Ok, I caved. I went to look at the Morse 6400 Apollo again. I was going to try to get just the machine without the cabinet, but it was screwed into the cabinet and the footpedal was converted to a knee op.
I played with it. She runs so smooth, and so quiet. I tried not to let on I was interested, too much.
It looked to be running in reverse - so the man gave me a towel to try with it, and sure enough it was going backwards. It took a bit to figure out how to disengage the reverse, but I did.
I looked at the underside - it's spotless.
The only part that shows its age is the foot pedal, and its weight.
I'll post photos when I get her out of the van tonight.
I just might have to use her for Friday Night Sew In tonight!