Hi Al,  I have a number of Lauter-related information and diagrams at
the Player-Care web site, see:

 http://www.player-care.com/gifs/lautrtrk.gif
  Front view, tracker device
 http://www.player-care.com/gifs/lautback.gif
  Back view, tracker device
 http://www.player-care.com/lauter.html  General tubing diagram
 http://www.player-care.com/a_sign.html  Accessing the piano action

If Robbie wants, I will gladly send any of the graphics to the MMD
for archiving.

As for the lever inside of the spool box that's on the right side,
above the slotted spindle, the lever in my Lauter was designed to lock
the spindle in place.  As to why Lauter decided to incorporate such a
function, the only thing I can figure is that it prevents the unit from
being used if the person attempting to use it (a) wasn't aware of the
levers existence or (b) was too small/short to reach the lever.

Now I'm not saying Lauter purposely installed a device that made it
difficult for youngsters or inexperienced users from using the player,
but I've never been able to come up with any logical reason for a
"spindle lock".  (Picture sent for MMD Archives: spindle.jpg)

Musically,

John A. Tuttle

 [ I'll place the image at http://mmd.foxtail.com/Pictures/
 [ Thanks, John!  -- Robbie