Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle
General Chat => Arcade Lifestyle => Topic started by: DarthNuno on February 06, 2012, 10:04:08 AM
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(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_Fun_Ship.jpg)
PROLOGUE
by Oliver 'Alpha1' :arrow:
Back in 2009 I was made aware of a link to an urban exploration website. For those that don't know, this is a pastime where people break in to old abandoned buildings and explore, taking pictures along the way. They call is urbex. (the original link to the urban exploration pictures are here (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39586)).
Whilst looking at this site I found myself suddenly looking at some arcade machines, and well, you know me! The hunt was on.
I spent 8 months trying to contact the owners of the place I could see the games in. I phoned the council, I phoned the post office (yeah I really did!) in the town and phoned everywhere, each time getting another clue in the puzzle that would lead me to the owners of this place that had the games in.
I finally contacted the owners in January 2011 after going through the said local councils, local shops (you name it) and finally got in contact with a family member. This family member put me in contact with the owners and we started talking. Two things came out of that.
1. The arcade games are for sale
2. I can go and see them
So in February 2011 myself and 2 others, Rav and P-man, drove for what seemed like forever until we reached our destination, and the destination was pretty magnificent. People, this was the most magnificent story that could ever be told.
It was a beached ship.
This ship is the Duke of Lancaster.
Before going further on our 'Belgium side' of this historical story, check more details about the background/preparation of this adventure on the UKvAc board :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/ukvac_logo.jpg) (http://www.ukvac.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=330452&PN=1&title=the-duke-of-lancaster)
[click on picture to jump in the Oliver's part of the story]
You can find more details about the ship on the net, but let me gather the information here (sources : wiki/dukeoflancaster.net) :
HISTORY
The TSS Duke of Lancaster was a railway steamer passenger ship that operated in Europe from 1956 to 1979.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_1.jpg)
Built at Harland & Wolff, Belfast and completed in 1956, she was designed to operate as both a passenger ferry (primarily on the Heysham-Belfast route) and as a cruise ship. In this capacity, the Lancaster travelled to the Scottish islands and further afield to Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway and Spain.
From the mid-1960s, passenger ships such as the Lancaster were gradually being superseded by car ferries.
Rather than undertake the expensive option of renewing their entire fleet, British Railways instead began a part-programme of conversion. In order to maintain ferry services whilst these modifications took place, the Lancaster's duties as a cruise ship ceased. On 25 April 1970 the ship returned to service, having had her main deck rebuilt to accommodate vehicles via a door at her stern. The ship now provided space for 1,200 single-class passengers and 105 cars, with a total cabin accommodation for 400 passengers.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_2.jpg)
The ship (with her two sister ships "TSS Duke of Rothesay" and the "TSS Duke of Argyll") continued on the Heysham-Belfast route until the service was withdrawn on 5 April 1975. It was then briefly employed on the Fishguard-Rosslare crossing, before becoming the regular relief vessel on the Holyhead–Dún Laoghaire service until November 1978. The ship was then laid up at Barrow in Furness, Cumbria.
The Lancaster was sold to Liverpool based company Empirewise Ltd, who intended her to be used as a static leisure centre and market. She arrived at her new home at Llanerch-y-Mor, near Mostyn, on 10 August 1979 :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_3.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxpkFhQN8wg)
[click on picture to see the video]
The ship was brought into a permanent dock and the hull was sealed. The reason the ship was beached was to get around the rule of no shops or trading to be open on a Sunday. John Rowley in his brilliance had found a loop hole - ships were not bound by this law, and the law did not state where the ship must be - whether it be at sea, at dock, or indeed beached on land - and thus the "Fun Ship" was born.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_5.jpg)
Conversion for use as a 300-room hotel did not appear to go beyond the preliminary planning stage. Its use as "The Fun Ship" was relatively short-lived and it was subsequently closed to the public because access to the ship is via a bridge under the North Wales railway line, which is too low for emergency vehicles.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_4.jpg)
Over time, the vessel has become increasingly derelict. The ship was later used as a warehouse by its owners Solitaire Liverpool Ltd, a clothing company registered to the same address as Empirewise Ltd
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_6.jpg)
Despite rumours that the ship would be scrapped, the company stated that they have no plans either to sell it or to restore it. Since then, 'left to rot'...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/DukeOfLancaster_7.jpg)
We now can confirm the ship will be scrapped very soon!
So me must act now and save all these games!
A "unsinkable" plan?
That UKVAC Bulk Buy opportunity came in ears of selected collectors in may 2011, although Oliver was working on the plan for longer.
And what a plan! :arrow: more than 100 machines (games, pinballs, kiddie games, fruit machines...)...coming right away for the golden age of video game!
Making a such bulk buy a success was a terrible nightmare for Oliver... a real poker game!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/titanic1.jpg)
...price negotiation... keeping that location a secret... trusting all the persons involved in the bulk buy... I won't give all the details here, but they were a lot of 'down' periods during these last months... even at certain points, that bulk buy was almost death! But thanks to the perseverance of Oliver, for most of us, we kept the hope. We wanted our ticket to history! :P
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/titanic2.jpg)
We were a little bit worried when we heard that the BBC television would broadcast a documentary about the boat, in December 2011. Perhaps it mentions the presence of games? And so reveal the precious secret? Fortunately not! That short documentary didn't focus on that :P But since I'm involved in that story, I had to see what is the content of the documentary, and so I ordered the dvd show! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_1.jpg)
Here's the interesting segment ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_2.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2rZWtX844w)
And after months of hope..the issue has come through this Oliver's message :arrow:
Posted: 25 Jan 2012 at 5:48pm
OK EVERYONE, THE DATE HAS BEEN SET AND FINALIZED TODAY....SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4TH. THIS IS NOT THIS WEEKEND, BUT THE WEEKEND AFTER, PLEASE START BOOKING YOUR VANS!!!!
Hurray!!! We got our ticket!!!! :P :P :P This video resumes all ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/titanic3.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOqbjf2jVV0)
Hell Yeah! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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NO SLEEP 'TIL
HAMMERSMITH LIVERPOOL
So the meeting point is now fixed to the 4th of February... 8:00am ... at Mostyn [North Wales], close to Liverpool, at approx 1000km from my house!
