Mills Blue Castle Front - What to Do?
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:29 amI recently obtained a Mills Blue Castle Front Machine and would like some advise on what to do next. The machine has been sitting in my mother - inlaws den for at least 30 years and I want to take the proper steps so I do not damage the machine. I started by opening the back door and removing the back case cover on the top of the machine. Everything looks pretty good and I began loading the machine with nickles to determine if it works. Everything appears to work ok at this point and I've cycled the machine enough to almost fill the coin tube to the point where the front window on the case will start filling. The machine cycles fine and has paid several different amounts as they come up on the wheels. The handle is a little stiff on the cycle right after a payout and I assume this is caused by the additional mechanical action I see take place after these events. It looks like one spring may be missing on the arms that go into the wheels as they stop spinning and maybe one at the lever at the top where the coin activation stop is located. At this point I am holding up on any additional activity untill I can determine the proper course of action. The machine appears to be original and has not been restored at all. The case is in good shape, but does have wear marks on some of the paint. I believe some lubrication and general maintenance should be done to prevent future problems and woundered if you can direct me to some good information on this subject? I've seen a service manual on one site and would not have a clue if this will help me progress in my adventure with this machine. I just don't want to do something stupid. Additionally, can you help me properly identify the machine? The serial number on the case is 337184 - located on the top right of the case. It looks like a 34M I have seen on some web sites, but I'm really not sure. Any advise would be appreciated. I attached a photo to this note for you and the other members to see.