Mark L. wrote concerning the LGP-30 computer in the LCM+L/Paul Allen Auctions:


> I dare to bet it's the last one.  Anywhere.



It isn't the last one by any means.  There are a few of these machines still 
around. Here are links to a few that are in collections:



https://www.technikum29.de/en/computer/lgp30.php

https://t-lcarchive.org/lgp-30/

http://computermuseum.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/dev_en/lgp30/lgp30.html (was 
known operational in 2007)

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/11/redditor-discovers-legendary-1956-computer-in-grandparents-basement/
   (Found in 2022)



The LGP-30 was designed by Nuclear Physicist and Manhattan Project Team Member 
Stanley Frankel, who also designed

a number of electronic calculators, including the SCM Cogito 240/240SR and the 
Diehl Combitron.



An amazing thing about the LGP-30 is its relative simplicity(compared to 
contemporaries of the time), relying heavily on the aspects of its magnetic 
drum-based memory to hold the working registers as well as program storage for 
the machine.   This means that the machine has very few flip-flops (requiring 
vacuum tubes), and uses a large number of inexpensive semiconductor diode logic 
gates for data routing and control functions.



They weren't fast by any means, but were inexpensive and reliable, and required 
no special power or cooling, making them very popular in a wide variety of 
settings, from military to business.  Quite a large number of them were made, 
and fortunately, some have survived to this day.  I don't know if any of the 
machines that still exist are actually in running condition today, but there 
were a few of them that were known to be running in the decade of 2000.



Rick Bensene

The Old Calculator Museum

https://oldcalcultaormuseum.com

Beavercreek, Oregon   USA

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