Remington 5 / Streamliner Guide
I love these machines. They're one of the undisputed classics from history.
Instead of tabs, they have a 'self starter' key, which automatically progresses you 5 spaces. This is so you can indent either once or twice, etc.
There is a carriage lock, which is a switch to the left side of the carriage, by the knob. Please consult manual to release that. It's a little tricky.
You need to keep these ribbon spools, as that is the only way this machine works. When you get new spools, you can get any kind, and wind onto those spools. You can use red and black or just black.
The auto ribbon reversals usually work. If they get stuck, just nudge the ribbon reversal button. And you can twist the button on either side to advance the ribbon as needed. The auto reverse was not a fully refined feature by this time in typewriter history, which is why the manual buttons are so prominent.
Crowded letters or skipping characters are sometimes mechanical, but usually they have to do with technique. So as you learn to strengthen your fingers, and use equal pressure, you should get a nice, clean line. It takes some practice. It is best to build technique, and then speed. Sloppy fast typing causes all kinds of issues, though the machine will handle it ok.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
I'm attaching the manual for your reference.
Here is the manual.
You can also reorder ribbons here. (You'll have to re-wind onto your own spools or else select the vintage metal spools option).
You can order the paper that your note came on here.
(IF you elect for the plastic spools you'd have to wind them onto yours, as those are an odd size).
Oh and sometimes the tips of the bottom letters are red on the red/black ribbon. If you dislike this, I'd suggest the all black ribbon. You can double the ribbon life as well, if you switch to red when the ribbon wears down, you get a fresh one!
And enjoy the writing!