It was awesome that this machine has been preserved. It is an amazing example of analog computers. A long time ago I built a lunar module simulator using op-amps where the inputs were thrust and angle. And you "won" if you got the system to 0, 0, 0 (0 vertical speed, 0 horizontal speed, 0 altitude). It was a science project in Popular Science or Popular Mechanics. Then I lusted after the Heathkit Analog computer[1] but could never afford it.
A couple years ago when I visited the Computer History Museum I hadn't ever seen an analog computer, or hadn't realized what I was looking at when I saw a depiction of one. Modular synthesizers were just coming to my attention again with the whole Eurorack thing. As I stood in front of the museum's analog computers I realized that modular synths and even guitar effects pedals were basically analog computers.
One of my treasures is a George A. Philbrick operational amplifier, or "op amp" that fits into an 8 pin octal socket and contains two 12AX7 vacuum tubes. It was doubtlessly intended as a component for analog computers.
[1] http://www.heathkit-museum.com/computers/hvmec-1.shtml