Subway Special

The Genco Manufacturing Company's Subway Special, produced in 1934, holds a special place in the history of pinball. As one of the earliest electro-mechanical (EM) games, it represents a pivotal moment in the development of the sport. EM machines marked a significant shift from earlier mechanical versions, introducing electric components that enabled more complex gameplay and innovative features, though flippers themselves would not be invented for another thirteen years.

Gameplay on the Subway Special is characterized by its simple yet effective design. Players control a single ball as it navigates through a relatively straightforward layout, with the goal of scoring points. The machine's compact size, measuring 40 inches long by 18 inches wide, is the defining difference from its smaller sibling, Genco's original 1934 'Subway' - the two games are also distinguished by the shape of their tilt receptacles, hexagonal on the Subway Special versus round on the Subway.

Despite its relatively simple design, the Subway Special is notable for being one of the earliest pinball games designed by Harvey Heiss, a prominent figure in early pinball history. Unfortunately, little information is available about the machine's original theme or artwork. Its rarity and age have contributed to a scarcity of documentation, making it an enigmatic yet intriguing piece of pinball history.