A major project milestone has been completed, with the completion of the console enclosure and the move of the Trocadero console to the Troxy.

As reported in previous TrocaDiaries, the work to complete the enclosure turned out to be more complex than originally envisaged, with the re-engineering of the stairway support being a particular sticking point. All is now well, and the structural engineers and the buildings inspector, pending the completion sign-off, being happy! The enclosure is just sufficiently large enough for the console on the 'hover platform' used at the Edric Hall, and has a folding door arrangement to allow the console to be slid out into the auditorium. There will be a viewing window as well - laminated and fireproof (dangerous things, these Wurlitzers!) - to allow the console to be seen when not in use.

With secure storage now a possibility, the crew turned to the task of moving the console. The famous 'inflatable dolly' (the originator of this phrase will, to save their blushes, remain anonymous!) was reassembled and tested in early March - much to the bemusement of the theatre staff and the builders, who all had a ride on it - leaving the way clear for the move from storage and reassembly of the 1500 lb. console on the 24th. Pictures of the move are on the galleries.

Meanwhile we have an (unpaid and temporary) job posting to announce:

Vacancy: Desk-top publisher / designer - Help publish a book!

The Cinema Organ Society has collaborated with a well known theatre organ historian to produce the definitive story of the Wurlitzer Style 270, as installed in large theatres in Australia and at the Trocadero. The book extends to around 150 pages and is a fascinating blend of fact, history and humour. The three are not always incompatible, as this fascinating manuscript demonstrates! Our intention is to publish and sell it to raise funds for the Trocadero to Troxy project. Before we can do that, the manuscript - currently in Word format - needs converting to a desk-top publishing format suitable for printing.

Is there any member (or relative/friend of a member) with the necessary skills and willingness to volunteer their time to do this? Such a volunteer would need to have previous experience at this sort of work and be able to demonstrate their skills at producing a professional-looking layout, as well as having access to the necessary equipment (PC/Mac with dtp software) to do this. The current layout in Word is a very good first step, but some re-ordering of the many photos and diagrams is needed to suit the printing process.

Publishing this book will be a major step in promoting the T2T project and we would kindly ask members to take this request very seriously. Someone, somewhere that you know of can surely help! Please contact me john.abson@cinema-organs.org.uk, or phone 07768 143076  if you have any leads or thoughts. The alternative is to pay to have this work done professionally, which is, simply, money that we can otherwise better devote to the project itself. The author has most generously agreed to donate proceeds from the sale to the Trust and we would really like it if you or someone you know could do likewise and donate their time. Any reasonable costs incurred will of course be paid.

Don't forget the Open Day - Saturday April 9th - "Meet us at the Troxy"

If by any chance our mighty publicity machine has failed to reach you, we are holding an Open Day at the Troxy on Saturday April 9th from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. Entrance is a suggested £3-00 donation and there are some interesting sideshows  - see here for more

That's all - it's been a busy month, the team's done a lot and we need a rest!

John Abson

T2T Project Manager