Nishijin Model A Alligator and Monkey

[hkp]

I recently got a Nishijin Model A Alligator and Monkey machine. Unfortunately, when I got it, I didn't realize there was supposed to be a monkey there in the center attraction . Does anyone have either the monkey itself (my center attraction is missing only the monkey; pulleys, etc are all present), or possibly the compete center attraction? Machine works the way it is, but knowing that there is supposed to be monkey, and it's missing, is really bugging me.

[Peteybob]

Hello hkp and welcome to the group

Sorry I can't help with your part but others will be along. I just wanted to say hi

[Gmwd]

Hello HKP, I think you got an email from me earlier today about your machine but thought I'd post here as well. My lady owns that machine so I cant pull parts off it but its possible I can get permission to pull it and 3d model it for you possibly. I'll take a look and see if its removable or not tonight and get back to you. I'd still keep an eye out for an original but worse comes to worse we can go the other route. Let me know either here or direct email if you'd like me to do that.

Thanks,
Geof

[hkp]

Thanks Geof, that would be awesome! I would think disconnecting the cord from the pulleys would free it up, but not seeing the complete assembly I couldn't say for sure.

[hkp]

Hi, and thanks. This site is really great!

[Moparformances]

Hi David glad to see you found your way over

and of course


Welcome to Pachitalk

[Gmwd]

Hi there, wanted to give an update. I didn't have a chance to look at the machine last night but will try to get to it tonight. I have one model job for another member I'm working on now but can work on that after if needed.
Thanks,
Geof

[hkp]

Hi there, wanted to give an update. I didn't have a chance to look at the machine last night but will try to get to it tonight. I have one model job for another member I'm working on now but can work on that after if needed.
Thanks,
Geof

Thanks Geoff, take care of what you nee to take care of don't rush on my account.

[mxfaiman]

Finding the monkey would be hard. I got 2 monkey machines but they are both complete and pretty darn nice. So I can't part them out.

But a 3D model and the get it 3D printed would work well. The thing is, there is also a counter weight on the other side. The weight of that has to be EXACT otherwise it won't work right. The weight is usually a brass slug with an eye loop at the top. They shoulbe be anywhere from 10-15g depending. I haven't taken apart a monkey machine but, it functions exactly like a rolling stone machine. So keep that in mind if you 3D print a new monkey is you will have to reblance the weight.

[hkp]

Thanks for the information on the counterweight. Getting the weight right shouldn't be too much of a problem; once it seems close, it would just be trial,and error to getting it to work exactly right. Good to know that the original counterweight is brass, I was thinking it was steel based on the photos from other posts; brass is much easier to machine.

[mxfaiman]

Had some free time the past few days and I went and modeled the Monkey and uploaded the files to Shapeways. Where they will print them out and ship them to you.

Here are the 2 parts you need. (Yes the original was 3 parts. I simplified it.)
https://www.shapeways.com/product/P7...ionId=63064160
https://www.shapeways.com/product/JK...ionId=63064147

Hopefully member hkp will report back as to how they work. As I can't print them out to test due to tiny details (need a resin printer and I only have a FDM). But I got 90% confidence in my design. Once a final version is made I'll post the files in my 3D printing thread for all members.

[Gmwd]

Thanks max, got crazy busy and haven't had any time to pull it off to model. Much appreciated!!!

[hkp]

It looks like Max has gotten that monkey off my back! I'll post when the pieces come in, and hopefully a picture of the machine with the missing monkey in place.

[Peteybob]

It looks like Max has gotten that monkey off my back! I'll post when the pieces come in, and hopefully a picture of the machine with the missing monkey in place.

Do you have pictures of what the original looks like if you decide to paint it? I don't recall what type of paint others have found to work the best.

[hkp]

I have a couple of pictures that I found on line. I've been advised that Testors paints would be best. Makes sense since they're used to paint plastic models.

[mxfaiman]

Here is a picture of the original monkey. Enamel paints will work best for that 3d printed material.

I believe the original ones also used enamel paint as well. For parts that use a transparent colors, that is acrylic I believe. Found that Tamiya (acrylic) transparent colors are almost a dead match to those ones. Also now thinking about it this center may be all acrylic paint hence why it has flaked off everywhere. The enamel will last longer though.



Edit: sorry for the massive image. Posted using tapatalk app and not sure how to use it as well.

[hkp]

I'm actually glad the image you sent is as big as it is; it is easier to see the details, and make out the color!

[hkp]

I started a new thread with pictures of the monkey installed, and pictures of the machine itself, along with the Elex Rotary mechanism for anyone interested. Thanks again Max!