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 ;
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..