Too bad, I can't have a day off at my job the day before! :oops: So it means that we will have to drive right after a day of work, all the evening/night long, without sleeping... and hope to be on time for the 'big boat party' :shock: It's gonna be rock'n'roll... :P
Friday, the 3rd of February / 5:00 pm
Because the boat is located in the middle of nowhere...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_16.jpg)
...a serious preparation is required! This time, my usual 'road trip' stuff won't be enough... and what a great opportunity to use back boots like this ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_3.jpg)
I have not worn them since more than 20 years! This road trip gonna be historical in many ways I think ;D
OK, all I need is ready 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_4.jpg)
The weather forecast here in Belgium is not too good...and I don't even dare checking the forecast in UK :oops: ...but we have no choice! We must drive to that ship at any cost!
Temperatures are really low since few days : -12 °C during the night, -5 °C the day...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_5.jpg)
The final destination is the ship! Here's the travel to do :shock: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_6.jpg)
Remember, we are Friday the 3rd of February, 5:20PM and we must be over there at 8:00am tomorrow! Ok, no time to lose! Ready for departure...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_7.jpg)
(clock is not correct on my car, it's really 17:27 at the moment)
Fortunately, I won't travel alone during this adventure... Chrischris is also a lucky member of this 'Bulk buy'. He's in charge to rent the truck. I just will use my car to go to his place. From there, we'll use the van. So I set my Nav Car to 'ChrisChris' home...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_8.jpg)
Ok, 185km... 1h49 min driving estimation time... piece of cake, for the smallest travel 'segment' of this adventure... ::)
While I'm on the road to the ChrisChris's home, I got a phone call from him. Remember, he has to pick up the van at the rent car company, located at 35 km from his place.
He's stuck in the traffic jam because of the snow! The rent agency closes at 6:00pm. He called their office to ask them to wait a little bit over 6:00pm, because he's so close from their office, but unfortunately stuck. The guy over the phone says : NO... because he must leave as soon as possible, he is also worried about the snow :oops:
Chris explains him how important having this truck is... but the guy doesn't really agree! Chris called him 4 times!!! every 10 minutes... imploring his help! Also by offering an extra €€€... but the guy has to quit the office on time :-\
Damn it! What to do with no truck? We don't want to miss a such adventure! The B plan would be to go there anyway with my car, and using the Chris trailer... in that case we can bring back only two cabinets :-\ ...but a least, we will see the boat! Ok, that will be the B plan!
Chris calls me once again, and ask me If I could convince him. So I call the guy.... and ... with some kind of magic, the guy says : "OK men, I stay here... take your time... I wait for you...' :shock: There must be arcade Gods with us today ::) YYYEEEESSSSS !!!
The reason why the guy changed his mind : he had a concert planned tonight, but because of the snow that paralyzed all the country (a total 1600 km of traffic jam in Belgium!!!), he (and his wife) decided not to go there... so no more rush for him :P ...and the truck for us!
For information, the truck rental company is located at 35 km from Chrischris home... and he drove for two hours and half to go there!!!
Snow? 1600km of traffic jam? It's very quiet for now, in south Belgium :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_9.jpg)
One hour later... opppss :oops:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_10.jpg)
Damn it! Why the road trip is scheduled this week end... nightmare condition for driving :oops:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_11.jpg)
My trip to Chrischris should take less two hours, and I finally arrive after 3h30 min! Our timing was already very tight, we did not need 'any delay' in addition! :ghost:
Ok, let's be positive! We have the truck...it's gonna be a great adventure...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_12.jpg)
ChrisChris will be the first to drive...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_13.jpg)
It's 9:19pm ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_14.jpg)
...and we must be at Calais before 0:15am for 'Le shuttle'. In my road trip plan, I calculated a 'bonus' of 2-3 hours in case of delay, so we are still in schedule for now. Here's the rest of the trip to do ... before tomorrow morning! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_15.jpg)
We have now approx 2h30min to drive in order to reach the Eurotunnel. No problem during the first hour and half... but when arriving at Lille :-X
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_17.jpg)
Stuck in traffic!!! :'(
TWO HOURS LATER!!!.... It's now clear we missed the scheduled train!!! We are now OUT OF SCHEDULE!!!
Worst than that, I don't know what is the schedule for the next train. During daytime there is a train every 30 or 40 minutes I think, but in the night, maybe one train every two hours?!!! DAMN IT!!! :ghost: :ghost: :ghost:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_18.jpg)
...and few hundred meters further... same chaos! :ghost: I use that wasted time for taking some rest... coz I'll be the 'driver' in UK...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_19.jpg)
30 minutes later...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_20.jpg)
...it looks like the end of the world here! I know it's 2012 this year, right?! But...
"Listen, God of the Arcade...it's something like my 50th road trip so far...and I never had such problem? WTF today?"
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/devil1.jpg)
"That day on the Galaxian Theater, what did I say to you? What were my words to you? Maybe it was your time to lose. You didn't think so."
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/devil2.jpg)
[raging] "Lose? I don't lose! I win! I win! I'm a Road Triper'! That's my job, that's what I do!"
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/devil3.jpg)
"I rest my case."
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/devil4.jpg)
And the nightmare continues...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_21.jpg)
So much troubles everywhere... the Chrischris Nav' Car goes mad... each red square means accident... :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_22.jpg)
Holy Jesus... see the clock :'( :'( :'( :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_23.jpg)
After spending more than 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES for few km driven, the situation starts to change now... better late than never!
And you know what was the problem? The snow of course, yes... but the true reason is ... the trucks!!! The officers directed trucks on a single way, which paralyzes the entire highways for hours :evil: :evil: :evil:
Our last hope now is to catch a train around 4h00am! But I'm not sure what are the train scheduled during the night to be honest :oops:
At least, we arrive at the Eurotunnel...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_24.jpg)
Let's put my credit card and see what will be our the departure time...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_25.jpg)
... :shock: :shock: :shock: ...
... :shock: :shock: :shock: !!!
In short : You're too late for your initial reservation! Next departure available... 07:20 AM ...07:20AM??? ...07:20AM??? ...and of course, please add an extra fee : 63€
ChrisChis : "So what Bruno?"
Me : "..."
Eurotunnel : "Do you copy Mr Bruno? The next departure will be 07:20AM... I repeat ... the next departure will be 07:20AM!"
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_27.jpg)
ChrisChis : "What does it means Bruno?"
Me : "We just lost the Moon boat..."
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_26.jpg)
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At this time, I can assure you our enthusiasm was close to zero! :oops:
Taking 'Le Shuttle' at 7:20 am means two things :
- wait 3 hours starting for now (it's about 4:00am) inside our truck!
- arriving at the boat after the 'party'. Remember, the meeting is set at 8:00am UK time! And we may arrive close to 1:00PM !!!
