Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for insertion of a magnetic tape cartridge of the type having an access door pivotally mounted on a long side of the cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge is inserted through a slot in a front panel of a drawer with the long side of the cartridge parallel to the insertion direction. When the cartridge is inserted, the drawer is in an extended position and is held there by a drawer stopping mechanism. The cartridge is inserted through the slot onto the drawer as far as is permitted by a cartridge stopping mechanism. A rotatably mounted front door on the front panel of the drawer is then rotated closed and the access door of the cartridge is opened by a cam mounted on the front door in response to the rotation thereof.