1965 Royal Safari-Wide Body

[@73dmonty]

Thank you so much for this. I came across one of these machines in a thrift store and this is so helpful.

[@aviatorpilot21]

My 8 year old son has wanted a mechanical type for a few years, so we are giving him one this Christmas (in Pottery Blue.) It is very well crafted and seems to work perfectly after all these decades. Even the original manual is in excellent condition. This video was very good at showing off features. Excited to use with him. In this day and age, thumbs up to Royal’s quality! I wish more stuff held up like this.

[@altongansky]

Thanks. I hope you son loves the typewriter. Thank for writing.

[@chie1709]

Saving a typewriter now, Alton! I bought this exact typewriter in red 5 years ago, and parked it. Finally last week, I brought it to Kensington Office Machines in Maryland for a complete tune up so to speak. Can’t wait to receive it this week. Thanks for your thorough video! Now I just need to learn how to use the Magic

[@altongansky]

Angelo Maniquis Nice. Let me know how it works out.

[@douglasjackson9058]

Thanks, just picked one of these in pottery blue. Its in the refurbishment pile. Thanks as always for all your research and information. Great videos.

[@sarahgranahan8227]

Thank you for this! I got this exact typewriter at a garage sale for about ten bucks, over a decade ago. Now that we are quarantined I finally have time to fix it up and use it. Thank you for explaining the margins, I could not figure that out for the life of me. I appreciate this video!!

[@altongansky]

You're welcome. Thanks for writing.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

You're correct about the weight. It's HEAVY! Nice hard sided case came with it though. Locks the machine down tightly to the bottom half via two levers. You CAN type with it in that position but the case is a large fixed hinged "clamshell" design. Makes it VERY ungainly to operate it in that manner. Much better when liberated from the case completely. A SUPER machine though. Like I said... BULLETPROOF!

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Great review! Wished you had actually put paper in it and typed something! These are not three teenagers on that 1960's ad; they are a family with a father, a mother and a college-aged teenage daughter :) Thanks for all your efforts.

[@rustyalcorta3643]

Beautiful! Thanks for the info....I heard the smaller ones were made in Japan...I have a 40s Royal Quiet De Luxe that was a gift. It is awesome. I bet this one would have been awesome to have in my high school years.

[@altongansky]

Thanks for writing, Rusty. Congrats on the Quiet De Luxe. They're great machines. I did a video on that model.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Mine ROYAL is absolutely BULLETPROOF!

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

A "TWIN PACK"?... WOW!

[@jerrygundecker743]

I keep coming back to this video. This machine is, to me at least, a piece of sculpture. I think you mentioned it like a dashboard of a jet. I agree. I think it looks like George Jetson's dash in his flying car. It's hard to take my eyes off when I see one. (Sure, sounds silly, but it always catches my eye.

[@altongansky]

Not silly at all. I have several typewriters that always make me pause.

[@redorsey3995]

Cannot find the seral number for this to save my life. I have one from my late mom; I am sure it is 1960s; I used it in junior high and I was born in 66.

[@altongansky]

Greetings and thanks for writing. Most Royal typewriters have the serial number under the carriage on the left side. Slide the carriage to the right. Now look to the area where the back and left-side body panel are. Just in front of the back panel is a black piece of metal a number stamped into it. That is the serial number. I hope this helps.

[@73dmonty]

​@@altongansky Thanks so much - you explanation makes so much more sense than others I found.

[@mikeminici4956]

Enjoyed your thorough review! Like many I’m sure, I purchased a Safari today with a missing type bar cover. Aside from finding a junker with cover intact (unlikely) is there a source for a replacement I’m not aware of? I believe the blue wouldn’t be too hard but where could they be disappearing with such an adequate locking system!

[@altongansky]

Finding needed parts can be difficult. Here are a few suggestions: 1) Set up a search in ebay for "Royal Safari parts," 2) Check with local thrift stores (Salvation Army, etc), check online thrift stores for Royal Safari (again, Salvation Army, etc. -you might have to buy a second machine), 3) use apps like Facebook Market Place, OfferUp, Letgo, etc, 4) haunt antique and vintage stores, 5) see if there are any typewriter repair shops in driving distance (they're as rare as hen's teeth), join a typewriter group on social media like Facebook. I wish I could be of more help.

