Canmobile

 Manufactured by Cointronics of Hastings, the Canmobile was a cleverly designed car/drink can hybrid, released in the mid-1990s.  It was sold in a variety of different colours/brands including Tango, Cola and Vimto.


Tango Canmobile - Blackpool Pleasure Beach, September 2014

I love how the Tango car plays Hernando's Hideaway (tango dance music) when in motion!  Sadly, I can't remember what music the other versions played.  They were such lovely quirky little rides which sadly don't appear to have been very long-lasting in their popularity.  I can remember them being seemingly everywhere in the summer of 1996, but not so much even by the following year.  A hidden gem in the history of coin operated rides.

Rupert the Bear

 Manufactured by Photo-Me, the first Rupert the Bear kiddie ride was released around 1996.


Wookey Hole Caves, May 2023

Motorcycle

This motorcycle was manufactured by JM Kiddie Rides and made its debut at the Amusement Trade Exhibition in January 1977.  It has an actual motorcycle headlamp which illuminated upon coin insertion, as well as twist grip and twin exhausts.


Coastal Bay Hotel, Blackpool, December 2023

As with all of JM Kiddie Rides' machines of this era, it was made to be easily removed from its base and replaced with another toy from their range.  The galloper horse and dolphin were described as ideal replacements for this particular model's base.


Coastal Bay Hotel, Blackpool, December 2023

Speed-Boat

 Manufactured by Robinson Partners, this speedboat was released in time for the Amusement Trade Exhibition in March 1956.


Mr T's Amusements, Dymchurch, September 1997


Robinson Partners Stand, 1968 Amusement Trade Exhibition


Burnham-on-Sea, 1960s.  Many thanks to Nicola Explores on YouTube!

Photo-Me

Ride Releases

1996 - Noddy, Rupert the Bear

Noddy

1990s BAFCO promotional photograph

This Noddy ride was manufactured by Bafco of Alford, Lincolnshire and released around 1996.

Bafco version - Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, November 2020

Photo-Me also made a Noddy ride in 1996 using parts from OMC Electronics.  While the mould is the same as the ride seen above, this version has three sound effect buttons inside while the Bafco version has just one.

Photo-Me Version - Coinsville Amusements, Skegness, September 2018

Snoopy's Doghouse

"Ride along with Snoopy as he dreams of being a famous race car driver". - Jolly Roger catalogue, 2000.


2000 Jolly Roger Catalogue

Snoopy's Doghouse was manufactured by Jolly Roger Amusement Rides, released in 1997.  In this ride, Snoopy lies sleeping on top of his red kennel...which now doubles as a car, complete with wheels and headlights.  The ride made engine noises when in motion and had a button which made a horn sound effect when pressed.


Palins Holiday Park, Towyn, May 2017

A later edition plays "Peppermint Patty".


Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Gardens, November 2020.  Alas, this ride was not working properly and didn't move.  But at least we can hear the "Peppermint Patty" music.

The ride measured 46" x 36" x 49" and, as of the 2002 price list, cost £3,295.00 to purchase.