Macybaby

The seller said this machine belonged to his Grandfather, but he had no use for it.

it is in very nice shape, and I'm happy to have it - one of the last models National made before going out of business (after MW stopped buying from them).





Included with the machine - the manual, and a hang tag - I paid about $20 more for the machine than the original purchaser LOL!!



I also have the footpedal, and the wiring is in very nice shape (all original).

Rodney

Very nice! I didn't expect to see a bent wood case for it.
Rodney

path49

I have that machine in a cabinet....it was my Grandma's. Mine was bought in 1949. And it sews beautifully. It has 1 feature I've never seen on another machine. The light switch is actually in the door...when it's closed the light comes on. Open, the light turns off.

Glenn

I also have one of these locomotives in a cabinet. Sews great the only thing it takes a 20X1 needle. I understand there is a later model that is aluminum and takes a 15X1 needle. Not to mention much lighter. I have tried cheating a 15X1 down in mine but the needle clamp will not hold it.

Rodney

The guy here: http://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/streamliner.htm (link provided by Oldsewnsew) says that moving the needle down works. Must be a difference in clamps. Interesting read on the history of the machine anyway.
Rodney

path49

I'll bet this is the aluminum model since it came in a case. I've noticed that the White & Domestic magnesium models are always in cases...& the heavy ones came in cabinets.

Glenn

Rodney I can cheat down 15X1's on my Davis treadles and New Homes and some others. Yes the needle clamp on the locomotive is the problem not being able to do this. Most of my machines(I have 50 +) that use the 20X1 can be cheated and I wish the locomotive could I just have to keep 20X1 needles on hand for it.
Skip

Macybaby

I should be good to go - I've got a lot of needles that fit National machines, and this would never be one of my "go to" machines.

path49

If this is the aluminum model, it takes a standard 15x1. The heavier model takes the longer needle.

Macybaby

Mine weights in at 30.5 lbs with the wooden base, but not the cover. Not as heavy as the Pfaff 130, but right up there with the 15 and 201.

However this machine came with several Boye cases of size 14 needles (15x1 is a Boye 16) and the manual says to use "Eldredge" needles also.

On a side note, by Two Spool is also suppose to take Boye size 14 needle, however when my husband put it all back together he forgot and used a Boye 16 needle when he set the needle bar and timing, and it appears to be working fine this way. Though in the manual it states that if you can not possibly find Eldredge needles, you may use Singer VS #2 needles instead.