Mellotronists

While we're dreaming up alternative mechanisms Martin once 
mentioned the possibility of a cycling M400. I don't think this went 
anywhere 'cause of the cost but it set me thinking about a simpler 
way. You could have a standard M400/T550 with a fixed tapeframe 
but with MkII style drums front and rear chained together as usual. 
But instead of a cycling motor and all the complicated 
electronics/wiperstiches and sensor heads etc - just have a hand-
crank geared onto the chain that sticks out the cabinet side. It 
could be a fold-away type that's mounted flush with the side. All 
you need then is to bring the index tape at the end up to a perspex 
window in say the end cheek and have coloured markers on the 
tape to tell you which station you're on. Voila! Can you tell I'm 
bored today?
John