On Mar 8, 2023, at 10:23 PM, Chris Elmquist via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
  On Mar 8, 2023, at 4:18 PM, Chuck Guzis via
cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
 On 3/8/23 13:53, Sellam Abraham via cctalk wrote:
   On Wed,
Mar 8, 2023 at 1:39 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org>
 wrote:
 On the subject of 1/2" open-reel tape, I note that the tapes initially
 used with the IBM 726 drive (1952) used a cellulose acetate base.  In
 1956, a switch was made to Mylar.   That's unfortunate, since early
 existing  726 tapes have almost certainly rotted away due to vinegar
 syndrome.
  
 I have what appears to be a stainless steel UNIVAC tape.  It isn't
 crumbling away into dust anytime soon.
  
  Heavy bugger,no?
 Nickel-plated Vicalloy (a type of phosphor-bronze). 
 Yes, heavy.  I have one too, from UNIVAC 1
 Who can read them now?  ;-)
 cje