The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey everyone. I am nearing completion of my newly acquired Pathé Actuelle Model H. I had to get the motor board and brake separately. I need some assistance from you guys! Can someone post a pic of the motorboard with the turntable off, particularly over the brake area? Doesnt seem like the screws are lining up properly and I want to be sure it is positioned correctly. I may also need measurements of the screw holes if thats possible. Here is a before and after shot of cleaning with ammonia! Thanks for your help!!

The Actuelle shut off brake is a tricky little thing. It's easy to put it on upside down and make other mistakes. One thing I know is the turntable has some kind of bolt or nut on the bottom that triggers the shut off to close. And close it does with a loud SNAP. Another odd thing about this shut off is the tripping lever falls UP to shut it off, not down. I once installed it the other way thinking it must fall down, but I was wrong! I think Pathé was trying to avoid Victor lawsuits when they designed this strange thing.

marcapra wrote:The Actuelle shut off brake is a tricky little thing. It's easy to put it on upside down and make other mistakes. One thing I know is the turntable has some kind of bolt or nut on the bottom that triggers the shut off to close. And close it does with a loud SNAP. Another odd thing about this shut off is the tripping lever falls UP to shut it off, not down. I once installed it the other way thinking it must fall down, but I was wrong! I think Pathé was trying to avoid Victor lawsuits when they designed this strange thing.

Interesting. Thanks for the info. Now I really have to get it in the right spot on the board!!

If this helps, here is a pic of our Actuelle brake assembly.

startgroove wrote:If this helps, here is a pic of our Actuelle brake assembly.

Thank you!! It does!

startgroove wrote:If this helps, here is a pic of our Actuelle brake assembly.

What is this screw used for?