Just to bring you up-to-date I have managed to work on the deck further and also try your suggestions. Unfortunately, the deck transport mechanism still doesn’t work.
When I switch on the power the deck continually cycles as if trying to play but with no movement. I just get a continuous cycle of relays clicking and the LED on the Play button going on and off. Pressing either fast forward, fast reverse or Pause halts this cycle but no movement.
Does seem as if there is some mechanical issue involved, but stumped at the moment.
