HERE NOW!!!!
Skee Roll by Brenco
Sep 2012
(click to enlarge)
I have been somewhat pre-occupied over the past few months with our 12 week old twins
so machine additons have slowed down a little. That said, after seeing one of these
available for purchase recently, I thought I needed to treat myself. I have very fond memories of
these as a child and always played them at Teignmouth Pier, South Devon (even to this day!).
Some might say (including me) a timeless classic! This item is rather rare in as much as it's 3/4 size.
Now, at 10' long that's still pretty big, especially now it's sitting in the gamesroom but just about
managable vs. it's 13 foot bigger brother! Built by Brenco from the late 70', and purchased from an
aracde in Fleetwood (nr Blackpool), this slightly smaller version doesn't appear to have been that
popular. I can only assume that most arcades that would have considered this type of game
generally had space for the standard machine. I only know of one other location to house one and
that has been heavily modified to single ball play for 2p! Urgh! If anyone else knows of any more of
these 'mini' Skee Rolls, please do let me know - 'kevin@retroamusements.co.uk'
It is in pretty good shape considering it's only just left the arcade floor. Fully working, no cabinet
damage or rot and still with original wooden balls and no wear on playfield. The main lane covering
needs some attention at the ramp end where it has started to crack but nothing major at all.
I plan to repair this rather than replace to aid originality as best I can.
9 balls for 10p too - bargain!
Just over a week has passed by and I've managed to repair the lane. It has been carefully filled, rubbed
down, painted and then waxed. Waxed with something perfect for the job - a variant of the
same stuff used for bowling alley lanes! This means I can build up a tough, durable coating that will
protect the existing covering and also preven against premature wear of the newly painted repair surface.
I'm very happy with the finish especially as the paint colour was 'off the shelf'! If you wern't
looking for it, you wouldn't know - job done!
CRACK REPAIR
BEFORE AFTER
WAX FINISH
BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
Now that's sorted, there's not a great deal else to do on this machine. I have a new set of
balls for every day play (will still keep originals). I need to tidy some of the wiring under the lane
itself but that's it. All being well (famous last words!), she should give me many more years
service. She's definately been well received so far.
Any further news on this machine I will post here.