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Additions
The Apollo Organ is important for several reasons; this particular instrument was one of
the last built by Rushworths and it is in near to original condition. But more importantly it is used
as a practice organ every day and must therefore be kept in perfect regulation. In 2004 a
Swell to Great reversible pedal was added which simply draws the Swell to Great stop on depression, and
takes the stop back in on pressing it again. Plans for the action were kindly supplied by Messrs Harrison & Harrison,
Organ builders of Durham. The pedal was installed at the extreme left of the pedalboard where a section
of casework could be unscrewed and a pedal accepted, this was neccesary so that none of the case was altered
and can be put back at any time.
More recently, a system of pneumatic thumb pistons has been installed undernieth the great
manual. These (will) act on the Great to Pedal coupler; the Swell to Great coupler; and two other
stops (as yet, not decided).
At the moment, simply the primary action is in place (thumb pistons and pallet valves), which
will soon be tubed to a pouch box fed with suction from the main bellows. The pouches will direct
suction to the correct pneumatic motors which will collapse and draw one stop each.
Photographs of the thumb pistons are shown below:
The Organ with both manuals removed, the pistons have been temporarily
installed so as measurements can be taken.
The 4 pistons installed and the brass rods which they actuate are cut to the correct size
so that the pistons all sit the same distance from the keyslip.
The keys are re-installed into the keyframe. The 4 holes visable in the photograph are ready to accept lead
(or other suitable material) tubing. When a piston is pushed, a felt-covered round pallet
valve is opened, this admits atmosphere to the end of the tube. This signal is sent to the puch box
where it comunicates with a valve which allows suction to feed to the correct motor pneumatic which will
draw the stop associated with that particular piston.
The 'finished' installation. At this point, the pistons do not have any effect on the organ,
further details will be added when the system is complete.
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