There were two models. That's model FAV9800, the top-of-the-line. Has onboard water heating, 1000 RPM spin, enhanced cycle selections (StainBrain presets, 24 saved-favorites capacity, etc.) via the LCD touchpanel

I have the lower FAV6800 ... no water heating, 850 RPM spin, 11 cycles, a few options. Bought it new in 2008, on close-out for a whopping $239 + $86 for shipping from New Jersey to TX. The primary source of trouble is the torque-spring clutch drive pulley. Mine failed at 6 months, repaired under warranty. I didn't disassemble to determined the nature of the failure since it was a warranty claim. May have just needed lubrication on the one-way needle bearings. The replacement exhibited the same problem characteristic some years later, which I did pull the pulley (LOL), cleaned and lubricated the bearings, it has been good since. The mechanism isn't as complex as it seems.

He doesn't quite understand how to trick the lid latch. It needs to be held in a partially-protruded position so the latch sensor "knows" that the lid is closed and the latch is engaged into the locking slot on the edge. The sensor knows that the lid is open if the latch is fully out. There are latches on both sides of the lid but IIRC only the right side is involved in confirming the lid is open or closed. The left-side latch has the magnetic sensor.

Wow dadoes, even in 2008 that was really inexpensive. What do you think the motivation was for this machine? It seems better than the typical HE wash plate TL HE machine. It looked like it uses enough water to really saturate the load, with better turnover and less rough action than say my folks Maytag Bravo. It reminded me of a dryer-is it the F&P?-that is loaded at the top. Do you use yours often?

The Neptune TL was presumably Maytag's answer to Whirlpool's Calypso. The service manual is dated 2003, which predates the Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos.

The Calypso (which I have one) is much better IMO. The TL has trouble tumbling some types of loads, lightweight fabrics. I once watched a load of 22 typical button-down shirts not roll even once through the entire wash period. I restarted it and manually helped the load roll.

The TL has two fill levels. Low level is for wash and interim rinses and is lower than you may expect. High level (which is to approx the hubs of the tumblers) is the final rinse on all cycles and for the Bulky cycle (the wash and final rinse, I don't immediately recall if also the interim rinses). More water is added to all fills if needed to reattain the target level after tumbling begins regards to saturating the load, not appreciably different in that respect to frontloaders which tumble during fills.

TL washplate machines, at least the WP brands, have seemingly become anemic. The early models, F&P AquaSmart and Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos based on F&P's design, produce more action.

My TL's serial indicates production in December 2005 so it had been warehoused for almost 2.5 years (and discontinued) when I bought it in May 2008.

I used the TL as my primary washer for ~6 months, until the clutch/pulley malfunctioned. Took it down for pending warranty service (instead of DIYing it since it was within the warranty period), then moved it to occasional use as one of several spare machines.

I have four F&P topload dryers. Two refurbed for use (self and mother), two spares that haven't yet been touched.