Flipper

R L Smith Advert - The Coin Slot, September 1974

 

This dolphin was part of R L Smith's original range of small rides, released in 1973.

It originally cost £195 + VAT to purchase (with single coin mechanism) or £220.00 (with a dual mech).

Fairworld Amusements, Cleethorpes, June 2017

The ride was re-released by JM Kiddie Rides around 1976 but, unlike most of JM's re-released Smith rides, didn't seem to sell too well and disappeared from their production list again soon afterwards. Hence this is probably one of the rarest of the original Smith/Mirgaux rides with a relatively short production run.

A photograph of Mablethorpe's Regent Casino Arcade taken in the summer of 1977 shows one of these dolphins named "Jaws" on his base!  The signwriting looks original so I presume Flipper had an evil alter ego!  Although I'm not quite sure how anybody could be persuaded that this friendly little dolphin was a fearsome shark, even with different paintwork!