Yes, I remember it well(I guess?)...
One engineer I worked with did many "tests" to determine how to best erase tape(Technically, I believe, a "realigning" of the oxide particles?) - several different types -- reel, cartridge, different reel sizes, different widths/thickness', different oxides, different tape-type/brand. Quite a process - too tiring to relate. Involved turning the eraser(An Electro Magnet - a nail, some enameled-wire and a battery, anyone?) on, passing the tape into then out of it's field, at a particular speed for particular distances, then turning off the eraser. Worked very well, though. ALL previous instructions from the makers of the erasers were completely wrong.
Finding an eraser(especially for 2" tape!). Geez... When investing in new technology, to say nothing of old technology, it is the "accessories" we forget about needing(Or, don't know about needing), huh..? Even in NYC..? These days..? There are alot of them around, getting moldier every year, in basements all over the world. Finding one? One that still works(When the on/off switch gets stuck, they, literally, melt!)? Your ONLY option may very well be the one above - "Bring it here, we still have one"(Or, find an old TV/Radio engineer? Everytime an engineer retires they take home -- "all of their stuff, and a little bit of theirs"(A direct quote, I'll never say from who.)... But, upon running somewhere to use theirs, what to do for the next "pass"? Probably won't matter, much, as the tape will shed it's oxide-life away after just a few passes, anyway... Sort've like trying to re-use a Post-It, note...
Did you know that "one pass" was the preferred method for tape, in it's day - then, if you "didn't get it", dump it(Mostly to some Sad Sack, garage recordist who couldn't afford it "new", but could buy it in the back pages of the trade magazines for a few bucks and then sucker it to "garage bands" doing demos?) the "big guns" went through the stuff at 30ips, yet! When it was really used for recording, it was never used(For real. "Reel"), by anyone other than the most elite -- first qualificaton being that they could afford the eraser -- then NEVER USE IT - HA!
Got your 2" splicing block? And the 2" splicing tape? Ever run a 2" splice, that "wasn't quite right" over the heads at 30ips, or in "fast rewind"?
Uhhhhh......
TG