Hi All,  In response to 'Mike's' posting in Digest 000928, it's
unfortunate that Aeolian never produced a service manual directly
related to the Pianola or the Themodist (that I've been able to locate
in the past 27 years).  So the next best thing is to collect the
reference materials that do address various aspects of the system.

They include:

'Player Piano Servicing & Rebuilding', by Art Reblitz
The Duo-Art Service Manual -Reprint (48 pgs, 1927)    or
The Duo-Art Collection -Reprint (almost everything ever made available)

What disturbed me the most about his comments was that he bent a
sensing finger for the tracking system.  I suppose he didn't see the
two screws that hold the finger in place.  One is a lock screw the
other is 'spring-loaded' so the finger will stay in place until the
lock screw is tightened (after an adjustment is made).

There is also a testing procedure at Player-Care for the lower section
(exhauster assembly).  That should help him figure out what's leaking
there.

Regarding the tuning pins that have been knocked in to the point where
the coil of wire is touching the plate, I'd be very worried.  It sounds
to me like the pin block is severely cracked in that location, at the
very least.  My suggestion is to remove the cap that covers the block
and do a physical inspection.  Should the block be cracked, the only
remedy is to replace the block -- a very big job!!! (My feeling is that
the piano was 'unloaded' for precisely that reason.)

Regarding the 'shiny wheel' in the transmission (the forward roll
brake), the brake pad should make contact with the brake drum (the
wheel) when the unit is in the Play position.  If it is 'stuck', it may
be that someone tightened the mounting nut and bolt (that holds the
wooden piece to the transmission) too tightly.  Simply loosen the lock
nut, unscrew the bolt a tiny amount and then retighten the nut.

Regarding the missing parts and the key, we keep those sorts of parts
in stock, and though not listed anywhere at the website, all Mike has
to do is write to me at: john@player-care.com and I'll get him whatever
he needs..... except a bag of $50's.  ;-)

Musically,

John A. Tuttle
http://www.player-care.com/