned around.
Here's how it should go together:

[Dave D]

Hi Bob,
You must have been working on photos while I was turning the parts around. It was very kind of you to disasemble your machine to help me like that. This forum is so full of nice and helpful people!

I know I have tried to be helpful whenever I can as a way to pay forward any kindness shown me.
Again, thanks so much! I feel so much better having it back together.
Dave

[barnettrp21122]

Dave:
Glad to help, and now I too know how the power train works on the Opera!
Enjoy your machines and music!
Bob