Zephyr Junior

The Bally Manufacturing Corporation's Zephyr Junior, released in July 1938 as Model 215, is an early example of electro-mechanical pinball from the tail end of the Great Depression era. It represents the nascent stages of pinball's development as a coin-operated amusement.

As a Flipperless single-player game, Zephyr Junior relies on gravity and skillful nudging rather than flippers to direct the ball around the playfield, reflecting gameplay conventions typical before flippers were introduced in 1947. Its simplicity is characteristic of pinball design in this period, with the focus on fundamental mechanics rather than elaborate features.

The machine carries a Trains/Railroad theme, fitting the popular fascination with rail travel in the era. While detailed records of its design and development have not survived, Zephyr Junior remains a notable artifact from the late 1930s, illustrating an important stage in pinball's evolution before the flipper era transformed the game.