Motordrome
About This Machine
The O.D. Jennings and Company's Motordrome, manufactured in February 1936, is an early electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from the formative years of the industry. Its design and gameplay features demonstrate the innovative spirit of the era, when manufacturers were still experimenting with how to animate and gamify simple ball-rolling contests.
Key gameplay features include the objective of guiding cars around a track to achieve first and second place, with skill points awarded for each successful finish. The game's backglass light animation, featuring moving cars, adds an immersive element to the experience. Players could enjoy 10 balls for just five cents, making it an accessible and affordable option at the time. Lights stayed on for three minutes after a coin was inserted, and tilting the machine forfeited any free games.
Motordrome's design and artwork are characteristic of the mid-1930s pinball era, with a focus on simple, engaging visuals built around an auto racing theme, a common motif for the period. As an early example of EM technology, it offers a glimpse into the development of pinball during a pivotal decade for the industry.
Images (5)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Auto Racing
- Notable Features:
- 10 balls for 5 cents. Backglass light animation (cars move around track). From the instruction card: • The object of "Motordrome" is to bring the cars around the track to FIRST PLACE and SECOND PLACE on the lighted display board. • If any of the four cars illustrated are brought into FIRST PLACE, the number of skill points awarded are shown on upper left corner of display board marked "first place". • If any car is brought into SECOND PLACE, the number of skill points awarded are shown on "Second Place". • For each additional car finishing FIRST or SECOND, the same skill points are awarded as above. • Lights will stay on for three minutes after inserting coin. Lights go out when machine is tilted and free games will NOT be awarded.