The Gallery of Old Iron

These pages are more-or-less random technology tidbits from "Big-Iron" computers and computing equipment, mostly from IBM, and mostly from the 1940's through 1970's.

The lights behind many of the control panels in The Gallery of Old Iron are wired to simulate operation using modern microcontrollers. A small number of people over the years have said this is messing with history -- but we find that kids get more interested in technology when it actually does something. This is particularly true of the old operator consoles, which would never again do anything other than collect dust after the main computer was recycled.

Most of the pictures in The Gallery of Old Iron are clickable to get larger versions. Explore!

The Gallery is a non-commercial, educational web site dedicated to nothing in particular except the enjoyment of old, big computers and getting the younger generations interested in both computing and the history of it.

We get lots of questions about using photos shown on The Gallery of Old Iron web site. In general, you are free to use photos for which The Gallery is the copyright owner. However, some photos are Copyright IBM and used here with permission. We are unable to give permission to use any photos whose copyright belongs to others. If in doubt, ask.

The Gallery of Old Iron is now searchable, thanks to Google Custom Search (beta -- so YMMV).

IBM 705 Update

Our IBM 705 console is finally getting a much needed restoration. The restoration project aims to make the console look as historicaly accurate as possible. For example the Operation Register correctly decodes into the Operation Decoder and addresses are displayed in Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) with ranges appropriate for the memory this machine had. Here is recent progress (electrically complete with only cosmetic frame/cart panels to go).

New Addition - The IBM 360 Model 91 Console

The IBM System 360 Model 91 was a monster of a machine. It was once the most powerful computer on earth. It needs a little cleaning and then we will rewire it to simulate operation. It will take a while -- over 2000 lamps!

Make Some Puch Cards!

Another addition to The Gallery is a set of punch card printing drums. They can be seen on the Misc. Technologies - II page. You can also join us on a trip back in time to make some brand new punch cards.

System 360/370 Operator Consoles
in The Gallery's Collection

System 360

System 370

More 360 and 370 Line Photos

System 360

(Announced/Shipped)

System 370

(Announced/Shipped)

More IBM Systems

The Way Back Computing Pages contain some of The Gallery's tidbits from the dawn of the computing era. Come on in and read about the Harvard Mark 1 (IBM ASCC), IBM Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator, and more.

More Interesting Stuff

Some Random Things Before You Leave the Gallery

References

There are many wonderful references for furthering reading or research. Many of these were consulted in constructing this site and a few of the authors have even sent us corrections. Thank you!

• "A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator" (AKA Harvard Mark 1), Harvard University Press, 1946.
• "IBM Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator," 1948 marketing brochure.
• "IBM's Early Computers," Charles J. Bashe, Lyle R. Johnson, John H. Palmer, Emerson W. Pugh, MIT Press, 1986.
• "IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems," Emerson W. Pugh, Lyle R. Johnson, John H. Palmer, MIT Press, 1991.
• "Memories that Shaped an Industry," Emerson W. Pugh, MIT Press, 1984.
• "Faster, Faster: A Simple Description fo a Giant Electronic Calculator and the Problems it Solves," W. J. Eckert, Rebecca Jones, McGraw-Hill, 1955.
• Many other references are listed in The Gallery's Historical Document Archive