Ruth, thank you for that link... I love my 401a, my mom has a 401 that I learned to sew on and a couple years ago I posted on Craigslist that I was looking for a sewing machine but could only afford $50. I got all sorts of replies but they all had issues with their machines that would have cost me another $100+ to repair.
A very nice gentleman contacted me that he was looking for someone to take his mothers sewing machine as she had passed away and he was finally able to clear out her room. I didn't have a clue as to what kind of singer it was until he brought it to me.. I almost cried, its the same machine I grew up with and I knew its quirks and idiosyncrasies.
I will go check out the groups and see what info I can find there.
Thanks