So is there a paper tape OS for the VAX?
Not that I know of.
If you can't get set up for netbooting, I think I may have a TK50 drive
(non-SCSI) that I could lend you for use with your TQK50.
The RQDX3 would let you use an RX50, but it's not clear to me that this
buys you very much. I don't think you can install VMS, Ultrix, or NetBSD
from RX50s. At least, I've never heard of it being
done.
Eric