Sun Beam

The Sun Beam, manufactured by Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) in February 1941, is an intriguing flipperless electro-mechanical pinball machine from an established manufacturer that had been producing games since the early 1930s.

Gameplay on the Sun Beam is characterized by its use of scoring bumpers, with 12 in total contributing to the player's overall score. Notably, putting out the top three "Sun" bumpers with any ball and then making the center bottom rollover rewards the player with 5 replays. Putting out bumpers 1 through 5 lights bumpers 6 through 10 and lights the letters B-E-A-M; putting out bumpers 6 through 10 awards 5 replays, and completing B-E-A-M awards 5 more replays. This layered bumper-and-letter mechanic adds a layer of strategy and challenge to the game.

The Sun Beam's design is notable for its simplicity and functionality, reflecting the utilitarian approach often seen in early pinball machines. This machine was later converted into United's 1942 'Sun Valley' during World War II. Unfortunately, little additional information is available about its theme or artwork, making it an enigmatic piece of pinball history for enthusiasts to discover and appreciate.