thanks Constabulary for getting back to me, sorry it's taken me so long, just had a few dramas after posting but all good now. Was wanting to date a machine I wanted to buy but ended up finding another one closer (1600 k's away), which I picked up a couple of days ago and was told it was bought new in 1974 (serial FA349437). Be interesting to compare parts as you suggested but I haven't done that yet but now I've got one it doesn't really matter. Can't wait to get some new needles and proper size thread and use it. Also have to spend a few days going through all the old posts on here, so much info. Thanks for your help