Streamline
About This Machine
The Streamline, manufactured by Bally in April 1934, holds a notable place in early pinball history as an example of a pure mechanical (PM) machine, predating many innovations that would come to define the industry. Its straightforward gameplay makes it an intriguing artifact for collectors and historians.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Streamline is its scoring system. Players can score points via two rows of progressive scoring holes worth 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 points, strategically advanced using four Free Ride snap traps that transfer balls between holes. As advertised, this design made scores of up to 12,000 points possible from as few as six balls. The cabinet measures 42 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 42 inches high, offering 10 balls of play for 5 cents.
The Streamline's art and design reflect the Art Deco style prevalent during its era, with a railroad theme evoking the newly-debuted "streamliner" passenger trains of 1934, such as the Union Pacific's M-10000. While no designer is credited for the Streamline, its innovative scoring mechanism makes it a notable piece of 1930s pinball history for collectors.
Images (17)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Travel - Railroad
- Model Number:
- 4
- Notable Features:
- 10 balls for 5 cents. Snap traps (4). NRA sticker. Has two rows of three progressive scoring holes, scoring 1000, then 2000, then 3000 points. Four Free Ride snap traps. The strategy is to first land in the 1000-point hole, then shoot the next ball into a Free Ride snap trap, which transfers the first ball from the 1000-point hole to the 2000-point hole. The snap trap closes for the remainder of play, and returns its ball to the player. The next time a ball lands in a Free Ride snap trap, it will transfer the ball from the 2000-point hole to the 3000-point hole, and simultaneously will transfer any ball in the 1000-point hole to the newly-vacated 2000-point hole. Because there are two rows of these progressive scoring holes and four Free Ride snap traps, it is possible to score 12,000 points from this feature with as few as 6 balls. Game advertised as 42 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 42 inches high.