Moonraker
You'll remember that last month, following Robert Rowland' s article in the January
issue, I was able to announce that Moonraker was produced by Rollite Products
(Bridlington) Ltd., thanks to Michael Jordan who had emailed me a scan from the ATE
1968 yearbook. Well, I've finally got a picture of the beast- and my word, what a beast!
Many thanks to John Watts, who sent me a copy of a flyer which he picked up at the
ATE, I guess in 1968.
I wonder how many readers remember this machine? I've certainly never seen one.
It must have looked very futuristic in it's day (remember, man hadn't yet landed on the
moon)! The makers proudly proclaim on the flyer, 'A new presentation of a multiplay
machine in sparkling glass fibre. Acclaimed years ahead of its time.' Written in pencil on
the flyer is what I assume was the price of the machine, £765. In 1968, this would have
been a considerable amount, I should guess in excess of £10,000 in today's money. I
wonder how many were produced? I should think that only the very largest arcades
would have been in a position to invest such a huge sum of money in just one machine.
Anyway, thanks again to Michael Jordan and John Watts. Although it is entirely
unlikely, if anyone knows of a Moonraker machine that still exists, please let me know.
Developed by Rollite, Sold by Rollite
The Rollite works premises in Filey, as pictured on their flyer.
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