Strat-O-Liner

The Strat-O-Liner, manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company in November 1940, is an early example of aircraft-themed, flipperless electro-mechanical (EM) pinball, reflecting the era's growing fascination with aviation as war spread across Europe. With 2,506 confirmed units produced, it is a relatively accessible piece of pre-war pinball history for collectors.

The gameplay centers on 16 scoring bumpers, a hallmark of flipperless EM machines of the period that relied on mechanical bumper layouts rather than flipper skill to generate scoring opportunities.

The machine's artwork and design are typical of 1940s pinball, with bold colors and military-inspired graphics. No specific information is available about the designer or artist. As an early aircraft-themed machine from Chicago Coin, the Strat-O-Liner offers an interesting glimpse into pre-flipper-era pinball design.