Mechanical Memories Magazine

their set; he also taught them how to 'drive' the engine. The engine which powers the
yachts is not operated by simply flicking a switch or pulling a lever; it has to be 'driven',
and Harry Lee was probably the only surviving showman who knew the art of driving a
yacht engine.
On my final visit in 1988 (which I believe was the last year Carters attended
Blackheath), I witnessed their latest attraction: The Original Allwins Old Penny Arcade.
At this time, the only previous occasion I had played on vintage penny slot machines
(apart from when I was a boy, and they weren't vintage) was in John Hayward's Old
Penny Palace in Brighton, a couple of years earlier. I can still remember the thrill of
playing the old machines in Carters' new arcade, and my visit to Blackheath in 1988
may well have 'tipped the balance', and prompted me to start collecting a few years
later. So I could have John Carter to thank (or blame) for my now wholly unhealthy
obsession with penny slot machines! Being the constant victim of sod's law, on this
occasion I did not have my camera with me, so I don't have any early pictures of the
arcade. If anyone has 'photos of the arcade in it's original form, please let me borrow
them as I intend to feature the arcade next month.
A rare opportunity to view the Centre Engine powering the Steam Yachts, which on this
occasion were built-up with just one yacht. The gentleman driving the engine could well
be Harry Lee - unfortunately, I can 't remember which year I met him! Blackheath 1987
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