[@jeastwood2737]

You have the most informative video.... including the point about the ribbon spools... I was wondering if the twin pack spools were replaceable with regular ones... I hope I can find spools that fit, but obviously, you did Thanks for a really good video

[@altongansky]

J Eastwood Thanks for the kind words. You can get ribbons on amazon.com. They should work just fine.

[@jeastwood2737]

I'll be purchasing one of these from a private seller later today. Apparently it is in all working order, but I suspect the spools may the twin pack variety. That was the only thing I was really concerned about after you set my mind at ease by saying it's heavy for a portable (good... it won't slider over the desktop lol) ; it's wide which is great for bigger hands, and my concern about there being no paper bail... I also would not have known about the pencil holes if there is no manual with it. I appreciate you showing how it types ( the paper you presented and all that information) ... and I really loved the confidence you had in the machine, and it's durability and ease of typing... Yes... You covered ALL my concerns and questions! Again, I thank-you !! I'll bookmark this page and may add comments later... Thanks again!

[@altongansky]

Good for you. Let me know how you like it.

[@jeastwood2737]

I got it and have "played with it" without a ribbon... I ordered that tonight... I CAN'T WAIT TO USE IT ! Very nice.... one owner... a woman who used it for her home office and it's been sitting in it's case with the original papers ever since she turned to "technology" apparently I have my computer of course, but there is just something about "the old clackers" that I miss... I suppose part of it is knowing I don't have to rely on electricity or the internet server , but it will also give me a workout for my hands and fingers.... So far, VERY GOOD !!

[@VintageTexas59]

I have the same model and bought new ribbon from FJA Products.com Ph: 800-982-9989 Great service and fast shipping. !

[@johnsaeger4416]

I was wondering if your Safari has a carriage lock? I have a '68 Aristocrat that is a lot like the Safari and I can't find it. Thanks!

[@altongansky]

Hi John. Thanks for writing. No, the Safari in this video does not have a carriage lock. I've checked the manual to make sure I'm not overlooking it. All the manual says is to center the carriage and lower the line space bar before putting it in its case. I hope this helps.

[@johnsaeger4416]

That's interesting. They must have had a lot of confidence in the escapement. Thanks for your reply, and thanks for your videos. I'm really enjoying them!

[@altongansky]

The typer comes in a very sturdy case, one that doesn't allow the typewriter to move. The carriage can't move more than a space or two (if that) while in the case. Of course, one can always set the margins to the middle and the carriage won't be able to move. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I hope to start making then again soon.

[@ricksalazar6637]

Just bought a Royal Safari for my step-daughter. She loves it. Could you recommend quality replacement ribbons? The "universal" type we bought at Staples (which we were told would fit) are too small, we had to "jerry rig" them to work with the ribbon mechanisms, and the ink dried out during one short letter typing. Thanks for all your info and help.

[@altongansky]

Hi Rick. Amazon.com is where I get my ribbons. You get two ribbons for about $10 or so: one all black; one black and red. No ribbon should dry out after just one letter. My guess is that the ribbon is really old, or that the ribbon is not advancing as you type. If the latter is true, then you'll want to check to see if its a problem in the ribbon mechanism or maybe the ribbon isn't installed correctly. Here are a couple of links for you. Ribbons on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLWAQVO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Manual for Royal typer: site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalSafariManual1964.pdf The Royal manual shows a different kind of ribbon but the process is basically the same. I hope this helps.

[@ricksalazar6637]

Thank you sir!

[@charleyb8423]

Just got one with case for $10 in blue. On the hunt for ribbon.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Very nice report but you've failed to note WHERE this ROYAL was manufactured and by which company? Many of this era were done in JAPAN. What about this one? Thank you. (It bears a REMARKABLE resemblance to MY portable ROYAL which I purchased in the mid 1970's.

[@danieldeary9344]

My powder blue Safari which is identical to Alan's was made in 1963 (early version with decals for ribbon color) and was definitely made in the USA. It is all metal too, except for the panel, which puzzles me as to why Alan's may have more plastic. The Royal Safari II's were made in Portugal and were totally different in every aspect.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

@@danieldeary9344 Thank you!

[@jerrygundecker743]

I wonder did the twin packs reverse?

[@rehabjoebuffet9892]

I wonder if they reproduce those royal logos that sit above the keys. I lost mine! Just disappeared on me!

