Robbie, Here's perhaps another example: jukeboxes.  More nickels were
dropped into machines where the patrons could see the records being
selected and played and returned to their slot or tray than those boxes
that were solely... well, just a colored box invisibly changing records.

People love animation (my opinion).  Without it, entertainment stales
very quickly.  Can anyone imagine going to a live concert and never
having the curtains drawn!

This may have nothing to do with the subject but another example was
the National Coin Piano.  As originally built, all but the front of
the roll Ferris wheel and hammers were exposed for viewing.  Even the
changing of the "Selection Now Playing" number was hidden by a black
window and was snapped opened only when the roll to be played was in
place.

Almost all National Coin Pianos now have been opened up and completely
glassed in for the public's viewing of all the elaborate machinations
needed for changing the roll, rewinding (at ungodly speed) and playing
of the current and then next tune.  This instrument is perhaps one of
the least sought after, but to me, one of the most magical nickelodeons
ever produced.

Maybe because it was my first experience seeing a player piano at
Knott's Berry Farm in 1953 when I was just eight years old that lead
to my lifetime addiction.  It's the blend of Jukebox and nickelodeon.
While not the only orchestrion to be able to select a tune out of a
selection of music, it was the only one that could do it so quickly.
Not to mention with more animation involved than any other instrument.

I just recently acquired one of these beauties and due to home
conditions out of my control, I have not had any time to even plug it
in.  But more to come on this instrument as I delve into it and maybe
even an operators manual if one is not available.  So far I have found
bupkis.  I think this was one of the instruments that came from Player
Piano Company when Durrell Armstrong passed away.  I believe I am the
3rd owner.

Thanks for MMD,
Tim L'Amoureux
Los Angeles