Big Top Mini Pinball
About This Machine
The Big Top Mini Pinball, manufactured by Mayoni Enterprises in November 1989, is actually a gumball dispenser rather than a true pinball machine — it is listed here, as in some other resources, only for clarification purposes, since it is sometimes mistaken for one.
One of the standout features of the Big Top Mini is its dispensation of a surprise item at the start of each game — a gumball, rubber ball, or toy in a plastic egg — which adds an element of whimsy. A rotating coin knob actuates a rod that puts a marble onto the playfield, and two flippers actuated by mechanical levers let the player attempt to hit a replay hole at the top middle of the playfield, which is very hard to reach.
The Big Top Mini's circus theme is presented through silk-screened artwork on an all-steel, powder-coated cabinet measuring 18 inches wide, 48 inches high, and 25 inches deep, weighing 81 lbs. Despite its pinball-like mechanics, it is properly categorized as a novelty gumball dispenser rather than a genuine pinball machine.
Images (1)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Circus
- Notable Features:
- A dispensation of a gumball (or rubber ball, or toy in plastic egg) precedes each game. A rotating knob for the coin actuates a rod through the bottom of the machine to put a ball (a marble) onto the playfield. Two flippers are actuated by mechanical levers. A replay hole at the top middle of playfield is very hard to hit. Game measures 18 inches wide, 48 inches high, and 25 inches deep. Weight 81 lbs. All steel construction, powder coat finish, and silk screen artwork.