Hi Terry
Like you I am a newbie to the group. I am looking to buy a bird of paradise as my first slot machine. I live in the UK. So a lot of similarity with yourself. I was also watching your ROL on ebay and it easily could have been me that purchased the same from Italy. I also thought that it looked a good buy. I certainly lack the experience that is needed.
Luckily I found this forum and it has been a revelation for me. I have received great help. The archive postings on Rol's will help a great deal with tips for restoration. The group is friendly and the combined knowledge immense. In particular one member Stephane who is a great guy has thankfully saved me from jumping in when I should not on more than one occasion.
So don't despair. I can see that you are getting great advice and help. I can't offer much advice myself as I am new but as a novice I can mention;
Watling owner's pictorial guide. A repair manual that is easy to understand and well illustrated. I just purchased a copy from Mead publishing. The Ebay link is
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Watling-Slot-Ma ... SwZjJU29DFI have been informed that there was not an expanded revamped fourth printing so the book is 140 pages and not 206 pages as stated. Apparently it is a typo in the description on Ebay. However the book is great and I can't recommend it enough in particular to newbies like us.
If you are going to replace the springs then you can get a complete Watling kit of springs and some useful tools from Bernie Berten Co, the link is;
http://www.mrslot1.com/Whatever you decide do, keep us all updated with your progress.
Best, Lol