Where have all the Selectrics gone?

[Chuck Guzis]

On 3/20/2006 at 10:53 PM Darryl wrote:

>I am looking to purchase some type of old printer/computer that will
>print like an old IBM printer that was used in auto manufacturing plants
>in the 1960s.
>The font is much larger than any typewriter I have seen, but even that
>would serve my purpose if it were available.
>Can you help me out or steer me in the right direction?

Before the Selectric mechanism, IBM used an I/O  typewriter that looked
like the old IBM Model B.  I remember if as the console typewriter on the
1620.  Here are some photos of the Model B:

http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/modelb/modelb_album.html

Here's a photo of the 1620--see the resemblance?

http://www.columbia.edu/acis/history/1620.html

It wasn't unsual to see several IBM Model B's and Executives (proportional
spacing) at the priners.  When you needed to do article headings, you went
to the typewriter with the large typeface and typed your heading, then
moved to another machine to do the text body.  Anyone remember how to work
the spacebars on the Executive?   I used to have one in my office to type
memos on.  A well-adjusted Executive gave absolutely gorgeous results.

Cheers,
Chuck