Well, there's a last chance to get a train *before* the one suggested at 7:20am!
I know 'by experience' they wait the last moment before closing the train door. Practically, we are too late regarding boarding procedure, and that's the reason why the ticket machine propose us the next train... but the previous one may be still here, ready to go? Let's hurry! That may be our chance :P I've done this successfully few times... let's pray this will be the case this time too....we need to save this road trip :-\
HELL YEAH!!! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_28b.jpg)
The Arcade God is back! Let's use the crossing time to take some rest and some check up ... we are in a 'rush' mode since the beginning of the road trip :oops:
Inside the truck, very cold... see :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_29.jpg)
Chrischris eats some chips...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_30.jpg)
...while I'm waiting for a Burger King that may never come...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_28.jpg)
...but at least I've my favorite and official drink ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_31.jpg)
I'll need it, coz now I'll be the driver in UK 8)
OK, arriving in UK ... out of schedule, but not too much... it's 3:47am UK time...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_32.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_33.jpg)
Thanks to some CD I got with me, it created a kind of 'time tunnel' that lead us in no time to the famous Dartford Crossing...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_34.jpg)
I didn't know the crossing is free during the night by the way...
6h51, the first 'refuel' stop...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_35.jpg)
Fuel prices are really expensive in UK :?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_36.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_37.jpg)
To be honest, we really start to be very tired at this point... we are awake since more than 24 hours... and, expect chips/chocolate, we didn't eat something serious :oops:
What's this?! Oh Noooooo :-\ :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_38.jpg)
Let's cross the fingers we will avoid a new major delay because of the weather...
After an other 'time tunnel', here we are ... in daylight ... that will help us to stay awake :-X
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_39.jpg)
Because we are still 'out of schedule', we decide to put priority to the boat... we'll eat l8ter... except of course things like that :oops: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_40.jpg)
Driving without sleeping can twist your mind... I see a roller coaster now :shock: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_41.jpg)
Some objects look 'over sized' :pac: :pac: :pac: :pac: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_42.jpg)
Damn! That must be difficult to drive such truck... see the action of the wind :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_43.jpg)
Strange trailer? What to do with that? :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_47.jpg)
Huge accident on the other side of the road...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_44.jpg)
Close to Liverpool? Manchester? Never been so far in the Mordor ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_45.jpg)
ONE HOUR TO GO... coool :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_46.jpg)
Almost there...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_48.jpg)
Almost there ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_49.jpg)
MOSTYN... 3 miles to go ... 3 minutes to go...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_50.jpg)
There is a contest between Chrischris and I... Who will see the ship first? ... who'll shoot it first?
Chrischris is the winner... picture by the courtesy of him ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_51.jpg)
Can you spot the Fun Arcade Ship ::) :P
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
-
Ok Chris, I can see it too...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_51.jpg)
What a monster! :shock: I cannot believe we are here! :P
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_52.jpg)
Amazing... I spent so much time these last weeks to see pictures of it... and now, the boat is in front of me...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_53.jpg)
...but how to reach it? There's no way around? ???
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_54.jpg)
Let's call Oliver 'Alpha1'... we need to know how to reach the DUKE :) Ok... there's a very small (and very dangerous) way to get no too far ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_55.jpg)
...no problem so far ... Opsss! BEWARE the precipice :o :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_56.jpg)
...boat on sight?!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/tattool.jpg)
THE BOAT! THE BOAT!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_57.jpg)
Now gentlemen, be our guests inside the truck for the final approach in this video :arrow: :arrow: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_58.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSPDvsaOEUI)
[click on the picture to watch the video. Be sure sure watch it in HD]
The approach in a different point of view :P
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_63.jpg)
Yes! This is our truck... as seen by Muerto, located on the top of the ship ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_62.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/nomoon1.jpg)
Hey, look at this big yellow mast of the boat!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_60.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/nomoon2.jpg)
That's no mast, it's a huge crane!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_61.jpg)
'Parking' the truck... it's around 10:00am UK time.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_64.jpg)
"Oh, and you'll need a crane, that's a pre-requisite to the deal" - the seller
I guess using a such big crane is a *world premiere* for a road trip :o ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_65.jpg)
See it's big! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_66.jpg)
Reallllly big!!! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_71.jpg)
Do you believe us now ... it's as huge as the TITANIC :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :P :P :P ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_70.jpg)
Where are a little bit late, but fortunately not too much... we just missed the crane installation and the first games unloaded.
So there are already 'men at work' :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_67.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_68.jpg)
You can easily understand the unloading procedure. Guys are loading games on the trailer...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_69.jpg)
...and the crane brings the trailer onto the ground...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_72.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_73.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_74.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_75.jpg)
By now , a major part of the gamed are already unloaded from the boad and loaded inside the new lucky owner's truck ;)
Amazing pictures...the games... the boat...the collectors ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_76.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_77.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_79.jpg)
Muerto and I... wondering if this is a dream or not? :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_78.jpg)
Chrischris is inspecting one of his new game.... can you name that 'red cab', mhhuuuu? ::) ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_80.jpg)
Hey, see what's coming from the truck :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_81.jpg)
It's the 2nd Starhawk from this bulkbuy. It's not mine. Mine has been already unloaded. Here it is :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_82.jpg)
I was looking for that cabinet for a loooooooong time, but that one is a very rare one! I'm really happy to finally found it :-* :-* :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_83.jpg)
"Hey Bruno, are you sure it's yours?"
HELL YEAH!!! It's my name :-* :-* :-* It's miiiiiiiinnnnnnnnneeeeee :P ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_84.jpg)
Oh, a note about the clothes : it was supposed to be as cold as the Hoth planet here...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/hoth.jpg)
...with as much rain as the Kamino planet...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/kamino.jpg)
...and much wind than LV4-26 planet...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/lv4.jpg)
...that explain why most of us are 'over' dressed ;D
-
Hey, I spot an other of my cabinet on the deck :P ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_95.jpg)
No! Not close to me, I said on the deck... Right here!!! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_96.jpg)
Yes, there! :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_85.jpg)
...now on the trailer. Can you name it? ::) ;)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_87.jpg)
See! The now 'legendary' helicopter...ready to fly into a new home in Belgium...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_86.jpg)
When Crane & Arcade unite...
Now watch on this video how to win cabinets with a crane ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_94.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p75GO2uoOhs)
[click on the picture to watch the video. Be sure sure watch it in HD]
In pictures :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_88.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_89.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_90.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_91.jpg)
So did you recognize it? ::) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_92.jpg)
Not easy huh? ::) ...it's a Phoenix boot ...
