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Comment by somat

4 months ago

makes me think of the IBM AN/FSQ-7 built into the SAGE air defense stations, the largest computer ever built.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/FSQ-7_Combat_Direction_Cent...

While realistically I understand it was just a bunch of racks and consoles, due to the permanent nature of the installation and the way it was integrated into the building I like to imagine the operators and technicians scurrying around admits bunches of wires and tubes.

> Weight 250 tons

So that doesn’t qualify for free shipping, I imagine.

I absolutely love the aesthetic of a big classic telephone receiver attached to the end.

  • Those huge CRT vector consoles with the light gun are amazing as well.

    And, and, (I really am unable to contain my glee here) each one come with a cigarette lighter and ashtray. I love it.

    Growing up My father enjoyed classic cars and at one point we had a 1962 Cadillac, and yes, it did have the infamous Cadillac fins, not as majestic as the 1959 models(peak fin year) but they were there, it looked like a four door bat-mobile. Anyway, the other thing I remember about it was that it had 5 ashtrays and lighters, one for each kid. Truly peak luxury.