Thunderbird was made by Taito in 1967 under their Crown brand. The lower portion looks quite similar to Taito's Crown 603 crane machine, and the crane mechanism operates in a similar fashion. Instead of picking things up, the crane drops a metal ball that looks similar in size to a pachinko ball. (though I do not know if the same size.)
Align the crane, release the ball, and if you get it inside one of the porcelain numbered cups you get paid out that numbered prize. The backbox is a similar shape to a pinball head. There are 5 columns loaded with prizes and I assume that lower front cover protects the dispenser mechanism from shenanigans. A very unique prize game.
For the longest time it has been vexing me that we did not have detailed pics of it, even though we can see it in a number of older photographs. Now, thank you to Rich who runs the Family Fun Center York Galleria in York, Philadelphia, USA, we have more photos! These were from a few years back so they aren't the resolution of fancy modern phones, but they're still great to see. (He no longer has the machine)
(If you are a collector that has a Thunder-Bird in their collection can you please get in touch? I know there are probably a few copies of these tucked into elite collections. Please note that I am not looking to buy machines off you, I just want to try and publicly preserve whatever info I can on them.)
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| 1969 machine directory entry |
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| from the Taito 40th Anniversary book |
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| late 1960s game corner (via accs2014) |
Thunder-Bird was exported internationally.
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| Cash Box 1968-07-06 |
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| at Palace Amusements, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA this photo is from the late 1970s or later, based on the machines visible |
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| English export flyer. The dealer stamp is from Belgium! |
The following images and video are courtesy Rich of the Family Fun Center York Galleria in York, Philadelphia, USA.
First, some gameplay of Thunder-Bird. Too bad we don't get to see a payout, but I am grateful to see it at all.
Of most interest is that he reviews how the ball is fed up from the bottom, through a tube inside the front. The game flashes STAND BY when loading the ball into the dropper mech.
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| love the whole look |
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| similar front to the 603 crane. Same door proportions, lock location, and location of coin return. Center control mech swapped but the rest of the metal control panel is the same design as the 603. Efficiency! |
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| I really like the look of the whole control panel area. Would totally pay up for that marquee. |
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| got that Jackson Pollock spackle |
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| the 5 prize-dispenser columns |
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| moulded plastic that is shaped like a UFO or space station |
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| Relays! at the Front Door note the tube on the right. That is the ball return. |
