WURLITZER STYLE 146 BAND ORGAN RESTORATION PROJECT (Part 6)
by Dr. Bill Black
The restoration project began in October of 2000. This series will mostly be a presentation of the photos that were taken during the restoration process. We wonąt go into great detail in descriptions since the basic restoration process is similar to that described in the 105 restoration series.
PHOTO A - Another part of the organ which has seen several rebuilds is
the transfer block. This unit serves as a switching mechanism to
alternate the connection of the two tracker bars to the stack in an organ
with a duplex tracker system. Each rebuild includes cleaning off the old
cloth by sanding the center portion of the block. Each time, this wood
part which holds the nipple connections becomes thinner. Now there is not
enough thickness to stand another sanding. So, a new center wood piece
was made. The photo shows the process of drilling 350 holes. The wood was
mounted in a combination lathe-drill press. The other end of the wood
piece is supported by a stand using a level to position the wood.
PHOTO B - The finished center piece.
PHOTO C - New nipples have been installed in the center piece and new
pneumatic cloth is applied to both sides. This is done by applying bead
of glue is between each area corresponding to the well in the cover board
to provide flexibility to the pouch that is created. Pouch leather can
also be used for this purpose.
PHOTO D - The cover boards which are basically the same for both sides
of the transfer block, receive new leather gaskets. Fortunately the two
cover boards are in good shape and can be used again.
PHOTO E - The restored transfer block is mounted on the back of the
shelf that will hold the roll frames.
PHOTO F - A front view of the organ showing the pneumatic stack being
fitted.
PHOTO G - The trumpets, trombones and stopped flute rank that plays
along with the trumpet section have been installed.
For more information on the Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Carousel at Casino Pier, visit:
www.casinopiernj.com/index.html
 Dr. Bill Black is one of the nation's most knowledgeble Wurlitzer band organ experts. He has made recordings of many band organs and other mechanical music machines which are available for purchase in our Gift Shop .
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