It was a fairly large floor-standing electro-mechanical machine for six players (three
sections each side). There were five large coloured top hats inside, red, green,
yellow, blue and orange, and hidden from view under each hat was a large pintable-
size steel ball.
The gameplay was, before the game was ready to start, to insert a penny into one
of the five coloured coin entries. After a few seconds 'no more bets' would light-up,
and the five awards lamps would start to flash randomly, before just one would remain
lit, showing how much could be won on this play. Awards ranged from 2d up to 10d
or I 2d. A second display would be lit, showing all five coloured hats. Now the game
would start.
One hat would pop up and its corresponding lamp on the inside and outside
displays would go out. Then another hat at random would pop up and its
corresponding lamps go out and so on, until just one hat was left. This winning hat
would then slowly rise, revealing a large steel ball bearing. If you bet on that hat, the
machine would then pay out your winnings.
The way a ball bearing was 'magically' revealed when the winning hat lifted was
simple. There was a ball under each hat, which was held captive within the hat by an
electromagnet. When the winning hat was ready to rise, the magnet would release the
ball, which would then be seen on the playdeck as the hat lifted.
Magic Toppers was in constant attract mode, and I stood watching this machine
working in all its glory for quite a while, every day during that week-long holiday; it
was so addictive to watch and play. I remember winning very little on this machine,
but every single game was different and the fun I got from it was immense.
This was the only Magic Toppers machine that I ever saw - Mablethorpe and
Skegness arcades never had one. It's very unlikely that any of these machines have
survived, but its memories will live on with me forever. Whenever Great Yarmouth is
mentioned to me, I always instantly think of Magic Toppers.
Next month I shall be revealing more of my 1960s arcade memories.
Robert Rowland
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