thank you for the reply, miriam. i should have added a pic. took one this am, will see if i can figure out how to load to the board via my ipad. but the bobbin is front loading, the thread holder bobbin winder is completely different. i did manage to find pictorial threading and bobbin use on net and have saved screenshots to my ipad as reference guide while using the machine. i would like to have more info like lube etc. i finally found manual photocopy for 12$ at a couple of sites. seems high for blk & wht photocopies that can tend to be poor quality. it also has top loading drop-in cams for decorative stitches, button hole and zigzag stitches. i have never ever used a machine w drop in cams before. i will keep looking on-line. i am in a very rural area, my few quilt group friends all have new machines w embroidery capability etc. i am the only one who loves older machines. not a collecter. just think they are cool. i have a 30+ yr old necchi that has been my main machine. i bought it new. before that my main machine for all sewing, household & clothing etc was my fw. was my grmothers. i still use it to travel to q group meets. necchi is finally dying. found a newish janome 1600p on cl, but it is only straight stitch. couldn't believe how wonderful it was for fmq etc, but i need a zigzag etc machine for fabrics like home dec, satin, flannel etc.