[@altongansky]

Not that I know of. About the best you can do is fine another machine that has. Sometimes you can get a "parts" machine for very little money.

[@dereksmith1774]

They remake new royals so probably

[@TypewriterMinutes]

How is the typing action on that beast compared to your 1948 Royal QDL Dreyfuss?

[@altongansky]

TypewriterMinutes It is surprisingly good. Smooth and responsive. It would be great for long projects.

[@rachaelmaher8729]

Rachael Maher Typewriter I like 👍

[@sonijam]

I was hoping you'd type a little on it.

[@altongansky]

Thanks for the comments. I usually try to do that, but I was still learning how to set up cameras and stuff back then. Thanks for watching.

[@malgorzatapierzga3684]

Hello! have you ever heart of VETEX OR VERLEX typewriter, i have bought one and looks amaizing but i could not find any info on internet about it.Would apreciate answer!!

[@altongansky]

I haven't heard of either of those as typewriter. I did find one set of photos for the VERLEX de lux typewriter. Royal had a company called Vertex that made typewriter ribbons and carbon paper. The photos I studied looked similar to some Royal portables but nothing matched. I saw a Vertex that had been on sale on UK Ebay, which makes me think that the VERTEX was a European brand name, but I'm just guessing for now. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@malgorzatapierzga3684]

@@altongansky Thank you for answering, i have thought it belongs to Royal , but nowhere any photos or info regarding that typewriter. I won it for 30$ and would like to know something...thank you so much for your kind answer.

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

I have this same machine. Same color too. Not my favorite typer. I much prefer the silent super. The touch isn’t very pleasant. The 1941 royal aristocrat is my favorite typer.

[@altongansky]

Thanks for writing. I understand about the touch being unpleasant. It takes some getting used to.

[@thejerryjacksonjrcatholiclife]

Is it true you are suppose to use two pieces of paper so you don't damage the rubber cylinder? I've read a comment on a different video and wasn't sure. Thanks !

[@altongansky]

Hi Jerry. Thanks for writing. The answer to your question is yes and no. Let me explain. First, the purpose of using two sheets is not to protect the platen (rubber cylinder) but to give the typist a better print on the paper. Typewriters are old and the rubber on the platen gets hard over the decades. It has to do with the rubber "out gassing." Sometimes the rubber develops grooves from constant use. The rubber can be replaced but it can be a little pricey. So, many typist put in a backing sheet to cushion the action of the type bars and to achieve a crisper print. It also helps quiet the machine when in use. I hope this helps.

[@thejerryjacksonjrcatholiclife]

@@altongansky Thank you so very much for all the info! You have helped me a lot. I am new to type writers I bought my first one this very same kind in your video just yesterday and it is like new, just a few starches from the case and all. I'm looking forward to using it and I enjoy your video and also the others as well! Thanks again, Jerry

[@douglasjackson9058]

What about the no need for paper support?

[@altongansky]

Hello Douglas. I seem to be a little dense today. I'm not sure what you mean by your question. I mention the fact there is no paper supports. Anyway, you're right. There is no need for paper support because of the way the Magic Scales direct the paper to the back of the machine. Showing that would have been a useful addition to the video. Thanks for writing.

[@douglasjackson9058]

@@altongansky Thanks! Enjoyed the video.

[@zionnuby842]

how do you set the margins?

[@altongansky]

Hi Zion. Thanks for writing. I show the Magic Margins settings in the video but I failed to demonstrate how to use them. You can see a user's manual from 1964 at this website. site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RoyalSafariManual1964.pdf It will give you step by step instructions. I hope this helps.

[@zionnuby842]

Ok thanks the margin sets kinda confusing so do you know how to do it or can you do a video on it?

[@zionnuby842]

big fan

[@sagenerd419]

mine is blue 😊

[@altongansky]

There's something special about a blue typewriter. And red ones too. Thanks for commenting.

[@someonespadre]

Magic (R) Margin Magic Column Set Column Clear IS NOT MAGIC??? Touch (R) Control My Safari’s magic margins weren’t very magic, took carriage cover off, cleaned and lubed margin rack so now the magic is back. It has the loudest bell of all the machines I have.

[@someonespadre]

I didn’t notice the red dots, put them on the edges of 8-1/2” wide paper and the printing point is centered, that is a useful feature, never have seen that before.