jtapp9, my 301 has a diffuser over the lightbulb. I checked the book and it says to remove the lamp cover before changing the bulb. Can you sew without it? - I would think so. Might have a glare on the black machine.
qltndog, to grease (Singer Lubricant) the 301's spiral gears, you take off the top by removing 2 screws on the top and apply the lubricant to the gears on the right side. There are two spots, one on the far right and one more to left and front. Then flip her over, remove the bottom cover and fill the grease tube, again on the right. There are some oil spots in both areas, too. My printed manual says to do the top gears once a year and the grease tube every six months.
AnnieRose, the 301, gets quieter with every oiling and with use. There is a tiny click sound that may be inherent to the machine. I remember hearing it long ago in home ec and those were new machines. My other machine is an Elna SU which is virtually silent, so all machines sound noisy to me.
All the 'new' machines are so special.
Bojangles, It's a shame about the packaging. My ebay seller did a wonderful job. S/He used very heavy bubblewrap and the strongest package tape I've ever had to remove inside a very heavy cardboard box.