FArrand-Cecilian Player

[piannaman at aol.com]

The mother of one of my son's classmates called awhile back and said she has a player piano with one key not working that also needs tuning.  Not making any promises, I told her I'd go check it out.
 
I went out yesterday and looked at the piano.  It's a Farrand-Cecilian player from 1910 or so, a massive fortress of a piano.  The cause of the malfunctioning note is a broken brass flange, the access to which is extremely well guarded by a player mechanism the like of which I've never seen.  
 
I understand that these are reproducing players.  It is quite a nice piano, other than lots of action wear and neglect.  
 
So how does one get to the action?  I was trying to find a way to get inside to replace the tongue of the flange that broke off, but it looks like a job of at least two people and several hours just to be able to get access to the piano mechanism.
 
I directed the lady to a player specialist.  Afterward I did some searching on the web and found affirmation that these pianos were solidly built and difficult to work on.  
 
Any of you player specialists have tips for gaining access to the inner sanctum of this piano?
 
Thanks,
 
Dave 
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