As part of yet another quixotic project, I had Jan Heine make me this really sweet copy of a Rene Herse front-derailleur, braze-on, rod-actuated style... from what I can see, exactly like the derailleur on this bike:
http://www.coopertechnica.com/
This is a virtually unfindable item. Jan did a lovely job on it, and now I have no need for it, so I'd love to send it along to someone who can use it. I can shoot a pic or two for a serious buyer.
Derailleur assembly is complete, needing only a braze-on pad (optional) for the seat-tube to which it is brazed. Or the pivot can be brazed directly to the tube.
$250 shipped, which is less than I have in it. I'm guessing a good machinist would charge a lot more for something similar. Assuming you could even get a good machinist interested in making it. Paypal ok, as is a personal check.
E-mail me for more info.
Charles Andrews Los Angeles
Q: "Why do people spoil everything for themselves?
A: "In big ways, and little ways too, people do that all the time to themselves. We can't stand prosperity. We have to tinker with the machinery."
--John D. MacDonald