Expert: William J Perkins - 10/11/2008

Question
We have a Westminister Chime Clock Model E-140 we just purchased at a yard sale. It chimes every 15 minutes, but we would like it to chime only by the hour. Can you assist us? Chiming every 15 minutes is too much noise. Thank you.

Answer
In a triple train clock, (chime,time,strike) the chime train releases the strike train, so when you shut off the chime you shut off the strike.  Obviously then if you wish to eliminate the chime only you must contrive to let the chime train run but not deliver blows to the chime rods.  The simplified way to do this is to bend the four hammers that comprise the chimes away from the rods so they can no longer hit the chime rods .  This will allow the chime to run and to unlock the strike without sounding parts of the melody.  If you want to silence the clock entirely, simply do not wind the trains involved, in other words wind only from the center winding position.  Regards WJP