Re: (erielack) Re: Consist Sheets

[Bob Clegg <bobcatcs_@_comcast.net>]

Hey, Pat, et. al.

Assuming the EL used IBM equipment, and since their factory was on the 
Erie in Endicott that was most likely the case,  I can attest to the 
fact that the model 029, and the follow on 129 key punches were, in 
fact, complete qwerty keyboards with a few keypunch related keys on the 
side.

I actually began programming in machine language on an 029 using its 
multi-punch feature back in 1973.  It wasn't elegant, but it taught me 
how the instructions worked in the hardware of the CPUs for which I had 
responsibility to keep running.

Thanks and regards,

Bob

On 10/13/2012 3:12 PM, pat.moore_@_att.net wrote:
> Brad,
>
> There are some typos that were probably "fat-fingered" by someone
> typing at a keyboard, but the majority of them were card mis-reads.
>
> Someone can probably speak with more authority on this, but I am
> thinking the EL back in 1975-76 was using computer punch cards.
> (in fact, I think I've actually seen one).  On the punch card, the letters
> are laid out differently and in order, not like the qwerty keyboard.
> If the punch card doesn't go through the machine properly, I think
> it would be possible to be one letter off (high or low).  Same thing
> with numbers...could be high or low.
>
> Looking up freight cars in Google will be hit and (mostly) miss.
> You might consider obtaining a copy of the Official Railway
> Equipment Register.  It's chock full of all the info you might
> want.  They show up from time to time on eBay.
>
> -pat moore

	The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List
	http://EL-List.railfan.net/
	To Unsubscribe: http://Lists.Railfan.net/erielackunsub.html

------------------------------