The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Are the spring barrels from a B, D, E model Triumph interchangeable with those of the A model?

Thanks!

Valecnik wrote:Are the spring barrels from a B, D, E model Triumph interchangeable with those of the A model?

Thanks!

Hi Bruce,

Yes. The main spring barrel assembly is the same among the Edison Triumph A, B, C, D, E models. I have eight Triumphs in the collection (I'm missing the model C) and during this past summer I purchased a model E Triumph that had main spring problems. So I removed the spring barrel assembly from the model E and knowing that one of my (duplicate) model A Triumphs had a lesser condition cabinet BUT a nice smooth running motor, I removed the spring barrel assembly from the Model A and it fit perfectly into the model E. So then I could listen to my Model E playing!

I then sent the model E mainspring assembly off to Ron Sitko for repairs (I didn't want to tackle THOSE springs) and in a couple of weeks I had it back and put it right back into the model E Triumph and put the model A main spring assembly back into the model A so it could be played again.

The main spring assembly on a Triumph can be removed in about 2 minutes as you may know but once you drive the main spring shaft out MAKE SURE that you keep the main spring barrels tightly together! Driving the main spring shaft back through the main spring barrels and through the casting bosses once the main spring assembly is repaired can be problematic but take your time and it should be OK!

Doug

Thanks Doug! Your information is very helpful.

To just remove and replace the spring assembly I don't need to remove that center shaft do I? When I do anything with Triumph springs I feel like I'm playing with live ordinance.

Valecnik wrote:To just remove and replace the spring assembly I don't need to remove that center shaft do I? When I do anything with Triumph springs I feel like I'm playing with live ordinance.

Sorry, Bruce, but you will need to drive the main spring barrel shaft completely out of the casting bosses before the main spring barrels can be removed. Get a heavy drift or even a heavy long Philips screwdriver of the right size (just under the shaft diameter size) so as not to injure the casting bosses and with a hammer tapping on the end of the shaft you will be able to drive the main spring barrel shaft right out of the casting bosses. Just go slow, watch what you're doing and you'll do just fine. Remove the main spring shaft boss screws first. And please be sure that there is no tension at all on the springs before you begin!

Be sure to support those heavy main spring barrels as the shaft is slowly driven out and please make sure to keep the spring barrels tightly together and in the same position. After you do it once you'll be a pro!

Good luck!

Doug

Always remove both screws that hold the shaft on both sides I use a wooden dowel as you don't want to break the cast iron casting if the shaft hangs up. Yes all spring barrels for Triumph machines, from model A-E are the same, the F and G are unique, two spring motors, similar to a Home.

After I drive that shaft out, is it difficult to make the springs hook again. Are they not hooked to the shaft? Any difference if you drive the shaft out to the right or to the left?

Clearly this will be a little project for AFTER the holidays. I'd be shot at sunrise if I laid a greasy Triumph motor out on the kitchen table right now.

Thanks guys for all the help.