...made by Sidam ...
...its CONDOR :-*
And here's on the ground the new Chrischris toy ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_93.jpg)
THE GHOST SHIP...
Oliver is calling us... It's now the moment we were dreaming about since the beginning of this story... entering the ghost ship :P :-* :-* :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/ghostship.jpg)
Chrischris is following me...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_97.jpg)
...while I'm following Oliver ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_98.jpg)
...under the flashes of our camera :ghost: Afraid in the dark?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_99.jpg)
I'm wondering how many people walked on these stairs?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_100.jpg)
Who used these chairs?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_101.jpg)
Being here is just amazing... you can feel the history of the place... simply amazing!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_102.jpg)
Dozen of games were originally located in this main corridor... :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_103.jpg)
... who were the kids who played on these games? Probably 'old' guys like us now :'( ... strange feeling...
On the deck, against the four winds! Nothing else than happy moments for us :) :) :) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_105.jpg)
...few minutes for us...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_104.jpg)
It wasn't easy to come here... no matter the cold, the tiredness...no matter to be hungry... we are here and we enjoy the moment...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_106.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_107.jpg)
OK, back to 'work' ;D the trailer is waiting on the deck for more games 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_108.jpg)
Oliver on approach...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_109.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_110.jpg)
This one will need some work :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_111.jpg)
This cabinet has been 'untouched' since the 80s... 'til today :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_112.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_113.jpg)
Amazing Arcade Life Style scene :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_114.jpg)
Hey, two girls on the ground?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_115.jpg)
What? Ah ok! They take the food order for all of us? Thanks Muerto! (no easy to understand him speaking to us, he is on the ground while we are still on the deck)...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_116.jpg)
Still on the deck, let's shoot my Condor... great condition as you can see :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_117.jpg)
-
A strange feeling ... all that space empty and lifeless for decades...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_119.jpg)
I feel like ... a forbidden place ... it's like I need a permission from ...someone?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_120.jpg)
I had to find a thing or a person?... and he was there, behind the door :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_118.jpg)
Thanks One-Eyed Willie... I promise that the games that you have kept so long are now in good hands.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_121.jpg)
I feel better now! He let us playing on his ship few more minutes... in peace ;) So rock'n'roll :-*
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_122.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_124.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_123.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_125.jpg)
The picture NOT to miss!!! :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_126.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_127.jpg)
I need some coins please ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_128.jpg)
What? You're closed? Ok, I'll wait on this chair until you open... no problem ::) ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_129.jpg)
We wanted to stay on the boat longer, but it was not possible. Anyway we are already extremely lucky ... thanks for your help on this -once again- Oliver :-*
Back on the ground, I'll check my Condor for the first time... I'm really happy about its condition :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_130.jpg)
On the negative side, there's no pcb.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_131.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_132.jpg)
Let's hope the Chrischris helicopter will fly again very soon :) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_135.jpg)
Almost all games are now unloaded from the 'Fun Boat'...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_133.jpg)
Some truck are really *full* of games, great to see that :)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_134.jpg)
An impressive 2 players cabinet : SUBS :shock: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_136.jpg)
And a real collector item : the jukebox who was located in the main arcade area!!! :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_137.jpg)
While the games entertained kids, that jukbox entertained ears! Let's see the songs list :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_138.jpg)
Hey, here is the first food I eat since more than 36 hours. Thanks Muerto ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_139.jpg)
An other piece of history from this ship :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_140.jpg)
Almost all games are now loaded in the trucks...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_141.jpg)
It's more than time to load our games too :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_142.jpg)
(the one in the middle 'Midway Boot Hill' is your, Ully ;) )
Loading of my Starhawk :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_143.jpg)
I also take off this TakeOff, for parts ... the cabinets and internal parts are the same than my Condor :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_144.jpg)
This is it... we all have our stuff inside our trucks... the picture that will be a major & historical one in the 'contemporary' arcade collecting scene 8) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_145.jpg)
(picture by Rav' ...so unfortunately not pictured here)
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
-
Before to leave the place forever, let take more pictures of the brave Duke...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_146.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_147.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_148.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_149.jpg)
Laying on the ground, a poor power supply brick...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_150.jpg)
Most of the collectors are gone now...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_151.jpg)
...but we cannot leave the place with to do a last farewell to the Duke...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_152.jpg)
...and for a brief moment, I can say : "I OWN THE DUKE IN MY HAND" :-* ;D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_153.jpg)
A last farewell from Chris...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_154.jpg)
...to the ship that won't be exist in less than few months :'( ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_155.jpg)
...so we really watch it 'for real' for the really last time...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_156.jpg)
...bye bye, Duke ... Duke of Lancaster...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_157.jpg)
Of course, I do this a last time :D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_121.jpg)
Around the boat... pieces of junk...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_158.jpg)
...and soon nothing more then the Sea...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_159.jpg)
Good bye Duke...
This isn't the last dance...
It's 12:47 UK time when we leave the ship...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_160.jpg)
...and it's gonna be a new long trip to way back... see the distance to drive back to the Chris home... and It will be ever worst for me :oops: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_161.jpg)
Chris 'Red Bull' powered...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_162.jpg)
Again, we need fuel! Also time for few pancakes, made by Darth Nunette ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_163.jpg)
Hey, did you notice? AdBLue... only £10.99 ::) :P ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_164.jpg)
"This pancake looks like the Space Invaders moon"... guys... we really need some sleep at this level :roll: :ghost:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_165.jpg)
Chat, chips, jokes, listening music... time flies...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_166.jpg)
I guess it's the Dartford Crossing here ::) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_167.jpg)
No sleep 'til home...
...and we finally arrive at the EuroTunnel.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_168.jpg)
The initial plan was to take some rest, somewhere in an hotel, after unloading the games from the boat (remember, still no sleep for us so far since the beginning of the trip), but it's not too late after all, and we are not so far from home at this point.
During a long road trip like, you have alternatively up & down times... we got the decision to continue to travel -without stopping for sleeping- during an 'up time' moment ;D
But when I reserved the Eurotunnel tickets, I thought we would be back Sunday morning, not now (Saturday evening)... so, once again, we are 'unattended' at the €uroTunnel... please pay a an other extra fee :evil: Do you want to continue YES/NO ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_169.jpg)
OK, Willy ... Because you offered us a great story...and also because you don't really have the choice.... Money Talks!
