Mechanical Memories Magazine

The machine is called Two of a Kind, and that is exactly what you need to achieve a
win. I do remember seeing this type of machine back in the 1960s, all housed in the
same cabinets but with different themes. On insertion of and old penny, the six
symbols will randomly flash on and off, you then have to press the stop button to end
the play. This machine will not stop by itself, unlike my Greyhound Stadium, which I
wrote about in the April issue of this magazine. If you don't press the stop button, the
machine will simply run all day, or until the motor burns out!
I found winning combinations very hard to come by on this machine, and upon
opening the door and looking inside, I soon realised why. The main control board has
a 46-position rotary switch with a moving finger type contact, which moves around in
a clockwise direction. A full circle lasts four seconds, only five of the 46 positions are
winners, the rest are losers. There are three positions for Cherry, paying 3d; one
position for Plum, paying 6d and also only one position for Bell, paying the top prize
of 9d. There is no sequence to payouts on this machine, unlike many other electro-
mechanicals of the same era, so in theory you could stop on a winner every time (but
we all know that in reality, this won't happen).
Inside Robert 's machine, showing the control board. Note the bell in the centre,
which seems to have been obligatory on some of these 1960s electro-mechs.
Page 21