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Yes, I once had that version. It had either a revolving drum or disc (not sure which) with the answers and was in the slightly Art-Deco style rear-opening case. Come to think of it, I think the person I was talking to said it was a drum (I didn't mention his name, but he's well known to us both). D...

Thanks for coming to the rescue Pennymachines, that's great. Yes you're right, you did take the picture at Brighton, but not in my arcade. It was in John Hayward's 'number 2' arcade further down the seafront, which has been closed for quite a few years now. John sold the machine 2 or 3 years ago. It...

Badpenny, you forgot one: "I promise not to wipe it on yer nightie" :oops: I bet this post gets deleted! Seriously though, I really would like to know the real answers. If it helps, if anyone has a Bradfort Oracle, I think the answers are probably the same as the Zodiac (they're more or le...

Thanks Mike, but no pictures - the machine's in bits! I just need to know the six answers.

I am currently restoring a Bradfort Zodiac fortune teller. The paper on which the six answers are printed is missing, so can anyone tell me what they are please (reading from left to right).

Thanks

Jerry

Yes, I guess they're referring to the cycle time rather than the actual speed of the reels. The speed at which the reels spin is determined by the kicker, which sets them in motion, and the brake wires which are intended to regulate the speed. Assuming there is no twist or distortion in the frame (a...

Bent Copper, I'm really glad you posted that, as it's been bugging me too. The reels spin freely and totally indepentently of the clock - so perhaps we're both missing something?

Actually, I think it's an Aristocrat Kingsway?

Slotalot, where do you find the time to watch all these films, on the off-chance that you might catch a glimpse of a slot machine?

I think the allwin in the Steptoe clip is a Whales Treble Chance. Here's the allwin the right way up.

Coin-op, try this: Vertical bar 3 is linked by 10 to the payout handle. However, bar 8 by being against 7 stops the payout handle from moving bar 3. When a ball enters a winning cup it falls into area 11 and rests upon bar 4. Bar 4 then tilts and the vertical rod connected from 4 to 8, causes 8 to b...

By 'standard' I assume you mean the three column vender version, as pictured above. I've only come across two of these in the past with top flashes or pediments, neither of which looked original - one actually looked ridiculous. I'm guessing that these machines were not originally supplied with pedi...

Mike, take a look at Automatic News, November 1936 (posted in the Arena ). You'll see that Hercules was apparently manufactured by A.M.Booth, of Hong Kong Works, Wembley. I have a copy of the Hong Kong Works catalogue somewhere, and recall seeing a picture of the Hercules crane in it (this may well ...

Readers of Mechanical Memories Magazine will now know that our next event will be on Sunday 30th November. We will be back in Coventry for this one, same venue as last year. Full details and auction entry forms will be included in the October issue of the magazine. The Central England Vintage Slot C...

You're right Arrgee, the percentage added by these auction houses in buyers premium and VAT adds a considerable amount to the hammer price, but you have got the maths slightly wrong - the VAT is added only to the premium. So in the case of a lot selling for £500, you would pay the 15% (£75) plus 17....

Pennymachines, you do us injust! I sincerely hope you and I never fall out over slot machines (or anything else come to that), but I really must take issue with your statement: "quality German engineering and not some low-grade Britiish copy" Where does this misconception that early twenti...

And here's another picture published in issue 14, one of two beautifully engineered model engines Joe has at Battlesbridge, both believed to have been recased for coin-operation by Charles Ahrens.

Please click on the image to enlarge - the detail is incredible.

In issue 14, I featured Joe Pettit's incredible collection at the Bones Lane Antiques Centre, Battlesbridge, Essex. This is a relatively small collection, but an absolute must - particularly if you like working models. Joe has some absolute classics here! Here are some of the pictures published in i...

Darren Hesketh wrote a piece for issue 8 (Dec. 2006) featuring his Museum of Amusements at the Candle Workshops, Cheshire. Here are the pictures published in that issue of the magazine. Unfortunately, I've not yet had a chance to visit Darren's collection, but if you're in the Chesire area this is w...

Woody, the correct ball size is probably 9/16". This is an almost universal size for all allwins. Exceptions are Bryans which are 1/2", and most BMCo also seem to be 1/2".

Jerry

Nice restoration - great machine! But it's not as old as you think. It's more early '30s than early 1900s.