Hi Colin, this is Tony Law, I'm from Ottawa Ont.  In being relatively
new to MMD, I knew it would be you who answered my question -- I spent
four hours going through the archives of the digest and saw your other
Otto Higel letters and questions.

As for the Metalnola, the things I find painful about them are the
numerous screws and gaskets compared to other player actions.  Also,
when I wrote the letter you responded to, I had said that the valve
chambers are usually in good shape.  Whew, I wish I hadn't said that,
as the one I'm working on now is completely brittle. (I've had five
valve chambers break in half from just barely touching them.)  I don't
think I'll break any more as I'm treating them extremely carefully.

You mentioned that the Heinztman you saw had paper instruction labels
(how to remove, etc.).  I have to say that this particular one has
metal name plates, as well a crest in the spoolbox.  Also the valve
chambers on this one are single valve, but the one I'm working one has
a primary valve chest.  (Another pain, as I had to figure out a way to
get the pouch boards out of the aluminum rails, along with the
secondary ones; I hope they go back in without fighting.)

Another thing I found is that I figure there are four styles of
Metalnolas out there:

1. the one in the common picture depicting the Metalnola with two
valves in the chamber;

2. Another one found on such pianos as Lindsay, with a single valve
action with 2 decks of 44 notes (this was my first restoration);

3. The Heintzman version with what seems like their metal stack (as in
my letter) but with Otto Higel head and bellows;

4. Another Heintzman version that I've only seen but not restored, so I
don't for sure.  It's without the metal jumper tubes on the front, and
instead has tubing going into input nipples, and also seems to have a
elaborate hammer rail control system tied to the bellows expression.

Anyway I hope this helps you a bit, and always nice to meet a fellow
Canadian on the Digest.

Tony Law