[In the 130223 MMD Ken Marts asks for information on two built-up
nickelodeons that might have been made in Las Vegas]

Hi, Ken,

What you have is more than likely products of R.A.M., better known as
Ragtime Automated Music, formerly of California, but presently doing
business in the Las Vegas area.

Your description of the contents of the pianos precludes the likelihood
of them playing A-roll music.  An "A" roll (65 notes) plays only the
piano with possibly one extra instrument such as a xylophone or organ
pipes imitating flutes or violins, but no percussion instruments such
as drums, cymbals, triangles, or wood blocks.  R.A.M. predominantly
uses O-style orchestrion rolls (88 notes), which control not only the
piano, but several percussion instruments as well as being able to
control two solo instruments like xylophone and organ pipes.

The construction of R.A.M components changed over time.  Their earlier
pneumatics and parts were of extruded aluminum.  Presently they are of
molded plastic.

D.F. Rowe
Bronx, NY