1973 Williams Ambush

Description: Ambush, Williams #396, 1/73, Vietnam themed gun game made at the end of the Vietnam war (the U.S. was out of Vietnam by 1975). Politically incorrect to some degree, as the men targets have a slight Asian look to them. Solidstate sound for explosions (target hits) and helicopter, blacklight, bright red or white lights flash when target hit (white for helicopter, red for tanks and men), helicopter and men targets hoop and move when hit (tanks do not move). 300 shots with automatic rifle or 60 second game (whichever comes first), target can be repeatedly shot for added points (each hit is worth 10 points) by just holding trigger. Additional 100 shots and 20 more seconds of game time available if game is set to extra time and the operator selectable score is reached (usually 3000 points). Rifle has a "gun kick" recoil solenoid (120 volt D-24-1400, about 10 ohms), but often missing because coil overheats due to the constant automatic fire of the gun. The rest of the game coils operate at 24 volts. Game uses the new 29" wide cabinet (only Stockade and Ambush use this wider cabinet style).

Game has 2 helicopter targets, 3 men targets, and 3 tank targets (all moving). The helicopter and men targets "shake" as they are shot, indicating a hit (in addition to the red or white lights flashing). The tank targets do no shake when hit but just light up. Game has three electronic sounds: helicoptor "chopper" sound, gun firing sound, and an explosion (target hit) sound. Gun barrel has translucent red sides that light via three #55 bulbs when gun is fired. Similar to Midway's Gang Busters (early 1970s) and Chicago Coin's Commando Machine Gun (1973).


Solidstate sound system.


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