Sunday, May 10, 2026

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.



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!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Photo-Me

Ride Releases

1996 - Noddy

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

Monday, March 9, 2026

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.

Bert & Ernie's Sing-a-Long Car

 Designed by Copy Right Rides, Bert & Ernie's Sing-a-Long Car was the second model in their series of Sesame Street kiddie rides.  The ride was originally manufactured by Amutec of Mablethorpe.  Manufacture continued under Fun 2 Learn after the company was founded and the ride remained very popular for many years.


Fun Factory Amusements, Towyn, May 2017


Sunday, March 8, 2026

Safari Jeep and Forest Ranger

Released by RG Mitchell in 1996, the Forest Ranger and Safari Jeep were two open-top two seater cars sold as part of their Premium Rides range.


Safari Jeep - 2000 RG Mitchell Catalogue

The Forest Ranger was yellow with green strips and red wheels and interior, while the Safari Jeep was striped white and black with a blue interior.


Skegness Pleasure Beach, June 2017.  Unfortunately, this unit was mute.  Such a shame that a once common ride is now impossible to find, especially in fully working order.

Both rides had "rolling road" display screens and four push buttons for realistic jungle or animal sound effects inside.


Forest Ranger - 2000 RG Mitchell Catalogue

This mould was also used for an open-top version of the 4-Track jeep.  It was much rarer than either the Safari Jeep and Forest Ranger, or the original 4-Track, but I have seen them in a few different colours over the years.


"Open-top 4-Track" - Southend Pier, September 2018