BDR Fresh Fruit bandit

[bod]

I have just acquired a BDR Bristol 'Bread Bin', mainly because it has a completely different operation to the Mills/Sega mechanisms.

It basically works OK but I thought it had stopped paying out until I realised this was because the main payout tube was empty. Looking at the coin path I can see that this is because the coins are not getting into the correct chute to fill this tube. And yes, I've got photos...

The coin is held as shown until the arm is pulled, but then falls down the gap (and drops into the jackpot tube) instead of hitting the chute on the left (which would fill the payout tube).
If the small lever in the centre is pushed, when a coin is inserted it flies straight across the gap into the chute, but then of course you don't get to pull the arm. I assume this is some sort of manual fill lever.

There are a few empty screw holes around this part of the mech, could I be missing a part? Or am I just not understanding how the machine operates?

Anyone got a BDR and could be bothered to remove the top to post me a photo of how this part of the mech ought to look please?

Thanks

[badpenny]

It's been a few years since I had one, but I seem to remember there are few versions with and without jp.
I seem to remember there should be trap door immediately after the coin detector and it sits right on top of the jp tube. The idea is everytime it's played a small wheel turns which regularly releases the trap door allowing a coin through to the jp bank. A different version may not have that? Try filling up the tube to see if they then overflow to the payout tube. However I feel you're missing that bit
BP

[bod]

Hi BP,
Thanks for your reply. You are correct there is a trapdoor above the JP tubes which seems to work via a wheel operated by a pushrod, although at the moment the wheel doesn't advance - but that's another problem.
This problem is that my 6d doesn't make it to that trapdoor. I've annotated my photo to help.

Any idea what shape the bit is that I'm missing?

[pennymachines]

This is what mine looks like.
If you need some other angles you're going to have to tell me how you get into this beastie. I released the two side hooks - then what?

[badpenny]

To get the Breadbin top off, can be a bit of a trial.
Firstly change your trousers, then put the kettle on (if it fits)
Remove screw in the centre of handle boss and ease handle off, try not use anything bigger than a number 5 sledge hammer to persuade it.
Undoing the locks and side tabs should pacify the neighbours that the heavy duty stuff is complete.
If the tastefully designed top isn't loose then you need to peer inside and search for any additional securing tabs. I've had a fair few of these and I remember that at least one did have some razor sharp, spring loaded tab not immediately visible yet tucked away inside the front door.
A large economy Elastoplast should stem the flow.

So now you have the top loose you'll discover because of the shape of the mech you can't lift it straight up and off. I think you have to rotate it through quite a series of interesting angles and shapes to get it clear. The reason so many of these machines have damaged reel symbols is because it seems impossible not to do this without catching the reels.

When it comes to returning it, frankly I wouldn't bother. You'd need a team of 5 NASA trained fitters, a fork lift truck and two units of your own particular blood group.

Good luck
BP

[pennymachines]

Well BP your reply is equal part reassuring and disheartening. I was a bit ashamed to admit I couldn't see a way in and assumed I was missing something obvious as I stared blankly at a collection of inaccessible fasteners. I think I'll await Bod's response before going any deeper.

[raj]

Mr Pm, I'm amazed you have never had a BDR before!!..anyway, first of all the handle has to come off, usually an Allan bolt or similar...don't lose the Woodruff key if it is fitted. The 2 pressed steel handles pull off 2 hooks inside the cabinet and are pulled from the bottom of the cabinet. The Bread Bin is quite heavy and very sharp, hence the damage to the reels. Carefully manoeuvre the case, and it will wriggle loose. If are brave enough to strip the cover, wear eye protection as the tension will spring all the stainless sheet into a totally new shape...good luck.

[badpenny]

Well Mr P .......

I have to say I'm concerned you weren't prepared to take my word on the matter without it being underwritten by others!

How are you going to react when you get the ransom note?

BP

[pennymachines]

I'm leaving well alone unless Bod comes back to tell me otherwise. I've had a few over the years, but the shocking truth is I never ventured further than inserting coins and pulling the handle. I have worked on the BMR bandits, but they're easy to get into.
Thanks for instructions anyway Raj.

[bod]

Sorry I've not managed to get back on the site for a couple of days and have missed the recent banter.

Thanks for the pic Mr PM - I can see I'm missing some sort of guard/cover plate between the coin validator and the see-saw that fills the various coin tubes, secured by a couple of screws where I merely have holes. I feel a Blue Peter moment involving an aluminium drinks can and a pair of tin snips may be required.

I have to be honest and admit that so far I've not managed to do any more than you have with this machine. I have found the secret locking lever inside that has enabled me to remove the cover without much kerfuffle although I haven't attempted a refit as yet.

Assuming you still have the cover removed and have not shredded yourself in the ritual suicide apparently known as reassembly - is there any chance you could post a pic of the left side of the see-saw chute showing the ratcheted wheel that causes it to tip? My wheel doesn't advance, it just rocks back and forth as the handle is pulled, but I found a curved piece of spring steel loose in the bottom of the mech and I'd like to think this somehow stops the wheel from turning back and forces it to rotate on the ratchet. If only I could see how this might be mounted of course, and I not barking madly up the wrong tree...

I can see this machine is going to be quite a challenge for my restricted knowledge and it will need several coats of looking-at before I start to take it apart. Anyone professing to understand it and wants to post a video - please be my guest.