Clacton-on-Sea - The Pier Bally Machines

[cheeky]

In the 70's and 80's, Clacton pier had literall dozens of Bally old one arm bandits all working on 1p play. In the late 70's they changed them to 5p play.

They all had a clown logo on the front and all were clearly 'specials' and unique to Clacton Pier.

In the early 80s, I found all the reel glasses smashed at the end of the pier. They had all been dumped but not the mechs and cases which vanished.

Does anyone have any recollection of the machines? Who 'converted' them for the pier and where are they now?

[victoryv]

Hi
10 of these machines were in use in 2003, they were the originals as you describe, with the clown logo. They were actually situated in the arcade at the top left of the steps immediately in front of the pier entrance. Last year, there were only 4 there. I asked where the others were and if they were for sale. Nobody knew and the proprietor was on holiday abroad, so I forgot all about them. I was there again just 2 weeks ago and there were none there. I asked about them again and was introduced to the proprietor who had sold them off as scrap at the end of last season because they were too much trouble. He reckons a guy made him an offer for the 4 and another dozen he had out back and he accepted the offer. So, obviously, 16 still existed until recently. That's all I know. Regards, Vic.

[cheeky]

I'm trying to work out where you mean. I live just down the road so I know the pier pretty well but can't work out where the arcade at the top left of the steps is? I didn't think they had an arcade upstairs?

They did have some later Bally O-X-O ones which were sold for scrap in 2005 but didn't see any clown ones. Are you sure you don't mean those ones?

[Norman]

I think Victoryv means the arcade in the old Pavilion,up the stairs on the left under Pier Gap bridge.

[cheeky]

Hmmm possibly but that was cleared out years back and is not part of the pier. In anu case, they didn't have any old 'clown' faced Ballys as these were exclusively made/produced for the pier.

I'm sure Victory has the answer..... I hope!

[victoryv]

Hmmm possibly but that was cleared out years back and is not part of the pier. In anu case, they didn't have any old 'clown' faced Ballys as these were exclusively made/produced for the pier.

I'm sure Victory has the answer..... I hope!

I have sent two replies to your last question, but neither have appeared here, don't know why!? Suggest you email me direct, Vic.

[cheeky]

** UPDATE **

I have spoken with VictoryV and can confirm that the location he is talking about is the Pavilion.

The machines were not the Bally Pier exclusive machines so the mystery thickens.

Who converted them? Where are they now?

[cheeky]

This is a very old post but just to update you, I saw what must have been at least 50 belly glasses and award glasses branded Clacton Pier stacked in a lock-up on the pier. I went back the following week but they had all been disposed of. I wonder if they were extras or if not why they had been removed. Has anyone seen any complete machines?

[moonriver]

I've heard the same story many times,
saw something really interesting..... went back for it....... wasn't there.

[cheeky]

Too many times. I will always ask questions first. So many lost opportunities.