Mechanical Memories Magazine

Search for that 01ost
Wanted Slot
By Robert Rowland
Here is my story of some of the ups and downs in my search for a 1960s slot machine
that supplied so many happy memories in my younger days. Every slottie maybe has one
machine in mind that he would like to own, possibly a Jennings, maybe a Payramid, or
what about a Conveyor? There are various reasons for wanting that particular machine:
the rarity; the superb workmanship, or maybe simply because it was made by Bryans.
My reason was memories, nothing so grand for me though, my desire was an electro-
mechanical machine made in the 1960s called Derby Day. Insert penny, press button,
horses numbered 1 - 15 flash, then one numbered horse remains lit, winning horses pay
2d, 6d or 12d.
We only had one Derby Day here in Mablethorpe in the 60s, so I don't think they
were that popular. The great burning of slot machines on the beaches in 1971
(decimalization) probably saw off most of them. However, for some reason, ever since I
dropped my first penny in that slot in 1966, and also proceeded to work out the system, I
have always fancied owning one. For many years, I kept a lookout in various magazines
and newspapers, and asked various faces if they had one (this was well before the days
of computers and Ebay). I even visited the odd local auction houses, but sadly was never
able to locate one. Eventually, I decided to abandon the idea.
Twenty-five years flew by, but then suddenly in the year 2005 the craving for some
reason returned! As I slipped back into my childhood days, maybe it was a sort of
escape from all the wrongs of today's modem world. I bought myself a computer, and
discovered Ebay, and saw that old slot machines were appearing on the site from time to
time. In saying that, they were not going cheap, but who can put a price on acquiring
that desired old slot machine? A few months later I spotted a Kraft Jackpot allwin, listed
as a 'buy it now'. I had played this also in the 1960s, and just could not resist, so I
clicked the mouse button, and it was mine! So now I had to find a bundle of £20 notes,
and arrange a courier to go to Cambridge to pick it up. That done, my courier set off, he
rang me mid afternoon to say he was there, but he also said, "You won't believe this.
You know that Derby Day you have been looking for, he has two here and he only wants
£120 for them both."
My heart started to beat faster, but then he said that they were not working. The
hope started to fade that second. Anyway, I arranged to have pictures emailed, and upon
receiving them the reality was plain to see - both machines had been butchered!
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