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1950s Coin Operated Helicopter Kiddie Ride - Heli-Jet

775 views · Published 5 April 2017 · 0:12 · Indexed 26 October 2026

Channel: Skylark24 · 2017 · Entertainment

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A short clip of Edwin Hall's Heli-Jet kiddie ride, filmed at Peter Pan's Playground, Ryde in 1975.

"Originally issued as "Heli-Jet Mk III", this aircraft was released by Edwin Hall & Co. in May 1955.  Resembling a helicopter's framework, there was no windscreen in front of the rider.  After insertion of sixpence, the rider had to pull a control lever inside the aircraft to set the ride in motion.  Throughout the duration of the ride, the machine would slowly rise and descend.  In fact, this was the very first kiddie ride to use a hydraulic lift mechanism to "fly".  Another feature of the ride was its rotor blades which really rotated when the ride was in action.  Should a young rider place their hand in the way of the rotors however, they would automatically stop."

Also seen in the background are Edwin Hall's Tommy Tugboat and Joyride's Veteran Car.

Many thanks to Gary Davies (the original uploader) for allowing me to use this clip.  You can see the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1-_EK6wBfU

I am currently working on a website about coin operated rides, particularly those made (or at least commonly distributed) in the UK during the 1950s-90s. Please visit http://www.coinoperatedrides.weebly.com! If anybody has old photos/video footage that they wouldn't mind sharing with me, please e-mail me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. I would be eternally grateful. Thank you! :)

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