The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => General Discussion => Non-pinball (other coin opp) => Topic started by: Strangeways on August 03, 2016, 10:24:58 PM
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This is the FIRST amusement machine I can remember from when I was in Kindergarden. Midway "Whirly Bird". To this day, I remember being totally fascinated by a machine that emulated a Helicopter. I remember standing on a milk crate to peer over the controls, and watch the Helicopter fly aimlessly at my control. A technical marvel, that with my abundance of imagination, I could play over and over and never get sick of the Helicopter flying around in circles. I'd say this was around 1973 or 1974. In the early 80's, it survived landfill and made it's way to a storage building in the late 70's. Every time my father went to the building, I would tag along, as the Helicopter survived and although not working, I could see it was still there. When that building was rebuilt, the WhirlyBird flew off. Not sure where.. Maybe landfill, or maybe sold to another operator.
Once I rediscovered the love for amusement machines, I always wondered where this game ended up. There are no records of where it went. I thought that "if" I ever found another one, I'd buy it. That opportunity fell in my lap this week. A friend of mine had TWO Whirlybirds, and the news filtered through that the second, unrestored, completely original, was for sale. I immediately traded for it, and this week, it found it's new permanent home. I'd like to thank "Silverball" aka Dave, for the opportunity to trade for this machine. You have made me a VERY happy collector !
After Dad passed in March, I've made a decision to build a museum in his honor, in my factory. It will be the centerpiece of my collection. I plan on restoring it "sometime" in the future. Anyway, here is a quick picture of the the game ;
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/games/Whrly%20Bird%2001.jpg)
Here is a video of the gameplay ;
Once I have restored it, the game will be available for all to play. Could it be that this IS the very same game ? I don't think so at this point. It is Aussie delivered, and I don't know of any other Whirlybird.
Words can't really describe it at the moment..
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Great pick up mate, very happy for you.
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Great pick up mate, very happy for you.
Forgot to mention - it actually works. So next time you pop in, you can play the game. The problem might be is that you have to have a few spare hours up your sleeve %$%
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This is the arcade machine I fondly remember from my younger days at the Perth Royal Show in the big tent full of older games.
You have an absolute pearler game, on ya ^^^
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Cool
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Glad it went to a good home Nino I've been so tempted but the funds just arnt coming together at the moment ;)
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Great Story Nino well done :) love the Museum idea to :)
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Nice pick up Nino . It's great to get a game that means a lot to you. ^^^
Good idea too, setting up a area to show the games.
I remember this was hard to play , i think i just bounced the Chopper off the top glass trying to fly it...
I see the Game had a option for 8 track sounds .
If your game is electronic Nino , Just do all the elec caps on the sound boards , But you probably already know to do that ...
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Very cool mate, I cant remember where I was (possibly the penny arcade at Echuca) but I remember playing a very similar game many years ago, it could have been the sega version.
Great pick up, look forward to seeing it in the flesh one day ^^^
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Went to a good home. Already miss it after reading your post. Good news is I can call in and play it again. Enjoy.
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Went to a good home. Already miss it after reading your post. Good news is I can call in and play it again. Enjoy.
You know where it will be - so pop in anytime. ^^^
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will come up a treat, but seems a little lost in a sea of pinballs. you'll need more old arcadies.
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will come up a treat, but seems a little lost in a sea of pinballs. you'll need more old arcadies.
I will post pictures up of the other EM Game I traded with Dave for - a Chicago Coin "Big Top" EM Gun Game. I will be adding more EM Arcade games. If I find a "Twin Rifle", or "Dozer", they will be added instantly #@#
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Hmmmmm....dozer......could there be one down west in Ford country?????