Hi MMD, I have an "O" roll build up coin piano that has the spool box
with rubber belt drive that I believe was made by Mr. George Cooper
[Mechanical Music Manufacturing Company, Wichita, Kansas], Gordon
Ramsey's predecessor.  This machine is used almost daily for tours
through my museum and proofing style "O" music rolls for sale.

Over a period of about a week it played slower and slower to the
point where it is unacceptable.  Something seems to be dragging it
down.  It is clearly a problem with the take up spool as the rewind
works perfectly.  I have oiled every visible place I can find.

There is a possibility that the belt is slipping as I believe the belt
is stretched, but this is visually hard to determine.  I applied belt
dressing which did not help.  I have new belts but see no obvious way
to get the take up spool off to put these new belts on.  Has anyone
experienced a similar problem?

Is there a user's manual for this type of O roll spool box?  I would
be glad to pay for it if any one has one for sale.  I have tried to
contact Gordon Ramsey by email which bounced and by phone; no
response.

Best regards,
Tom Hutchinson

 [ See the photo and article by Gordon Ramsey at
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/Digests/201506/2015.06.12.01.html 
 [
 [ George Cooper told me the hold-back torque due to gearmotor friction
 [ should yield about 4 ounces tension at the note sheet as it travels
 [ over the tracker bar.  Check the paper tension by hanging a 4 ounce
 [ weight on a string tied to the ring tab of the music roll.  Also,
 [ you should be able to easily spin the supply spool forward or
 [ backward with your hand (power off).  -- Robbie