Paratrooper
About This Machine
The Paratrooper pinball machine, designed by Harry Mabs and manufactured by Williams in 1952, is an example of early electromechanical (EM) gameplay built around a combat and military theme. Its automatic flippers activate when balls land in designated pockets, adding an element of surprise and strategy to play.
What sets Paratrooper apart is its "kick-out" system, which utilizes relay kick-out holes to light up features on the playfield as balls progress through a series of holes. This feature not only adds visual interest but also rewards players with bonus points for navigating the machine's obstacles. The inclusion of rollover buttons and passive bumpers further enhances gameplay, providing multiple opportunities for scoring.
The Paratrooper's design and artwork are characteristic of its time, reflecting the combat and military themes popular in the early Cold War/Korean War era. It's worth noting that little else is documented about this specific machine beyond its technical specifications. Nevertheless, its place in pinball history as an early example of automatic-flipper gameplay makes it an intriguing piece for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Images (16)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Combat - Military
- Model Number:
- 76
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Automatic flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Passive bumpers (2), Relay kick-out holes (4), Rollover buttons (3). The automatic flippers activate when balls land in the pockets in front of them. A ball landing in top in-line kick-out hole scores points and advances to next hole. A second ball in top hole advances both balls downward one hole. Each hole lights a feature on the playfield. Each time a ball falls in top hole, all balls resting there advance downward, and the last hole returns the lowest ball to the player to play again.
Credits
- Designer:
- Harry Mabs
- Artist:
- George Molentin