Disconnect the motor from its drive train and see if it spins happily then. If it does check how free the gearbox turns and the rest of the gubbins it powers. A photo of the insides may assist in positioning your brake lever. Personally I've not had one of these for about 20 years, so my memory need...

The total wobbleyness of the skittles always attracted me.
Guess I just like wobbly things.

Well ..... I'd go so far as to say Rol-A-Top shaped top casting, based on the evidence.

I know they've been dredging out the canals in Birmingham recently .....

BP

No Mr P I think you're wrong there.
I've only seen one Bryan's Windmill and I didn't see an anti tilt gizmo on that.
A clockwork motor yes but that was all.

BP

There's something odd going on with that panel at the bottom.

Enlarging the picture shows up all sorts of shenanigans I reckon.

I believe TV has more than one connotation these days.
In which case, and merely to keep the record straight ... I've never had a TV.

BP

When it comes to freeing up rusty things that are supposed to move but don't want to, I always use diesel. It has astonishing penetrative qualities and of course it's an oil. I learnt this after visiting someone who was into stationary engines. He had some fantastic lumps of cast machinery reclining...

You must be joking Paul!
All I can speed up is concern and desperation amongst those within a diameter of 50 feet.
Regardless of where I'm standing.

BP

You say parts don't seem to be used, so we need to know which parts. The photo you show may or may not show modified parts. What it MIGHT show is that some horizontal fingers are missing. I disagree - it also shows that the vertical fingers governing the higher payouts have been shortened. BP :cool: