My memory is that they did occasionally reverse, with the vacuum column buffering the tape to avoid too much tension. It was 30 years ago though, so don't quot

My memory is that they did occasionally reverse, with the vacuum column buffering the tape to avoid too much tension. It was 30 years ago though, so don't quote me. This seems to indicate back-spacing, although it doesn't mention the transition time between directions. http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/701/701_1415bx27.html http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/701/701_1415bx27....