David Greene asks about the Ampico "B" reroll brake.  He says,
"I can imagine the brake might be hard on old rolls."

"Hard on old rolls" is an understatement -- using the rewind brake
will destroy old rolls!  I'm sure this is the reason it was found
disconnected.

The shaft of the take-up spool must spin freely.  Even thick old grease
on the bearings can cause damage to rolls on rewind.  Make certain the
bearings are clean and well lubricated.

Yes, the rolls will rewind loosely, but better that than damaged rolls.

Bruce Clark