Coin Slot's Guide to Paces Races 7

paces races ratchet bar

Ratchet Bar

The horses are moved forward by the RATCHET BAR (RH-1006) which are the notched wooden bars undermeath the horses. On the front end are two rubber bumpers which are the ratchet limits forward and backward. It is very important that these rubber bumpers are in good order as these govern the Jumps of the horses. The inside bumpers get most of the strain, therefore this bumper may wear or become defective first. The winning horse takes 35 Jump sand it is important that the horse does not kick-off the plunger rod (RH-321) on the 34th beat. This can be tested by starting the machine and when the carriage (RH-115) gets to the opposite end, pull the plug, shutting off the current and you can then operate ratchet bar by hand moving the horses one notch at a time, and determine whether the plunger is kicking through on the 35th beat. The horse carriage should be about 1\8" from the kick-off plunger (RH-321) on the 34th notch. If necessary, the simplest way to adjust this is to place small washers on the plunger shaft (RH-321), behind the casting to take up excess play without raising the valve (RH-239), or move the entire finish board backward or forward to get the proper throw. The Wooden Roller (RH-302) that carries the ratchet bars should be oiled occasionally to prevent the wearing of the holes. Excess wear would cause the ratchets to lower and affect the operation of the horses.