Research-Melbourne Pinball parlours 1980's

[Scorpio3119]

Hi, I'm writing a psychological crime novel set in the 1980's in Melbourne.  Some scenes will take place in the pinball parlours on Bourke and Russell streets. I need to find out more though as I was a little kid then.  Does anybody have memories about these parlours? What were they called, what were they like? Does anybody have photos or know of where I could find any.
Any information would be hugely appreciated as I'm keen to understand the scene at that time. 

[4_amusement_only]

 


Sounds good, how are you going to publish it?
I've found a few threads for you to check out with members talking about the Melbourne scene



http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=2868.0


http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=12298.0


http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6783.msg122691#msg122691


http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=3366.0




And here is another popular figure talking about Flashback on YT. Joel's memories are just after the peak period however, 86'


9:30 https://youtu.be/V9zwNhUnS2s


Haven't hardly seen any pictures from the Melbourne scene though.

[Scorpio3119]

Thanks for your reply 4_amusement_only  and for all the links-I hugely appreciate it.  In answer to your question, I've written one draft but its got a couple of drafts to go-so publication will be further down the track. 

[Strangeways]

Interesting project. You don't need to focus on inner Melbourne if you are looking for the seedy side of the industry. My late father basically was the first (or one of the first) operators that started in the "Expresso Bars" in Carlton in the mid 50's. Plenty of stories, but not many (if any) photos of those days. If you walked into any of these locations with a camera, you left without the camera, and a very sore head.. The 80's was similar, with the turf wars etc - but I will mention something about the Underbelly Series, straight from someone who knew the amusement scene intimately, and I quote ;

"TV series is a load of Bullshiezen"..