While browsing on a theater organ web site a few weeks ago I ran across
the following and purchased it:  "Roll playing stacks (45 pot metal
units), tracker bar, take up spool, mountings, Wurlitzer"

This turned out to be a Wurlitzer 165-note reproducing organ spool
frame and relay.  The seller indicated "Not a clue where originally
installed".  The photographs showed some amazingly clean pot metal
valve covers.

Page 799 of Bowers' "Encyclopedia" mentions this style unit, and that
only a few were made and that this was the largest of the roll playing
units.  The tracker bar is standard Wurlitzer pitch, 0.1227 inch per
channel.  Interestingly, in regard of Bob Stewart's recent inquiry,
some of the ports seem to be filled in and a small hole, like a bleed,
drilled in it.  I have enclose photographs for those interested.

I re-assembled the frame, which is of wood rather than the usual cast
iron plates.  In doing so I discovered something interesting: the unit
came with a scale stick, which unfortunately is broken off at one end.
This fits into a slot in the cross piece.

I then noticed that another piece of wood with punch marks and
scratches slid below the scale stick.  This forms an arranging table!
A look into the gearing shows it full of chad.  I am not sure what
direction is up.

It is interesting to see how Wurlitzer recycled parts. The bosses for
mounting the spools are identical to those in the various Wurlitzer
band organ roll frames, which is where I plan to use them.

The relay is also fascinating: the center cores of the valve units are
done away with and instead the covers mount directly onto the aluminum
plate.  Flipping the unit over, the contacts and vacuum chamber are
protected with a glass window.  All the switch points are nicely
labeled as to the function of the switch.

Most interesting is the last section of switches: here the valve plates
are installed, but no switch.  If I ever want to make a vacuum
controlled MIDI converter, this is just the unit to use.

The unit came with a whole host of relay and cut-off boxes, some of
which had full 4-1 units.  In addition there are buttons for the
control of the unit, a tempo regulator panel and other sundry items.

It is really nice to know that there is still material out there.

Julie Porter

(The photographs will be attached in separate email to the editor.)