Yeah, I kinda thought the gear would be broke. I know of a few people who have machines like this, some still work but it's just a matter of time. There are replacements for some of the plastic gears, but I don't think it's worth the hassle or the cost. If there was sentimental value, maybe. If my moms' Brother had a plastic gear I would have fixed it, luckily it doesn't. That's why I've kept my collection so far to the 50s and early 60s Brother machines mostly, I like to use my machines not just look at them. I also want to add some of the Brother badged machines. I'll never get them all, but there's a few I'd really like to have.
Cari