ABI double acting windlass

[fourdegreesc]

I just bought a steel cutter with one of these beasts on the foredeck. It's a terrific winch, and hardly used at all yet.

I need to know two things. First, I can't figure out how to free-fall the wildcat to drop the anchor. There is a friction brake on that side but I can't see how to release it.

Next, I need to know where to buy parts. I know the thing isn't made any more, but if I can get as much technical data as possible and all the spares I can find I should be okay.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

-dennis