The Whip

The Whip, manufactured by Froom Laboratories, Inc. of Youngstown, Ohio in January 1936, is an electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine designed by Earl Froom. It was new on display at the 1936 Coin Machine Exposition held in Chicago. Its significance lies in its rarity today and in an innovative design that deviated from traditional gameplay mechanics of the era.

The Whip's gameplay is characterized by a unique lack of pins or plunger, which were standard features on most pinball machines at the time. Instead, electrical contacts keep the balls in motion until they land in score holes, creating an unusual and perhaps even erratic playing experience. This unconventional design choice showcases Earl Froom's creative approach to game mechanics, setting The Whip apart from its contemporaries.

While no specific theme or artwork can be attributed to The Whip, its electro-mechanical components suggest a focus on engineering and innovation rather than ornate decoration. The scarcity of information about this machine may be due in part to its relatively early production date and limited surviving documentation from the period. Nevertheless, The Whip remains an intriguing relic in pinball history, offering a glimpse into the experimental phase of game development during the 1930s.