Sungate Concessions
World's Tallest Pinball
HIGH ROLLER |
Date: 21st June 2010
Pictures courtesy of Brian Smith
What's the world's largest production pinball machine? It's a Hercules, right?
Well, Hercules is literally overshadowed by this 28 feet tall Space Race, made by Sungate Concessions of Williston, Florida.
Space Race by Sungate Concessions
Promoted as the 'World's Tallest Pinball', seven of the $65,000 Space Race machines have been made so far and one turned up at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs on June 19th where Brian Smith took these pictures and the video below.
Space Race from the back
The amusement machine harks back to pinball's roots, being a flipperless design with a multitude of pins to deflect the ball as it rolls from the top of the playfield down to the bottom while avoiding gobble holes along the way.
Space Race's playfield
With the pitch set rather steeper than a regular game (it's nearer 45° than 6.5°), the ball is 'launched' by pressing a button to drop it onto a conveyer belt, which then takes it up to a clear plastic ramp and onto the playfield's surface.
If the ball falls into one of the six gobble holes in the upper half of the playfield, the player gets to choose a prize from the left side of the machine. If it drops into one of the lower six gobble holes then a prize from the right side of the machine is awarded.
Avoid the gobble holes to win the biggest choice of prizes
The sides of the playfield are lined with 60w electric lamps and there are five mars lights mounted down the centre.
The aim is to get the ball down to the bottom of the playfield and into the USA ball-catching area.
The target
If the ball avoids the twelve gobble holes and makes it to the USA area, the player gets the choice of prizes from either side of the machine and earns themselves a light show.
Each game costs $4 and as the side of the base proclaims, 'Everyone leaves with something nice', although that 'something nice' could be a slipped disc if they attempt to nudge the gigantic device.
Have a look at the video of the World's Tallest Pinball in action.
Got problems seeing the video? Consult our help page for assistance.
© Pinball News 2010
World's Tallest Pinball Featured in Gazette Newspaper in Colorado Springs, CO
But maybe this will change your image of the festival: A pinball machine taller than a Tyrannosaurus rex.
Yep, it’s promoted as the world’s tallest pinball machine, and it’ll be one of the blinking, jangling highlights of the 33rd annual Springs Spree, which is expected to draw more than 70,000 to Memorial Park this weekend.
“I have a lot of children come up, look up, and say, ‘Is this really the world’s tallest pinball machine?’ And I say, ‘You’d think that if you helped me get it out of my basement this morning,’” said Sungate Concessions owner Ron Bandy, a Floridian who’s been building children’s amusements for the past eight years.
According to Bandy, the 28-foot-high novelty, dubbed “Space Race,” had never traveled farther west than Indiana before this summer’s tour, which has included stops in Denver and Texas and will include a stop next weekend in Cripple Creek for Donkey Derby Days.
World's Tallest Pinball
As the designer and manufacturer, I am proud to introduce “The WORLD'S TALLEST PINBALL“.
The colossal appearance and state-of-the-art design, make it the most talked about attraction in the amusement business today. The sparkling lights and sounds create an amazing spectacle. The appeal is truly universal, from ages 2 through 92.
There are several machines operating in the eastern US. Their popularity is derived from the spectacular size, exciting movements of the ball, cheering crowds, and the fact that every player leaves with a nice souvenir.
Many of the largest state fairs and festivals in the US promote their attendance by featuring us on their web site, and also through newspaper advertisement. We also have been televised many times in our short career.
Many promoters have told us that people, upon leaving their event, were still talking about the “WORLD'S TALLEST PINBALL”.
We require 13 feet of frontage, and 30 feet of depth. It is 28 feet tall in the playing position. It requires 30 amps of 110v electric.
Your prompt attention to sending an application would be appreciated.
Awaiting Your Reply,
Ron Bandy
Sungate Concessions
13250 NE 60th St. Williston, FL 32696
Email:
Web: www.sungateconcessions.com
Phone: 352-208-1718
