I had responded to a note from David Chalkin and thought I would
forward my reply to the MMD to stimulate further discussion.

In particular, I would welcome any additions to my list of recommended
documentation to have on hand when restoring a Marque Ampico or a Model
A for that matter.

The Vestal Press had a technical series document as I recall but
I don't see that in the PPCo. information.  Are there other useful
materials ?

Thanks,
Bob Conant

 - - - -

 [ David Chalkin wrote to Bob Conant: ]

> I have one which I'm just about to restore having done the case and
> piano action.  I also need a tubing layout and any other info. as
> I've never done an Ampico before only two regular players.  It's
> totally complete but in pieces.

David,  I suggest that you get all the Ampico Model A literature you
can obtain.  Most of the reprints should be available from Player Piano
Company, 704 East Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67202, USA.  I suggest the
following materials if you can get them:

  Ampico Inspectors Reference Book 1923 - PPC#: C-1
  Ampico Model A grand tubing chart - PPC# C-6
  The Amphion (Accessible) Player Action - PPC#: C-17

Any other Ampico materials would be helpful as well.  The Amphion
reprint covers the pumping bellows that are used in the Marque Ampico.
I suggest that you study any tubing that is still in place.

In particular, Ampico used little plastic markers on the expression
tubing.  These corresponded to numbers on the expression devices and
on the cutout block on the back of the spool frame.  The numbers are
like 3B, 2T, 4T etc.  This stands for #3 hole on the bass side of the
tracker bar, #2 from the right on the Treble end of the tracker bar,
#4 from the right end on the treble end of the tracker bar, etc.

If you can find these numbers on the expression devices and on the
cutout block you will be 90% of the way to figuring out the tubing
schematic for the Ampico expression devices.

The basic Marque Ampico uses the Amphion pneumatic stack but it is
divided internally to a bass and treble half.  These are then supplied
with vacuum that is regulated by the expression devices for the bass or
treble respectively.  The air motor, governor, reservoir cutout,
valves, pneumatics etc. are all straight Amphion (who went on to make
all the Ampico parts and was later bought out by American Piano
Company).  The buttons and levers are all normal player piano stuff.

The big trick is working out the tubing for the expression tracker bar
holes and their routing to the expression devices in the bottom of the
piano.

Hope these comments help.

Bob Conant
Endicott, NY, USA