Victrola vv 4-3 brake repair. Suggestions?

[Naneek1]

Hi folks. First time joining a talking machine forum. I am trying to figure out how the brake mechanism works on my Victrola Consolette (vv 4-3). While fhere's extensive info on cleaning and re-greasing the mainspring and the governor, most instruction assumes operation of the brake is obvious. I can see I have to replace the leather, but I have a spring that sproinged off the brake contraption which is beneath the platter and don't know where one of the ends goes. And what is the crocodile-jawed thing attached to those spring tension parts. I want to know how to contend with the thing. Any suggestions?

[Phono48]

By your description of the "crocodile jaws", I assume this brake to be the same as the HMV No.2, in which case, here goes.

Position the whole thing so that the "jaws" point upwards. One short spring goes across the bottom of the jaws, just above the pivot. Just below that same pivot, on the right hand side is the upstand for one end of another short spring, the other end of which is goes to the upstand directly below, and very slightly to the left. (upstand is my name for the bits of metal that are angled upwards to take springs, no idea what the proper term is!). Running across the bottom of the assembly is a long upcurving lever with a large rivet head at the pivot point. To the right of the pivot, and directly above the lever is the upstand for another short spring, the other end of which which attaches to the upstand directly opposite, and below the lever.This is also the location for one end of the long spring, the other end of which goes to the upstand between the two large rivet heads on the far right. (just below the handbrake lever pivot, if one is fitted) The "Crocodile Jaws" obviously protrude from the underside of the turntable, amd there should be a lever that is fixed to the base of the tone arm. This lever has a downward pointing pin on the end which locates between the two "jaws".
When the arm is pulled to the right, it releases the brake, and at the end of the record, as the arm starts to move on the eccentric groove, the brake will activate.Hope this helps.

Barry

[Naneek1]

Thanks Barry. I think this Sunday I'm going to tackle everything...even my first unsupervised mainspring solvent bath. Could be fun or a few hours waiting in emerge. I'd like to post pics and clarify what some of the things were that you mentioned, but I do believe we're talking about the same gizmo. Thanks again Barry. Incidentally I'm sure my rig isn't much to speak of. What's your Gramophone of choice?

Patrick Naneek-backwards

[Phono48]

What's your Gramophone of choice?

I collect only HMV and Columbia portables, but am running out of space rapidly. I currently have 48 machines, but strangely enough, have no desire whatsoever for a red leather HMV 102, which seems to be every "portable" collectors dream machine. To my mind, the cheap-looking gold finish looks as though it came straight from a spray can, and it's usually worn off in many places. I like my machines as pristine as possible, and that alone would annoy me every time I lifted the lid.

Although definately not portable, my machine of choice would have to be an HMV 202 upright, not least because I had one when I was a kid, but my mother consigned it to the shed, and ultimately to the garden, where it gradually rotted away.In those days, people were only too glad to dispose of them, but now I don't think I'd be able to afford one even if I had the chance.....

Barry