Victoria - Scotch tension brake system

There are two types of Victoria brake systems.   

Original Victoria brake system

Original Victoria's were delivered with a cotton cord, and spring system attached to a black knob to twist and adjust brake tension.    The knob was secured with a tapered friction fitting.

Later the knob was fastened with a screw to prevent it from falling out.

Current Victoria brake system

Several years after production began, Louet switched to an elastic cord for the brake to replace cotton cord and spring.    This prevents over stretching of the spring, which can deform and make it unusable.   The change to an elastic cord required bobbins to have a U shaped groove instead of a V shaped groove.    If your bobbin has a V shaped groove, the elastic will create a whirring sound.  You can minimize this by sanding the groove in your bobbin, or replace your bobbins.

 

User preference

Some people find the cotton cord and spring provides finer control of the Louet scotch tension system, but there is really no difference in actual tension provided or the control.   It becomes a user preference.  You can convert your Victoria to a cotton cord and spring system or the elastic system as you wish, keeping in mind the need for U shaped bobbins with the elastic tension system.

Victoria cotton cord and Spring tension system - part # SR0102

Victoria elastic cord tension system - part # SR0104