Australian Terry Lloyd has been keeping Tim Trager and me apprised of
his group's progress in restoring that continent's only Bruder Elite
Apollo band organ.  Terry has agreed to write a little history of that
organ for MMD when time allows, but for now he has a few questions that
I don't know the answer to but someone reading this probably will.

The organ is doubly interesting and historically important: not only is
it one of a small number of organs of its kind but it still has with it
a quantity of original Bruder book music.   I am taking the liberty of
quoting from Terry's most recent note to me:

  "I have just returned home from Sydney after picking up a lot of the
Bruder parts that have been restored professionally. These include the
soundboard (complete refurbishment of pallets and windways), the stack
(completely restored with new pouches and releathering of all valve
assemblies) and the register box  (completely refurbished).  Over the
next few weeks we will be re-assembling the lot, checking and reworking
any item that needs attention.

  "Just as a matter of interest, all the pipework is original (apart
from a few resonators that were beyond repair) and the finish is
untouched.  The pipes have many different colors, probably due to
colored shellac.  One rank (accompaniment) is almost purple, the
trombones are pink, some others are green. All these are very pale,
having faded over the years.  where pipes were close together the color
is more pronounced. I am now led to believe these colors are all
original - another great discovery.  No doubt much of this type of
staining has been lost or removed on similar organ pipework over the
years. Our task has now been increased by yet another factor, and we
will have to do more research into how this characteristic can be
reproduced. Any thoughts?  ....

  "I know that you have made reference to a small number of 69 keyless
Apollos over there. Could you put me in touch with the responsible
people so that I can make contact with them?  I am still seeking
information on Bruder Serial Number 5041, believed to be an Apollo from
around Ohio (1996).   ...   I have just been informed that there is
another in Europe, but haven't traced it yet."

Terry's email address is <lloydtf@ozemail.com.au>.  The organ is
government owned, but it would be largely neglected if it were not
for the dedication of Terry's group.  I am sure they will appreciate
whatever information MMD'ers can supply, since they are rather
geographically isolated from European and American aficionados.

Matthew Caulfield