Vacation

Vacation, manufactured by Bally in July 1940, is a Flipperless electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from the pre-flipper era of the game's development. Its presence in collections is sought after by enthusiasts due to its rarity.

The gameplay features 20 spring bumpers (described in a contemporary trade article as "the spiral wire type"), which were a common design element during this period. The machine also allows operators to choose between Free Play or Novelty modes, providing flexibility for different operating environments. According to an August 1940 article in Automatic Age, Bally president Ray Moloney revealed that the game was designed by an unnamed but successful New York operator who wished to remain anonymous. Vacation's beach, sailing, and recreation themes offer a glimpse into the early days of pinball's thematic experimentation.

The machine's artwork and design are characteristic of its time, with bold, colorful graphics depicting scenes of recreation and happiness. Vacation remains an interesting piece in understanding the history of electromechanical pinball and its role in shaping the modern pinball industry.