I would like to add to Richard Vance's comments on how to pack a pipe
organ for transport.  I have moved several in my time and would like
to share my experiences on pipe transportation.

There were many times that I needed only a few ranks from a soon-to-be
discarded organ.  So I feel I have plenty of experience to share.  The
preparation of the pipes for transport was taught to me by Stanley
Bielski, an Allen Organ technician in the New York area.

Here is how I did it:

I arrived at the site with ten or more rolls of 3/4-inch width masking
tape (depending on the size of the job) and a one-foot high pile of
newspapers.  Starting with the 8' open metal ranks, I would bundle
three pipes together using the masking tape at 3 foot intervals (or
so).  Wrapping them first in a narrow, thin layer of newspaper at the
location of the masking tape prevented any gum residue from sticking
to the pipes.  The mouths would face away from the bundle.  This
triangular configuration gave strength to the bundle.

The 4' octave of the rank would be bundled in the same way and, because
of its lesser strength, I would wrap the bundle in several thicknesses
of newspaper first before taping it.  Wrapping the mouth sections with
additional paper would protect them adequately.

The smaller pipes should be protected in a pipe tray as described by
Richard Vance's note.  At that time, I was a member of the New York
National Guard.  The new rifles we received were packed several to a
well-built cardboard box.  I salvaged the boxes, luckily, and used them
to transport the smaller pipes and reeds.  Of course, each smaller pipe
should be very carefully wrapped in newspaper.

Mark everything!  Mixing bundles is OK as long as it is marked.  Don't
mix ranks of pipes in bundles (obvious stuff).  Mark the chest supports
adequately also.  Do not, I repeat, do not rely on memory.  In the heat
of the dismantling, one is tempted to say, "Oh, I'll remember it.  It's
obvious."

It is a shame to damage a good organ pipe due to poor packing.  Not
many of us are capable of revoicing it.  It can be very expensive to
repair damaged pipes.

I would also like to comment on blowers.  They are heavy!  Even my
1/3-hp Spencer blower required two men to transport it.  I would
suggest taking the blower apart which can be a time consuming and dirty
job.  I also suggest taking the control relay and cut-off switch (after
you are sure the power has been disconnected; test it with a test light
to be sure).  These items are expensive to purchase new.

Wow, that brought back some old but wonderful memories.  Nothing like
the sound of wind sounding a pipe.

Andy LaTorre