This time... customs are really curious about our truck...Drugs somewhere?
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_170.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/KingOfKong.jpg)
We don't drink, we don't smoke, we don't do drugs. We play video games...
"Hey... Space Invaders! Nice!" said one of them ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_171.jpg)
Once inside Le Shuttle, the usual inspection...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_172.jpg)
Ready to leave Le Shuttle... welcome in Europe! 8)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_173.jpg)
Gimme fuel, gimme fire Gimme that which I desire...
Yes... once again ... fuel stop...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_174.jpg)
Arriving at the Chrischris town... I thought it would never happen :oops: ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_175.jpg)
My initial was to unload one of my games from the truck, and bring it with me but I'm just too tired... it's late ... no sleep ... it's cold ...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_176.jpg)
See, it's 0:36am ... -10° C ... I just want to go home now... and sleep for two days :? :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_177.jpg)
...so the games will stay on the truck this nigh, and ChrisChris will store them a couple of weeks... thanks for that, man! :-*
And after a quick good bye, I leave my teammate for the last run of this journey! 2 hours to go before my bed... I see dead ships everywhere ... on the roads :shock: :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_178.jpg)
And here I am ... Home Sweet Home :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_179.jpg)
My wife was so worried about me that she waited my return... :oops: ... It's Sunday, 2:38am :shock: This road trip is officially ended! 8)
At the end of this Journey :
Belgium > France > UK > France > Belgium
1835 km driven on the road
100km under water (EuroTunnel)
Total elapsed 'road trip' time: 33h07min
Total elapsed time without sleeping : 43h30min
Willy 'one eyed' games we got back from the Fun Ship :
Starhawk / Cinematronics
Condor / Sidam
Take Off / Sidam
Space Invaders / Taito
Kiddie Helicopter ride
Cheeky Chics
Boot Hill / Midway
DECO/Data East Tomahawk 777
...but most important, a part of the "DUKE OF LANCASTER / FUN SHIP" history :-* :-* :-*
-
Sunday, the 5th of February / 5:00 pm
At the Chrischris place. Time to unload the games...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_1.jpg)
Shame on me, I'm even not there to help him :oops: Fortunately for him, someone else will help.
Here's the Take Off I got for parts only (similar than the Condor cabinet) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_2.jpg)
The ChrisChris 'Arcade way of life'... when arcade and apartment unite ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_3.jpg)
Hope you still have free empty space for more cabinets? ::) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_4.jpg)
Obviously yes ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_5.jpg)
...and it's time for Chris to bring back the van to the rental company, but also to give a bottle of champagne (or wine) to the employee who was waiting for us last Friday evening after his business hour. 8)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_7.jpg)
Cheers!
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Unload_6.jpg)
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
...and two weeks l8ter...
Wednesday, the 22nd of February, in the afternoon
Hi Chris! Please enter the Nuno's area ;D :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_1.jpg)
Let me guess what's inside the trailer? ::)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_2.jpg)
Hell Yeah! He brings me my two games (and half) : Condor, StarHawk and all the internal parts of the 'Take Off' :-* :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_3.jpg)
Let's unload the Condor first...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_4.jpg)
Just need a good clean ... and the board (still at Rav's place for examination of the board).
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_5.jpg)
Holy smoke, where to put that one... :oops: ... ok, one more cabinet inside the family house (WAF=WAF+1? :oops:) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_6.jpg)
Let's continue with the 2nd one : StarHawk...
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_7.jpg)
A good old beast! :o :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_8.jpg)
Massive, heavy, and not easy to move... welcome to the world of the first arcade games built! :oops:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_9.jpg)
That one will be too big for the house, after a terrible puzzling of few cabinets, it should be possible for my game room to 'host' that one too :P ... magical moment... StarHawk entering the game room :P :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_10.jpg)
OK, while we are here, let's plug few games for Chris ;D
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_11.jpg)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Lancaster_Duke_12.jpg)
Thanks to Chris for hosting these games until today, but also for bring them back directly at my place... you rock guy! :-*
What an adventure... few months ago, I watched the games pictures waiting on a ghost boat, and now they are here! 8)
Ok, next step will be the complete examination of the cabinets... I'll open a dedicated topic for each of them.
-
Yeah! Bring it on! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
-
I think i can all ready say:
(https://i.chzbgr.com/full/4216005888/hB3A7E585/)
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oh no, bring on those pics! i'm literally dying here ... ;)
-
Yeah, show the pics !
This is so cool !
-
My god, what a teasing. As muerto said, this journey appears to be already classified in the legendary topics of "arcade life style".
Can't wait, I'm still speechless.
-
Crazy pictures & video are coming ;) ...but due to the historical nature of this story, I prefer to write a nice story for you, instead ton of pictures with no comment at all :P
So please be patient a little bit more :)
ps : more stuff in the first 'slot' ;)
-
wow incredible tease and story :shock: :shock:
keep refreshing :D
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wonderful video segment, bruno! love the easter egg in the lower right corner ;D
-
Crazy pictures & video are coming ;) ...but due to the historical nature of this story, I prefer to write a nice story for you, instead ton of pictures with no comment at all :P
So please be patient a little bit more :)
ps : more stuff in the first 'slot' ;)
Love it so far Bruno, you are absolutely right !!! Arcadelifestyle as deep as it gets !!!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
-
absolutely love this theme, fantastic! :spaceace: it reminds me a little bit on my trip with ully in that sleepy beauty arcade hotel...
but this here is real much more GREAT!!! :o
-
Would love to see those pictures too.
Bruno, you're killing us, bring on the goodness! ;)
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Quality post, love it!
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Wow, great start of an unbelievable story of an epic adventure. It's very nice to learn more about the history of the ship, you've spend quite some time for this. :spaceace:
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This is brilliant Bruno! Keep it up!
-
Insane !!!!
you must see a doctor asap !!!
;)
-
;D
Well, still really tired today, hope to progress on the story tomorrow (just added few pictures in slot 2)... but need some sleep now (still in 'jet lag' mode today :oops:)
-
Stay tuned guys, because this is just the beginning: this is my most Unlucky/Lucky/Unlucky/Lucky road trip ever and it's great to read this saga here as a serial novel.
Wake up and keep writing Nuno!! ;) ;)
-
Geez 1600 km's of traffic jam ? I didnt even know Belgium had that many roads !! ;););)
It was "only" 850km in Holland. Then again, your trains are running without problems, while EVERY year the trains in Holland are one big chaos as soon as the temperatures dip below zero....
