Smith-Corona Classic 12

A Smith-Corona Classic 12 still in its case

History & Basic Info

The Smith-Corona Classic 12 was a premium "6-series" model - Smith-Corona's latest successor to the Silent-Super/5-series run of typewriters. Originating in the late 1960s, the Classic 12s are reliable and common machines that are good starters for any collector. Colorful, feature-packed, and resilient (to the point where Smith Corona advertised a grown man could stand on one), they're a nearly foolproof way to start typewriting.

Whereas the earliest Galaxie models featured only the most modest of features, later 6-seriers models featured even more details that would make a user's typing experience better than ever before. The Classic 12 was one of the lineups to continue off this trend. Along with the normal parts and pieces of a Galaxie, early Classic 12's introduced the Half-Space key (pushed off to the left side in the photo and allowed for minute, detailed corrections) and Smith Corona's Change-A-Type system (the two red "1" and "+" keys were replaceable, along with their slugs), as well as the more standardized 12" platen (able to hold an A4 sheet of paper as landscape).

Later models would move the half-space to the left side of the space bar, and introduce an "auto-space" to the right side, creating a rather iconic "triple space bar" setup that would be used on later electric models. The tabulator would also be simplified - with the "Set," "Tab," and "Clear" being given their own "triple tab bar" above the keys.

Due to its nature as a premium model, and being one of the most feature heavy typewriters of the 6-series, many Classic 12s would also be given insulation inside of the metal bodies to help dampen the sound, and some also have a rubberized grip on the end of the return lever.

Common Problems & Repair

These are generally solid machines, so they can often be found complete and in working order. However, the excessive use in plastic that was used in the manufacturing process of this machine can provide you with a few broken parts. Most commonly, the carriage release levers. It's worth noting that the files for 3D printed parts can be found around the web, if you ever need replacements.

All Galaxie-styled typewriters (minor exception on some re-brands) will have a removable bottom-plate, which can be easily unscrewed and removed to allow access into the bottom mechanics of the typewriter. Along with this, the 6-series also feature the "Quick Release Platen" - which allows for easy access to both the platen and the feed rolls underneath for cleaning (This is accomplished by flipping up the right plastic plate of the carriage, and pulling the platen up while depressing the "platen release" metal lever). In the event of a ribbon jam, there is a manual ribbon reverse lever on the left side of the leftmost spool that can be triggered, accessed via the top sliding ribbon cover.

Removing Shell

Removing the shell should be similar to this: [https://youtu.be/Ez-QA6iPmfE Smith Corona Galaxie Deluxe 6 series Manual Typewriter Case Cover Shell Removal procedure.

This video may give insight into removing those plastic pieces attached to the carriage Smith Corona Manual Typewriter Carriage Release Arm Repair Fix Broken Plastic Handle

SCM Quick-release platen demonstration: 10 Seconds, Platen Removed and Reinstalled, Smith Corona Typewriter Rollers Paper Pan

Manuals

• User's Manual