Paces Races Restoration Progress March 31

Restoring the valve box.

paces races valve box open

The valve box contains the leather pouches.  These pouches pop up, lifting the valve on the other side which in turn allows a vacuum to perform the function.  The row of dirty pouches on the right are the seven that move the horses and the most frequently used.

paces races detail pouch

The pouch consists of a dished leather circle covering the well, with a cardboard spacer and leather valve seal glued in the middle.  The leather pushes up on the valve to actuate it.  The small brass holes to the left of the pouches are the bleed holes.  See explanation on how the valves work.

paces races removed pouch

Inside the pouch is the hole that leads to the input signal.  In the case of a valve that controls the movement of the horse, the hole will lead to the tracker bar on the player piano mechanism.  When the piano roll has a punched hole, the hole will allow air to rush down the tube to this hole, which will raise the pouch.

paces races clean

The pouches have been cleaned and the hide glue removed.  New pouches can now be installed.  One of the bleed holes fell out and was lost.  Replacements were ordered and installed. 

paces races black cat

My helper, Mystic, spends time looking out the window at the new bird feeder.  Fascinating.