Today I managed to visit a mech music museum in Sydney, in fact this is
the only Mech Music museum I have heard of in Australia - Please correct
me if I'm wrong, I would love to see more!

Its Craig Robson's Service City Collection of Antique Mechanical Music.
On arrival we were treated to a small recital by  theatre organist
Margaret Hall playing the Rogers electronic Theatre organ.

Next we heard a 56 key De Klok Dutch street organ and then a Dance hall
organ from Hilversum cut down to about 400 pipes for use as a street organ.

Then a 43 keyless paper roll Bruder, a very loud Gavioli 89 keyless
military band organ (which was LOUD), a Black Forest Gavioli 87key which
came from Luna Park, a De Cap dance hall 'Jazz organ' from late 30's
(that one sounded and looked really good) and a De Cap Robot Orchestra
from about 1950 were demonstrated.

We then moved into a room where a Steinway DA was demonstrated and in
the same room (not working) is a Mills double Violano, a Hupfeld
Phonoliszt-Violina and a Hupfeld Orchestrion with piano-accordion and a
six roll changer (badly in need of restoration!!).
Another room housed another double Mills and a Weber upright DA, both
demonstrated (and seriously in need of tuning), an 'Aeolian Grand'
player reed organ, a French 10 tune Barrel piano, and a collection of
music boxes.

The highlight of the tour will be, when its finished, a 3-abreast
Galloper English Merry-go-round.  This is being restored and the parts
there look fabulous. Its driven by a steam engine also being restored.

There was also a "Showman" traction engine which looked magnificent and
gets use at local steam rallies. Some vintage cars were also on display
but somehow these faded into the background and were not really noticed.
Most of the instruments on display were restored and working.

Its was very enjoyable and well worth seeing, especially for  the mech.
music starved Aussie enthusiasts  here, and hopefully the carousel will
be finished in time for the 2000 Olympics.

Tours are conducted by appointment and take about 2 hours.
Bookings can be made on 02 9584 2353

Peter Coggins