I'm having success a part at a time. I oiled the seam and cleaned and oiled and cleaned and then gave up and went on to other things. A half hour later the two halves separated easily.
The inside is really cool! The main shaft turns now when the hand wheel is engaged. I have a lot of cleaning in the face plate to get things moving. I oiled everything well and I'm going to let it marinate overnight. The needlebar is stuck and one of the bottom slides won't open yet, but I think it will in time.
I'll check out Helen's site thanks!