Kiddie Rides

Britain's only vintage coin-op magazine.
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JC
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Re: Kiddie Rides

Post by JC »

Interesting link with the Mobil logo - that's to say, I wonder if there is a link?
Because the real Pegasus (in mythological terms) was white.
pennymachines
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Re: Kiddie Rides

Post by pennymachines »

I'm pretty sure it was an advertising tie-in. Notice the Pegasus logo on the saddle. Maybe sited on Mobil garage forecourts to entertain the kids while refuelling. Or would that be dangerous?

John Gorka sings "The Flying Red Horse"
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JC
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Re: Kiddie Rides

Post by JC »

In issue 49, I was able to publish some works photographs of Edwin Hall rides, from an original advertising flyer.
Here they are:
(Copied to Resources - Site Admin.)
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Edwin Hall Double.jpg
Edwin Hall Muffin.jpg
Edwin Hall Panda.jpg
Edwin Hall Helicopter.jpg
Edwin Hall Spaceship.jpg
coinoperatedskylark
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Re: Kiddie Rides

Post by coinoperatedskylark »

Hi everyone! !!COOEE!! I'm new to this forum, so I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting here. I didn't see anywhere that I was supposed to make an official "intro" post, but if there is one feel free to point me that way. :)

I'm currently working on a website about coin operated rides, specifically concentrating on those made (or distributed) in the UK from the 50s-90s... I know they're not the most "popular" of slot machines, and have been rather neglected before now, but their history fascinates me and I would love to make some kind of comprehensive guide to the different models and their manufacturers someday.

When I was little and loved these machines, my mum decided it would be fun to see how many different ones we could photograph. To cut a long story short, we ended up with nearly 2000 photographs taken throughout England which has given me a good start for the website! Unfortunately, I wasn't born until 1991 though, so we only saw the very tail end of what I consider the "classic" kiddie rides of the 50s-70s. Hence, I'm desperately seeking old photos for the site if anyone here has some that they wouldn't mind sharing. Full credit would be given, of course. :)

Specifically relating to this thread, I was fascinated to see the Mablethorpe photographs! I know the Noddy Rock-a-Boat, which I believe to be an early Edwin Hall ride, was still there in the late 90s. As was Star-Dust (made by Walter Streets & Co), I believe. But he had been re-painted and fixed on a different (barrel-shaped) base if he was indeed the same one. And I've heard such a lot about the Edwin Hall flying saucer from old newscuttings etc., but had never seen a picture before - I was so excited to find this thread!

Also, in response to Andy Doran's photos, I've not been able to find much about Robinson Partners either. I do know the company was formed in 1949 and was listed as a "scientific instrument manufacturing" company (no idea what that's all about. All I could think of was maybe coin operated telescopes or weighing scales!) in phone books over the years. They were located in Barnes (Westfield Works? The same premises as Samson Novelty Company) until the mid-90s when both companies folded together. There's really not a lot of info about what they made out there, but I believe their first kiddie ride was a horse which was released in 1954 and I do have a few photos of other Robinson Partners rides. The second photo in PennyMachines post is a Robinson Partners horse.

Is anyone here in contact with Mr Doran? I'm wondering if there's a manufacturer mentioned on the Moonbug ride? I suspect it's a RG Mitchell ride but would really appreciate confirmation of that!

And finally, I thought I'd share a handfull of photos from my collection with anyone here who may be interested. I'll give you all a link over to the website once it is complete too. :)
Attachments
Whittaker Bros. 1960s Larry the Lamb, Morecambe, 1996
Whittaker Bros. 1960s Larry the Lamb, Morecambe, 1996
1960s (probably RG Mitchell) stagecoach, Lancashire, 1996
1960s (probably RG Mitchell) stagecoach, Lancashire, 1996
Robinson Partners boat at London Zoo, 1997
Robinson Partners boat at London Zoo, 1997
Edwin Hall Noddy's Rock-a-Boat in Mablethorpe, 1999
Edwin Hall Noddy's Rock-a-Boat in Mablethorpe, 1999
Walter Streets' Star-Dust in Mablethorpe, 1999.  Is this the same one, I wonder?
Walter Streets' Star-Dust in Mablethorpe, 1999. Is this the same one, I wonder?
Beautiful 1950s Edwin Hall horse on Bognor Pier in 1996
Beautiful 1950s Edwin Hall horse on Bognor Pier in 1996
pennymachines
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Re: Kiddie Rides

Post by pennymachines »

What a great opening post, coinoperatedskylark CoNgRaTs and welcome to the Forum.
Love the pictures, look forward to the website and what an excellent idea your mum had! Generally, such familiar and "mundane" objects were only captured in the background (particularly in the days of expensive celluloid film). As the rides are displaced by more modern versions, the value of your archive will become increasingly apparent.
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Bally Speed Queen
Bally Speed Queen
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