Thunderbird
About This Machine
The Thunderbird, designed by Harry Williams and manufactured by Williams Manufacturing Company in 1954, is a single-player electromechanical pinball machine with a Native American theme, featuring artwork by George Molentin.
The Thunderbird uses impulse flippers alongside three pop bumpers and two passive bumpers. The machine's design allows players to navigate a ball through various kicker lanes: the left kicker lane loops the ball to four kick-out holes that progressively advance it, while the right side features upper and lower kicker lanes for an additional layer of challenge. With 11 rollover buttons and three ball kickers, the Thunderbird offers a dynamic gameplay experience for a single-player EM machine of its era.
The Thunderbird's artwork brings its Native American theme to life through Molentin's illustrations. As a mid-1950s Williams release from designer Harry Williams, it offers a look at the company's EM output in the years following the introduction of the flipper.
Images (8)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Native Americans
- Model Number:
- 99
- Notable Features:
- Impulse flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Passive bumpers (2), Rollover buttons (11), Kick-out holes (4), Ball kickers (3), Free Play hole (1). Left kicker lane loops ball to 4 kick-out holes which progressively advance ball. Right side has upper and lower kicker lanes.
Credits
- Designer:
- Harry Williams
- Artist:
- George Molentin