In my inquiry yesterday about servicing the Ampico B electric roll
drive motor, I neglected to mention that, in addition to sparking
(arcing?) in the area of the brushes, coupled with occasional stalling,
I've noticed the tempo control lever becomes quite warm during long
periods of extended play.

At the AMICA Convention in Niagara Falls, I asked a few people about
this "warm" tempo lever, but a consistent answer was that all B's
behaved that way, and it is nothing to worry about.  However, my
instincts say that when new in 1935, that tempo lever likely did not
get warm, so my concern continues.

I would be grateful for suggestions on why this tempo lever might get
very warm during extended play, if in fact this is or is not a normal
condition, and if not normal, what might be done about it.

Thoughts of others?

Regards,

Terry Smythe

 [ There's no outside airflow into the spool motor compartment and
 [ so everything, including the tempo lever, slowly gets warmer.  My
 [ piano has heated like that for decades.  If it's bothersome the
 [ bottom panel could be replaced with cane metal for ventilation.
 [ -- Robbie