The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have read this:

"Victrolas that had electrically powered motors in place of the wind-up spring used a "VE" prefix, and a slightly larger dataplate. These were called "Electrolas" on the dataplate, but still retained the Victrola decal under the lid. Orthophonic Victrolas with electric motors used either an "X" suffix when the AC-only motor was used, or the "VE" prefix when the older-style AC/DC motor was installed."

My question is that if both versions exist and they appear identical, can the spring powered motor board and turntable be put in in place of the electrical works?

Thanks.

Well, you would have to drill a hole for the crank and possibly the motor mounts. Some of the electric machines had the power wired through the brake, so you might need the motor board from the spring motor as well.

Thanks.
Looking down at pictures of both models the motor boards look identical.My plan was to swap motor boards and not run into any problems.I would be getting a nice cabinet and would hopefully give the electric model to a grandson and we could get newer wiring and fix it up as a project. My motor board has been serviced by Cliff
Bolling but the cabinet is so so.

I will probably realize later that this was a dumb question.
I'm hoping it isn't.