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Seattle Pinball Museum
Home
Our History
Game List
  • Game List
  • 2000-NOW
  • 1980-1999
  • 1960-1979
Planning a visit
  • Plan Your Trip
  • How to Get Here
  • Whats Around Us
  • Rules for Entry
  • FAQs
  • Location and Hours
Games for Sale
  • Featured Games for Sale
  • Jersey Jack Pinball
  • Chicago Gaming Company
  • Legacy Machines
  • Sales Contact Form
Private Events
More
  • Home
  • Our History
  • Game List
    • Game List
    • 2000-NOW
    • 1980-1999
    • 1960-1979
  • Planning a visit
    • Plan Your Trip
    • How to Get Here
    • Whats Around Us
    • Rules for Entry
    • FAQs
    • Location and Hours
  • Games for Sale
    • Featured Games for Sale
    • Jersey Jack Pinball
    • Chicago Gaming Company
    • Legacy Machines
    • Sales Contact Form
  • Private Events

  • Home
  • Our History
  • Game List
    • Game List
    • 2000-NOW
    • 1980-1999
    • 1960-1979
  • Planning a visit
    • Plan Your Trip
    • How to Get Here
    • Whats Around Us
    • Rules for Entry
    • FAQs
    • Location and Hours
  • Games for Sale
    • Featured Games for Sale
    • Jersey Jack Pinball
    • Chicago Gaming Company
    • Legacy Machines
    • Sales Contact Form
  • Private Events

Texan Pinball Machine Back Glass

Texan

Date of Manufacture: 1960
Number Produced: ~1,200 units
Manufacturer: D. Gottlieb & Co.

Creators:

  • Designer: Wayne Neyens
  • Artist: Roy Parker

Game Type: 

  • Electro-mechanical
  • 4-player game

Rating: 7/10
Fun Rating: 7.5/10

DISCUSSION OF TEXAN PINBALL

Jump to a Section

History
Innovations
Load the Ball
Game Tutorial

History of Texan

The 1960's Texan pinball machine is a captivating relic from the golden era of pinball, produced by the esteemed D. Gottlieb & Co. This machine was a collaborative effort between two of the industry's most influential figures: designer Wayne Neyens and artist Roy Parker. It was produced in limited numbers, with around 1,200 units manufactured, making it a coveted item for collectors.


Texan captured the imagination of players with its Western theme, a popular motif in the 1950s and 1960s. The fascination with cowboy culture and the American frontier was at its peak, thanks to the widespread popularity of Western movies and television shows. This cultural backdrop contributed to the machine's appeal, as players were drawn to the adventurous spirit and rugged imagery of the Wild West.

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Texan was well-received for its engaging gameplay and thematic artwork. It resonated with players who enjoyed the romanticized portrayal of the Old West, providing an immersive experience that was both entertaining and nostalgic. The game's colorful backglass and playfield, depicting cowboys, horses, and Western landscapes, were key elements that attracted players and made the machine a standout in arcades and bars.

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

The 1960's Texan pinball machine remains an iconic piece of arcade history, celebrated for its craftsmanship, cultural significance, and enduring appeal. It stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of its creators and the era in which it was produced.

Innovations and Features

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Texan incorporated several innovations and features that were either new or popular during the time:


  • Rotating Light Unit: One of the most distinctive features was a rotating light unit that indicated different scoring values for specific targets. This added an element of chance and strategy, as players aimed to hit the most valuable targets when they were active.


  • Electro-Mechanical Technology: As an electro-mechanical machine, Texan utilized advanced technology for its time; including relays, solenoids, and stepper units. These components controlled various aspects of gameplay, providing a more dynamic and interactive experience.


  • Playfield Design: The playfield featured a well-thought-out layout with a variety of bumpers, kickers, and targets. This design encouraged skillful play and offered a satisfying challenge for players.


  • Drop Holes: One of the standout features of the  Texan pinball machine is its innovative "Drop Holes." These strategically placed holes on the playfield serve as an engaging and skill-testing mechanism. When a ball lands in a Drop Hole, it triggers a unique scoring event, often advancing gameplay objectives, activating bonuses, or progressing players toward special rewards. At the time, this design was celebrated for adding a layer of strategy, as players had to aim carefully to maximize scoring opportunities while keeping the ball in play. The Drop Holes not only showcased Gottlieb's ingenuity but also set a precedent for integrating interactive elements into gameplay, making Texan a memorable title in pinball history.


Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

  • Western Craze: The Texan was part of a broader trend in the pinball industry to capitalize on the Western craze, which was highly popular in the media of the time.


  • Limited Availability: With only around 1,200 units produced, Texan is relatively rare, making it a valuable find for collectors.


  • Thematic Artwork: Roy Parker's artwork is celebrated for its vibrant and evocative style, which set a high standard for pinball machine aesthetics and played a significant role in the machine's appeal. His detailed and vibrant illustrations helped bring the Western theme to life, making the machine visually striking and enhancing the overall player experience.


  • Nostalgic Appeal: The machine's theme and design continue to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era, making it a favorite among vintage pinball enthusiasts.


  • Gameplay Challenge: The rotating light unit and diverse playfield elements offered a unique challenge, requiring both luck and skill to achieve high scores.

Starting Games with Manual Ball-Loading Mechanisms

Pinball machines like this one feature a manual ball-loading mechanic, which may be unfamiliar to players accustomed to modern, fully automated games. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step by Step Guide

1. Start the Game

  • press the start button, usually located on the front cabinet panel.
  • If the game uses multiple players, press the start button again for each additional player.

2. Load the Ball

  1. Locate the trough where the balls are stored (below the playfield).
  2. PUSH the manual plunger handle until it locks, lifting a ball into the shooter lane.
  3. Release the plunger to allow the ball to roll into position for launching.

3. Launch the Ball

  • Pull back the shooter plunger to your desired strength:
    • A full pull typically sends the ball into play with maximum force.
    • A softer pull can help strategically place the ball in certain areas.
  • Release the plunger to launch the ball onto the playfield.

4. Play Your Game

  • Once the ball is in play, use the flipper buttons on the cabinet sides to keep it in action and aim for scoring targets.
  • Keep an eye on mechanical features specific to games like Buckaroo, such as the animated backbox horse.

5. Restarting After losing a ball

  • When the ball drains or "Lose the ball", the machine automatically advances to the next ball in the sequence.
  • If it’s your turn, manually load and launch the next ball as described in Step 2.

7. Ending the Game

  • The game concludes when all players have used their allotted balls (typically three or five).
  • Check the scoreboard to see your final score!

Texan Gameplay Tutorial

Goal and Objectives

The primary objective of Texan is to score as many points as possible by hitting various targets and completing specific objectives. Players aim to maximize their score by strategically hitting high-value targets and utilizing the machine's unique features.

Game Modes and Rule Sets

  • Main Playfield: The playfield features a variety of targets, including bumpers, rollovers, and kickers. The goal is to keep the ball in play while hitting these elements to accumulate points.
  • Rotating Light Unit: The rotating light unit indicates which targets are currently worth the most points. Players should prioritize hitting these lit targets to maximize their score.

How to Score High

  1. Hit the Lit Targets: Focus on hitting the targets highlighted by the rotating light unit, as these offer higher point values. Timing and precision are key to taking advantage of this feature.
  2. Utilize Bumpers and Kickers: Use the flippers to control the ball and direct it toward bumpers and kickers. These elements can help keep the ball in play and rack up points quickly.
  3. Complete Target Sequences: Certain sequences of targets may trigger additional bonuses or increase the score multiplier. Keep an eye on the playfield and aim to complete these sequences for higher scores.
  4. Maintain Ball Control: Skillful use of the flippers and nudging techniques can help prevent the ball from draining, allowing for longer gameplay and higher scores.

By mastering these strategies and understanding the game's unique mechanics, players can enjoy the 1960s Texan's classic pinball experience and strive for high scores. This machine, with its rich cultural background and engaging gameplay, continues to be a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.

Resources

Pinball Database - Comprehensive resource for pinball machine details, including production numbers, manufacturers, and specifications.

Pinball Database - Texan

Internet Pinball Database (IPDB) - A well-regarded online archive of pinball machines, their histories, and related artifacts.

IPDB - Texan

Pinside Forums - A community forum for pinball enthusiasts, featuring discussions, reviews, and historical information on various pinball machines.

Pinside - Texan

Classic Pinball Machines - The Pinball Resource - Offers historical information and technical details on classic pinball machines.

Pinball Resource - Texan

Pinball Magazine - A publication dedicated to the history and culture of pinball machines, including articles and features on specific games and their designers.

Pinball Magazine

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