I bought one of these...
It's a Bus ticket machine made by Ticket Issuing Machines Ltd, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and is definitely pre-decimal. I just have to find out when. Originally used "On The Buses" in Bolton City Transport, it has now found it's way to me and I am in the process of cleaning/restoring.
Yes, it works, has ink, a roll of paper... although the ink is a tad dry, but the imprint is readable.
I've always wanted one, and saw a few at a previous fair and decided to bite the bullet and have a go at not only owning, but restoring to some form of glory that many from the older generation will remember (and not so old!) I've been warned not to start a new collection, but I might be able to forget I ever heard that comment ;o)
Above, the underside of the machine shows a running total of shillings, pence and tickets sold. This was, I assume, reset at the depot every day so that the conductor couldn't fiddle the takings. The little button centre right enables access to change the date on the ticket and to re-ink the roller.
Above is the left hand side of the machine, where the "Stage" could be entered by rotating the larger knob, a Stage being a known part of the route (from 0 to 99), and the type of ticket. This machine did away with two tickets for the return trip by printing a large R on the ticket, thus saving the bus company a few bob on paper rolls.
Above, the business side of things where the value of the ticket is selected, the button at bottom right is pushed and the handle rotated to issue the ticket for the lucky traveller. It had 5 selectible values on the curved dial (centre) and 12 on the tele-dial as shown in the next photo... the cheapest fare was 1/2d, or, highly unlikely free, and the dearest 4/- and 11d, that would have probably been a return. Tele-dial shown below.
This photo is upside down, but gives you a better view of the different values that could be selected. To reset it back to the home position the lever at top right would be pushed up and it would reset itself.
I have cleaned up the makers plate and done my best at re-inking the plate with reasonable success and the inker/date cover plate is currently bathing in primer ready for a sand and a new coat of black to start the process. The leather strapping is original, but that is all there is, so there could be some hunting going on to find an original. New rolls and ink are in the pipeline and I hope to have an image of a new old ticket here soon.
Well, I faffed about a bit and printed out a reasonable copy of a ticket... shown below... on original paper, with what is left of the original ink. Date is confusing... but 35FEB was what was originally showing when bought. New ones to come soon :o) Must see what the route should be and whether this was a slug depending on which route... Update: this was not selected in the machine and was intentionally left blank, I've left it showing 812 for the time being (not shown here).
If you want to read a tad more about Ticketing Machines, have a gander at the following:
http://www.ticketmachinewebsite.com/
It really wasn't just about the buses!
OK, busy today... update on the inker cover ... In situ, and ready, probably tomorrow, for a coat of black... I know it's going to get dealt to, but...
As you can see, the Dremel and wire brush attachment has been busy... vast improvement... onward!
Below is the manufacturers plate, after a little titivation with some Tamiya acrylic and a light sanding with 1000 grit wet and dry... if you look at the top image, it is a vast improvement. Unfortunately all the dings from the past are highlighted also, but... still looks great to me.
21st January
As suggested in the comments, I rigged up the Dremel with a cutting disk and had a go at the least visible security bolt. My hand wasn't steady enough so I grabbed a hacksaw and cut a nice notch for a screwdriver to get the bottom casing off. Worked a treat, and all screws were removed and the bottom casing was removed and sanded using the Dremel last night. The before and after shots are below, with a small amount of work left to do (stiff neck last night curtailed my fun!). The perspex cleaned up nicely with some Mr Muscle Window and Glass, so will be left as is.
22nd January
The oil based ink arrived this morning and the roller will be re-inked closer to finish, it's available here and time from order to receipt was less than 24 hours, fantastic service:
http://www.stampsdirect.co.uk/metal-stamp-ink-56-p.asp.
More updates to follow on a new post... save you endless scrolling :o)
It's coming along very nicely :)
ReplyDeleteYou would probably be better separating the bottom of the case from the top to do the repaint. There are 2 screws at the front and 2 at the back and that is all you need to unscrew to separate it. The only problem is that some of the screws will be anti tamper screws with no slot for the screwdriver. All you need is to cut a fine slot with your dremel and you can easily get the bottom cover off. You will also be able to separate the perspex piece inside that provides the covers over all the counter windows. I have found that this will clean up well with T-Cut and a vigorous polish. Once the cover is off and perspex removed, you will be able to do a much better job of the repaint. Please do keep posting pictures of your work in progress. Most interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on the anti tamper screws and cleaning up the perspex. I did read there were four to undo, and I only have one that looks like a screw. I did wonder if they were rivets of some sort, but now that you've cleared it up for me I can get cracking! Cheers.
DeleteWow, great find David! Should look good when you've restored it, so yes, definitely post updates :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes it is! I think I just remember the conductor on the buses here and they used, from memory, a Setright as the twist dial on them looks familiar (will have to find out). That might be the next... you know how collections grow eh... ;o)
ReplyDeleteI think the word "restore" was a bit brash... inside it is pristine, the lower casing has quite a few dents and scratches that the rust hid well, so I think a repaint, cleanup of the print heads/plates and lube is more accurate. It will look cool next to the 1909 Edison Red Gem!
ReplyDeleteGood work so far. Glad you got the casing off. Easy when you know how. I would re-ink the roller now rather than wait till nearer the finishing point. That way the ink will get a chance to soak in. Less chance of a mess that way. Just wrap the inked roller up in clingfilm and put it away for now.
ReplyDeleteI did re-ink the roller, but have not dismantled the innards and not sure I want to - yet. Still scraping paint off the bottom cover with a scalpel (very carefully around the RETURNS window) where the dremel isn't the best tool to use.
ReplyDelete