Beyond doubt, there is a system on this machine. Looking back, had I really pursued
this back in the 1960s, it's probable that I could have worked-out the complete
sequence, it was really that simple. But in order to have done this, I would have had to
put in fifty pennies, and getting only six pennies a day spending money meant this was
just not possible. The Empire was one of the arcades that wasn't always very busy, so
even watching punters from a distance playing that machine was not viable. I would
have been noticed by the cashier or attendants, and this would have resulted in me
being thrown out long before fifty plays had come round. They also weren't keen on
pencils and notebooks!
Most nights in the summer of 1965, a friend and I would make our way up to one
of the local caravan sites, to play in the Golden Sands penny arcade. Up there, our
faces were not known by the attendants, unlike the arcades in town, where we were on
most of the attendants' wanted lists. Three or four steps in the place, and it was "out,
out, out." We did sneak in sometimes though, without getting noticed. Anyway, on our
way to the caravan site, we had to pass an arcade called Silver Dollar. It was not a
busy place, but this arcade housed a very similar machine to Derby Day, called
Indianapolis. Instead of horses, the machine displayed sixteen numbered motor-
racing cars all lined up on the starting grid, with a green for go starting light displayed
on a high bridge up above. The payouts on this machine were identical to Derby Day,
and I also knew when the 'bob' car was due, as the two machines worked on exactly
the same principle (must have been the same maker).
I only ever saw one Indianapolis wall machine, and I have never seen or heard of
one since. It would be great if any of you can remember seeing or playing on such a
machine, or perhaps even own one now. Do please let Jerry know, so that he can relay
the information on to me.
Well, I do hope you've enjoyed my little bit of 1960s nostalgia.
Robert Rowland
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