Yes, Frank, your photos - interesting.
Mechanically, that's the approach I have in mind - with the exception of a more traditional "open" chassis - but with plenty of screening - & decoupling.
Re: your comment on a reduction drive: agreed.
If I can find that box of Mecanno gears that I have somewhere, I might try making my own anti-backlash reduction gearing system. That'd be a challenge! As for the valve, it's tempting to go for something really "vintage" - like a PM1HF. It all depends what I find in the dusty "old radio valves" box
somewhere in the attic!
Al.