Look Who it Was Random video

1960s Coin Operated Panda Kiddie Ride - Chi-Chi

719 views · Published 12 February 2017 · 0:07 · Indexed 1 November 2026

Channel: Skylark24 · 2017 · Entertainment

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A short cine film clip showing an Edwin Hall Panda kiddie ride, circa 1968.  Filmed at Kiddies Corner in Bridlington, Yorkshire.

Made by Edwin Hall & Co, the panda was released in 1962.  It is usually referred to simply as "panda" in advertising material but I have evidence that at least some of the pandas were originally named "Chi-Chi" as the base of my Hall galloping horse once held a panda under this name.

Beautifully and realistically painted, as Edwin Hall rides usually were, this was a large ride which I can remember being quite uncomfortable to sit on!  How any small child was supposed to be able to reach down to the footplates on either side is anyone's guess!  The markings of the actual panda varied over the years (as did the handles/grip rails - the coin mechanism was originally in the back of the panda's head but moved to a more regular coin slot by 1963) but it seems it wore a red and gold saddle.

Many thanks to Andy Henry, the original uploader, for allowing me to use this clip.  The full cine film can be seen here.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vcSFq4vn98

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