Page 10 - RD_2022-09

Then came another very expensive
innovation – 70mm film with 6 channel
magnetic sound – "the ultimate" in image
and sound quality. Warren would now need
two 70mm projectors to compete with the
big city theatres. A big ask financially, too
big, unless .. "Yes, I reckon I could make
two of those ... "
The result was two superbly engineered
70mm machines built up in Warren's
backyard from a pair of 1920 model Kalee
'6' Silent Projector Heads. This massive
conversion required the replacement of the
entire film driving system; the making of
six 70mm sprockets with extension shafts
and drives; a complete curved gate
assembly from steel and brass; and among
other things, two complete “Penthouse”
sound reproducers for the 6 channel
magnetic sound together with new
amplifiers and speaker system.

Above: Front of the Gate Assembly with

Each projector assembly was mounted
on the left hand side of Warren's exiting
35mm machines (making the 70mm's
left hand threading) hereby giving
Warren "the best of both worlds" in
programme selection and presentation.
The existing 35mm lamp houses were
modified to enable them to be quickly
slid across and used on the 70mm
machines. The final result on the screen
was very satisfactory. Well done,
Warren!

Left: The curved brass and steel gate as-
sembly. Warren even made the' 70mm al-
loy sprockets.

10 REEL DEALS September 2022