Jeez, This story remembers me of the time I was going to Ully with similar weather....luckily I could decide to turn back, but you guys had no choice !!!
I am enjoying every second of reading this!! Love the Love Boat bartender pic ;);););)
-
Can't wait to see the next part.
BTW Maybe you should write a book too. :-)
BTW2 I too was stuck in the 1600km trafic jam (at Antwerp).
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epic, epic, epic! wonderful details and write-up, i'm loving every second of it!
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Thanks guys... small update done ;)
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Wooooww Bruno what a thrilling story!!! :o
... but now I want to see the Doc Martens on your feet and in action :spaceace:
-
;)
Update of the story in slot 3! :) Next pictures will the ship :-* :-* :-*
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JEEEEZZZZ man, how did you guys survive !!! DEEP respect !! Arcadelifestyle HARDCORE !!! YEAHH>>> MORE MORE MORE ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
By the way that trailer seems to be for a ............ SHIP ! ;D ;D ;D (OK, a small boat ;))
-
One way i wish i was there in that adventure, on the other hand i am happy i was not there seeing all the stress and setbacks that where there.
RESPECT ! :spaceace:
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T for everything, guys! lack of sleep, lack of food, lack of sun and lack of good music :P
although the arcade gods were throwing one obstacle after the other at you, you've overcome the odds and made it there in time, your persistance really paid off. would have been a total bummer if you hadn't been able to get the truck or catch the train! i really bow before you!!!
this is the mother of all roadtrips - and the arcade part hasn't even started yet ...
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Great report so fare Bruno!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
Actually, i was on the ship to inspect my MC, and after i got it out to the trailer on the deck (the trailer we used for hoisting arcades down) i spottet something in the distance.......
(http://www.opdenkelder.com/muerto/arc/bcarrives.jpg)
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Excellent!
The two white spots in the middle of the windshield = our over tired faces ;)
But at this point we were so excited that we couldn't feel anything except that sweet vintage arcade smell.
Love the writing!!! I got goose bumps reading the euro tunnel part thinking we would really miss our slot this time ;D
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Wow, very exciting story so far! Amazing! Can't wait for the next parts :o :o :o
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Loving this road trip 'diary' 8)
I never new about this Fun Ship in Liverpool (wrong side of the pennines for me :lol:)
Do agree that fuel prices in the UK are a rip off though :evil: i have to pay that everyday :roll:
-
Went back to the car rental place today and brought our saviour a bottle of champagne to thank him.
He waited for me for more than an hour in a cold empty storage place on a friday evening...
...and without his good will and patience this road trip would have been "totally different" (meaning "sucked big time").
He told me that after I left, it took him 3h30 to get to his place (which is normally around 1h15 away).
So thank you again and have one on me Mister Lux ;)
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/~chrischris/arcade/renting_hero.jpg)
(arrow is pointing on the champagne bottle box)
... and while I was there I asked them to recalculate our renting costs in another way (extra kilometers instead of extra day) and saved around 100€ on the final bill ;) ;)
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chris, you really are one ofr the friendliest persons out there, great gesture!
btw, how long did the trip to the rental office take this time? :P
-
;D
30 minutes top!
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AMAZING! Heads off .... :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Best road trip ever (2nd Galaxian ofcourse).
Bring it on ...
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AMAZING! Heads off .... :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Really ?
(http://www.occasionalhell.com/infdevice/images/guillotine01.jpg)
How cruel !
-
CANT BE BOTHERED TO WAIT ANYMORE SO VIEWING THE PICS SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! ;D
-
I've just added a photo gallery over at ukvac
Covers pics of the boat tour, the machines and a second visit - plus Im starting to amass the unloading pic.. See them at:
http://www.ukvac.com/gallery/ (http://www.ukvac.com/gallery/)
Regards Ravster
-
You take GREAT pics Rav!
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
(love the "initial visit" folder)
-
... lack of sleep, lack of food, lack of sun and lack of good music... :P
Lack of good music? No way!!! That's the most important think to care about during a long road trip, even much important than food!
Well, at least for me (I'm musician / guitar player) ... Listen a full CD album allows you to enter into a kind of 'one hour time tunnel' ... listening few albums in a row, and you reach your destination in no time :P
During this trip... we enjoyed :
- Jimmy Hendrix 'Valley Of Neptune'
- Rihanna 'Rated R'
- Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy' (live)
- Marty Friedman 'Tokyo Jukebox'
- Avenged Sevenfold 'Nightmare'
- Dream Theater 'Chaos In Motion'
;D
Chris, tell them you enjoyed my music too? MMhhhhuuuu ::) ;)
-
I should finish the writing of this road trip by the end of this week (I'm no more in 'day off' since today). Fortunately there are now a TON of pictures on UKVAC :-*
But stay around, the story is NOT over here ;)
Sneak Preview ;) :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/BrunoGhost.jpg)
I feel like a ghost inside this ghost ship...
-
Since you guys are totally into ghost ships you might want to check out the new resident evil on 3ds, it's located at a cruise liner like yours (incl. casino) and pretty scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp47jJmGibM
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@Alpha, I bet those yummie Universal cabs were one of the main triggers to embark on this feat! :o
Cheers,
Marco
-
During this trip... we enjoyed :
- Jimmy Hendrix 'Valley Of Neptune'
- Rihanna 'Rated R'
- Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy' (live)
- Marty Friedman 'Tokyo Jukebox'
- Avenged Sevenfold 'Nightmare'
- Dream Theater 'Chaos In Motion'
;D
Chris, tell them you enjoyed my music too? MMhhhhuuuu ::) ;)
Poor, poor Chris ! I feel for you my friend !!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Poor, poor Chris ! I feel for you my friend !!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
:D same here!
-
;D
Actually it's really far from what I usually listen to (almost opposite) but I'm always curious to discover new sounds and much to my surprise enjoyed a good part of this selection.
Maybe it's because after having worked in the music industry for almost 10 years, I learned to find something for me in every style or possibly it's also because as we say in french "hungry stomach has no hears". :D
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*bump* :P
-
Now gentlemen, be our guests inside the truck for the final approach in a video... available in slot 4 (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45739#msg45739) 8)
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Totally love this !
Excellent story !
-
I'm crying!
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First part of the 'unloading process' in pictures, now available inside the 'slot 4 (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45739#msg45739)' 8)
-Enjoy- ;)
-
nice bruno, but i still haven't seen a pic of "my second baby" - i'm dyig to find out about its condition.
btw, did ANYONE take a good photo of that superultraueberrare atari splash?
