I have a 201-3 from early 50's (I was 5 when she got it new in 1951). It was my grandmothers and has a motor and belt. I feel lucky as my mother had it and when I got grown it was been with me last 45+ years and always inside in AC and carefully used. It is a great machine, but now I have been bitten and have a White Rotary Treadle, Red Eye tredle, a 91-15, a Kenmore from 70's I bought new, Kenmore 19000 mom bought me (Janome 9000) , a Brother SQ9000( many fancy stitches) a Baby Lock 3 thread surger and a Janome 4 thread surger. Would have more but NO MORE room so I had to quit collecting.

Carol34446...can the 201-3 be used in a treadle cabinet by simply changing the balance wheel from its original wheel and belt, and removing the motor and replacing the original wheel with a larger spoked wheel and longer belt ?

The problem would be the belt guard. Getting a new one and a bobbin winder to attach - it seems that there aren't screws available to fit the holes.

Miriam, she’s got a 201-3. Are you thinking a 201-2 conversion instead?

CD in Oklahoma

yup - DUH moment

So can this be done...can the 201-3 be used in a treadle machine and if so, is it as simple as removing the plug and changing the balance wheel?

I realize now that what I referred to as the balance wheel is the "stop motion wheel"...can the stop motion wheel and the electric motor and cord be removed and a spoked wheel be installed so it can be used in a treadle ? Or would the attempt be considered heresy?

All you have to do is unscrew the motor & light, etc. You will want to re-use the stop motion knob - just put on a spoked wheel - reuse the stop motion knob - and treadle to your heart's content.

I have a 1938 201 with potted motor..love to sew on it..

Thank you Miriam. Does anyone know which spoked wheel from what model and which year or years will work on the 201-3 ? I currently see a 6 spoked wheel from a model 27 for sale but don't know if this will fit or work on my 201-3. Please help. Not sure if or when I'll do a conversion for treadle use, but knowing that I can, makes it all the better.
I see that the 201-3 were as common in Australia and Canada as the 201-2 was in the states, I haven't seen any 201-3 machines for sale locally or on ebay.