Thunder Drome
About This Machine
Thunder Drome is a solid state electronic pinball machine from 1986, produced by Grand Products Incorporated as a single-player "bat game" with a motorcycle racing theme. It uses the manufacturer's patented "Velocity Ball" system, the same air-powered propulsion technology introduced on Grand Products' Four Kings.
The machine's standout feature is its use of air power to accelerate game balls around the outer diameter of the playfield at high speed. By directing a control arm and trigger release to strike targets, players race against a computer opponent, evoking the thrill of motorcycle competition. The playfield is advertised as 35 inches in diameter, with a cabinet standing 45 inches high.
Limited information survives about Thunder Drome's designer or artwork, but its combination of air-powered "Velocity Ball" mechanics, computer-opponent racing, and motorsports theme makes it a distinctive novelty pinball entry from Grand Products' 1986 lineup.
Images (1)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Motorcycle Racing
- Notable Features:
- Player races against computer opponent. Game balls are propelled with great speed by air power around the outer diameter of the playfield. The player directs the control arm and trigger release to hit the speeding ball and strike the selected targets. Playfield advertised as 35 inches in diameter and cabinet as 45 inches high.