-
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_84.jpg)
:spaceace: Great taste 8)
(http://www.ukvac.com/gallery/var/resizes/dol-trip2/bt2-045.JPG?m=1328533705) (http://flashpass.redirectme.net/steve/ArcadePics/SidamExplorer.jpg)
The side art on that Sidam Explorer is so great! Always been fascinated by it ever since I saw the Bishop of Battle segment of Nightmares :lol:
-
New video and pictures available in slot five (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45740#msg45740) ;)
-
that helicopter ride is cute, chris, unfortunately the windscreen is broken, so you have to be careful when flying around. do you have any idea whether it is working or not?
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Nice video and nice chiptune :spaceace:
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Exceent report so far Bruno, what a trip!
Funny enough, exactly a week ago i was on my way home with my cargo, and so where you.. Still glad you drove home se same day and in one piece!! True spirit!! :spaceace:
-
thanks guys :) More pictures now available in slot 5 (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45740#msg45740). 8)
-
i'm happy that you were allowed to come aboard, someone on ok-vac said that noone was allowed to enter the ship except oll, rav and their little helpers. honestly, i would have been disappointed if i hadn't been able to at least explore the ship for a few minutes. how long were you actually on board?
and where's my "second baby"? ;)
-
...and a new load of pictures in the slot SIX (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45741#msg45741)!
The goonies rulez ;D
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Fantastic !
Great that you guys where able to go onboard also!
-
Great greatgreat, but where are the pics of that Atari Splash !?!?!?!?!?!?!?
-
Great greatgreat, but where are the pics of that Atari Splash !?!?!?!?!?!?!?
i've already asked the new owner of the atari splash for pictures, but he didn't take any pics of it either - at least not yet :-\
-
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_142.jpg)
(the one in the middle 'Midway Boot Hill' is your, Ully ;) )
yes!!! i'm happy that i got the most beautiful game of all: look at the sideart - immaculate condition. bezel, marquee and control panel aren't bad either. ;) have i spotted this correctly that the back door is missing?
btw, you guys are total posers - look at those pictures on top of the ship ;D
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The more you read, the more amazing it gets! Great report!
-
Farewell to the Duke on slot seven (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45742#msg45742)...
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Great greatgreat, but where are the pics of that Atari Splash !?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Here's one in France:
http://www.gamoover.net/Forums/index.php?topic=14455.0
Seems to be an Atari license of Exidy Crash.
-
Here's one in France. Seems to be an Atari license of Exidy Crash.
cool! thx man, never seen that cab before.
-
Great greatgreat, but where are the pics of that Atari Splash !?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Here's one in France:
http://www.gamoover.net/Forums/index.php?topic=14455.0
Seems to be an Atari license of Exidy Crash.
Thanks, great find !!
Yeah, the BW era was where every company had the same games.....probably not licensed.
Still.....very interesting machine because there is nothing available on the net about it. The reason that there is now a 2nd one in Europe would lead you to think it _might_ be a Euro thing only BUT Atari didn't have the Irish factory at that time.....
Would be interesting to know if there are type plates with "made in" on them....
-
wow
amazing
(*read in low speaking movie promo voice*)
an abandonned ship
an untouched arcade
a crane
one eyed Willy
a diet of crisps only
BEST.ROADTRIP.STORY.EVER
I wish I was there to witness it. Awesome story :shock: :shock: :twisted: :twisted:
-
Thanks, great find !!
Yeah, the BW era was where every company had the same games.....probably not licensed.
Still.....very interesting machine because there is nothing available on the net about it. The reason that there is now a 2nd one in Europe would lead you to think it _might_ be a Euro thing only BUT Atari didn't have the Irish factory at that time.....
Would be interesting to know if there are type plates with "made in" on them....
There was one in the UK known already (Archer had it last time i heard of it recently) , and now this other one has turned up.
I had a look at the first Splash years ago when it surfaced, it uses a bootleg crash pcb, and was made by Atari-France. It appears that Atari-France were into licensing as well as bootlegging. Atari-France was not an office of Atari as you may think, it was a company in france that set itself up and virually paid Atari to use the name and handle their french operations, almost like a franchise...
In my book, it was a bootleg, but 'licenses' of games in the 1970's often dont carry the hallmarks of licensing that was done from the 80's onwards, ie there is no mention of the original manufacturer or any markings, and the pcb is a copy not a real pcb as you might expect.
I have seen another cabinet that was a conversion but it had an atari-france badge on the back, but the game was originally nothing that atari produced. One day i might find the photos again, not sure what happened to the cabinet.
Still, Atari Splash is an interesting anomoly, and i know the new owner, he lives about 20mins away from me, so i'll get some good pics when I visit him to get my cabinet that came from the Ship :) Sadly i was in Fiji at the time the unloading happened so was unable to meet you all, but i have been sitting on a nice selection of photos from our first trip last year of the rest of the internals of the ship...
enjoy
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A cool info ! So I was right about it being a Euro thing :)
So far I only knew about Atari France because of their jukeboxes, but indeed the Splash game was from the same era.
Another indication for me that it could hardly be a US game is the title. I mean Splash is not a word an English speaking person would choose for two CARS crashing into each other since Splash is something you do in water...generally.... ;)
O-o-o-o those naughty Frenchies.....bootlegging....with the Atari name on it ....... t-t-t-t-t ;) ;)
So great they did those things, because for me these weird/rare machines are the little candy drops in this hobby :)
-
...and end of this Epic Tale in slot seven (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45742#msg45742) 8)
I must admit I'm almost as tired to write this report than done it last week! More than 200 pictures, few videos, special effects... one week of work! ... and I'm not even paid for that...ZZZzzzZZZ :oops: ;)
Ok, the last task will be to write an 'epilogue' 8)
Anyway, I hope you liked that Epic Tale :P
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_Fun_Ship.jpg)
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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I loved every minute of reading it !
Thanks for sharing ! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!! fabulous report, bruno, with some fantastic ideas. one of my favorite pics is this one :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/Duke_Of_Lancaster/Duke_Of_Lancaster_RT_178.jpg)
it pretty much sums up the whole trip!!!
now it's your turn, chris, show us some pics of all the babies in your storage and one with your son sitting inside that helicopter! :)
btw, i think your galaxian theater roadtrip is still my #1 roadtrip of all times because of the sheer craziness involved. nothing will ever beat The Ship though for its unique outstanding location!
