Alot of tape machine enthusiast on youtube are just fascinated with the machine itself, and hardly ever demo the audio, or if they do, they do it over the camera with the ambience of the room. I just want to hear the audio, how does it sound, the the direct sound.
Of course it's heavy; it's got three motors, which are all quite beefy. At least the capstan motor is synchronous, which gives the machine a very stable tape speed. (@50Hz that is)
It appears that you have inserted the tape incorrectly. The tape should run above the metal pins. This is probably why the tape end switch (the light) does not register any tape and the machine will not start.
The capstan motor is stuck, that’s all. I had the same problem with mine after being in storage for years. Is it turning ? If not just grab the capstan with rubber gloves so you have a good grip and twist it, then when it starts turning turn off and apply some light oil.
