Jamieson Octopus Penny Pusher joins the show

[pauljt71]

Very pleased to share some pictures of my Jamieson Octopus Penny Pusher. This is the latest edition for the Penny Arcade. Late 1960’s and running on old 1d.

All cleaned. Just need to update the knackered fluorescent lighting with something a bit more modern safety spec!

[cait001]

I love it, what adorable graphics.
Interesting to see how the penny lanes are all separated like that.

[geofflove]

Looks fab!

[pauljt71]

Having a look at the penny pusher gallery on here I noticed an obvious mistake. The legs on my octopus had been glued on the wrong way round! I have now swapped them over....

[arrgee]

Interesting machine pauljt71. What determines the non-winning coins that are retained? It looks as if all coins between the lane guides eventually fall off the end.

[pauljt71]

Not all coins arrive at the playfield, some disappear off to the left and right and go into the greedy box. When coins do hit the playfield some of them, if landing sideways, will drop between the tentacles into the box below. Will attempt to upload a little video later.

[brigham]

I've never been very keen on 'pushers'. I think perhaps they were too basic for my liking.
I'm starting to come round to the idea of buying one now. Possibly a Jamieson's, one of my favourite manufacturers; or else a CAM Automatics, from nearby Seaham Harbour.
I'm not keen on 'updating' these machines. I much prefer de-updating a previous operator's 'improvements' than altering correct period gear. I'll use a direct plug-in LED replacement lamp instead of a filament lamp where original screen-printed glass is in danger from heat; but that is as far as I go. Fluorescent tubes, ballasts and starters have changed little since the 'sixties, and are still readily available where existing ones have 'given up'.
As long as the mains earth is connected to the casing of the ballast, and to the motor casing, all is well.

[jamiesonautomatics]

Hi
Fantastic machine - looks great - all that fluorescent plastic reminds of my Grandad's factory and me "tidying" up all the bits I found lying around - great memories

[pauljt71]

Very grateful that your Grandad made this! In the process of having modern date fluorescent tube lighting reinstated. I will send some additional pictures once it’s all up and running.
I am really looking forward to it bringing lots of excitement and happiness to another generation of children.

[pauljt71]

So today the Octopus has been rewired. New Electronic ballasts mean no starters required. Four new fluorescent tubes and wiring replaced with earths for the first time!