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I was in Tasmania in Australia recently and I saw a small air powered
calliope made by a gentleman named Pearn at Westbury, not far from
Launceston.  He told me that he went to a week long symposium in Swan
Hill in Victoria some time ago and made it subsequent to that visit.

It was about 1 metre long by about 60 cm square.  It had 4 bellows and
used a folding book to make the music.  From memory the book was about
10 cm wide.  The book travelled across what I would call a flat comb
with about 24 or so small holes which operated the pouch valves.

I am a retired woodworker.  Since seeing and hearing this delightful
machine I am inspired to build a machine on the same lines.  I have
travelled the Internet and got info on wooden flue pipes and pouch
valves.  With this information I have started to make an experimental
wooden pipe, with some advice from a local organ repairer who has made
a barrel organ for fun (but that is not a book operated machine).  Is
there anyone who has plans for a small machine or can put me on to a
source of a plan, please?

A couple of queries come to mind at the moment:

1.  What lengths and notes should the pipes be tuned to?

2.  What is the diameter and spacing of the little holes?  Because
the holes are so close together, I assume that the connections from
the comb to the valves will have to be drilled on opposite sides of
the comb.

3.  Where can I get a supply of the folding books?

4.  What speed do the books travel at?

The test pipe I am making is 1-1/4" wide by 1-1/2" deep by about 15"
long.  Naturally that will be easy to shorten on the circular saw.

Information would be most gratefully received.  Thanks in anticipation.

Eric Jones
Auckland, New Zealand