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I intentionally didn't comment this roadtrip until now, I wanted to see the whole story first. :D
Hard to say anything, that was not told before, it is the greatest arcade story and most exhausted roadtrip ever in a superb report. :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
I can imagine the feeling, when you walked on board and sat on those chairs where people had fun more than 30 years ago, it is simply unbeliveable.
This was your 2nd UK roadtrip together in the past 2 months, I'm also really happy that you could steal tons of cabs from that island. ;D
Well done guys, you made arcade history, hope to see you in the news when it will be more public. ;)
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What an adventure. A long journey, exploring an abandoned ship, getting those arcade machines... wow! I had a great time reading this road trip report. :spaceace:
-
Thanks Guys! I'm happy having this TITANIC report done... oh... almost done... still have to write an epilogue and also publish pictures of the games unloaded at the ChrisChris location, the day after... so stay around ;)
-
Awesome Story! ;D
-
One word: A M A Z I N G ! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
-
This is totally an epic road trip! I enjoyed every second reading it and starring at the pictures! You must have been really tired, but judging from the pictures, it must be totally worth it! I love locations like this! And then all these rare machines! It's like a time tunnel straight back to the seventies :)
Many many thanks for sharing this and for the great write up!
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Epic ... in every way. Maybe someday I will be part of such a story, too. I think the chances are getting worse but I still dream of the barn full of cabs to haul. ;D Thanx for sharing!!
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This is so cooolllll!!!
What a trip. Congrats with the catch :)
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OMG what a roadtrip
i loved evry minute of reading it
in one word EPIC
-
Fantastic topic thread : thanks nuno ;)
-
Brilliant read Bruno & Chris,totally Awesome read,kept me reading and waiting for days!!
Thx for sharing,it was good to meet you guys at Long last too.
cheers
phil
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Bruno !!!
This adventure (because it REALLY was an adventure !!!) could be one of the most colossal "cabinet recovery trips" ever seen !
I'm sure you all should be able to find and recover a pinball inside the submerged hull of the Titanic !!!
Maybe Omero could have wanted to say something about it in his Iliad and Odyssey... and even Kubrick in hi "TwoThousandsAndOne", but in that case, the "Monolith" is ONLY mine ;) :D !
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sSvZHxwFffI/TGW7n2Jgf1I/AAAAAAAABnQ/UFqZ-svavRA/s1024/MacsMONOLITHcab_01.jpg)
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This must be the greatest roadtrip report ever! Kudos for saving all those games. :spaceace:
-
"The ship from the classic 1980s TV series The Love Boat has been sold and may end up on the scrap heap." (http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/love-boat-may-become-scrap-metal/story-e6frfq80-1226298053574)
Wasn't there an arcade room in there? Oliver could you double check please? ;)
-
Added few more pictures (courtesy of ChrisChris) : unloading the games at a temporary location, let's say the ChrisChris storage? ::) :P
Direct access right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45743#msg45743). 8)
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...and my two cabinets are finally here. Thanks to Chris 'The Belgium Delivery Man' to bring them back at my place!
Direct access right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=3346.msg45743#msg45743). :)
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great effort by chris! and that stahawk seems to be in fabulous condition. curious what a closer inspection is going to reveal ...
-
great effort by chris! and that stahawk seems to be in fabulous condition. curious what a closer inspection is going to reveal ...
That WHAT???? ;D ;D ;D ;D (hehehe)
-
Hi guys,
This week-end, I had a deal with Kidicarus who had some NES consoles left for me. We had to meet at the house of Chris, and I had the opportunity to meet him. I have rarely meet someone with so much passion for the world of the arcade, and would like to thank him for his hospitality and the very nice moment we could share. Most of all, he showed me the storage place where "some" of his cabs were stored. I never thought it was possible to put so many cabs in these rooms, but every one of them made me dream: these Space Invaders, some Pac-Man here and there, a lovely pair of Out Run, motherboards everywhere, a Vectrex lost between the roof and a cab, flips and cocktails, if lights were turned on, I could misunderstood with the cave of wonders of Alladin! ;)
Thanks Kidicarus and Chris for this great moment! :wink:
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Crazy Roadtrip !
Just in case, I may have, if my memory is correct, a japanese full plastic glass for the taito Space Invaders, in Spare.
Maybe it can help the guy who had taken the broken one.
Amazing to see the protective case on the glass of the Centipede too !
All best
-
@Wil2000: thanks buddy, you're welcome anytime and next time I even promise to plug at least a game for you (if I can reach the plug).
@GuerreFroide: I happen to be the lucky owner of the SI with a smashed bezel. Man the guts of this machine are VERY clean, I have a good hopes that it could be easy to restore. I'm very interested in the bezel of course, I'm located in Belgium, let me know if you find it back. MANY THANKS!
-
@Chris: don't you now own 2 space invaders? Wanna get rid of one? ;D ;)
-
I will eventually sell one for sure but not until September/October.
You'll be the first one to know if you're interested. I will definitely keep the one from the ship for sentimental reasons :)
-
I will eventually sell one for sure but not until September/October.
You'll be the first one to know if you're interested. I will definitely keep the one from the ship for sentimental reasons :)
I totally understand that! :spaceace:
-
Plus it has a very special kinda marine smell!
-
Haha! I bet! - what aboutb the helicopter, have you got around to fix the rotor??
-
I will eventually sell one for sure but not until September/October.
You'll be the first one to know if you're interested. I will definitely keep the one from the ship for sentimental reasons :)
Cool, thanks! ;D
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Haha! I bet! - what aboutb the helicopter, have you got around to fix the rotor??
It's buried under tons of other cabs and I can't really reach it at the moment :oops:
... but from what I read on the net the kiddie ride "technology" hasn't change much, is really reliable and often easy to fix.
"86% of all breakdowns are due to a coin jam, and 10% due to the ride not being plugged in" (from kiddyrides.uk.com) ;D
The hardest part to source will be the yellow plexiglass windshield, I 've already contacted some companies but the piece is really big and it's often a problem for them. DIY vacuum forming is also very difficult for such large parts so I'm still searching.
-
Call these guys, I hear they know a bit about heli's:
http://www.sikorsky.com
We drove past the factory last year while were on holiday....
-
thanks for the tip, email sent to Captain Murdoch.
-
chris,
a guy on ukvac joined to say he used to play on the ships arcade when he was a child in the early 80's. He found this picture from his parents holiday photo books. It's your helicopter :spaceace:
-
Also the train too.
-
How cool is that ! He should come over to make a new pic when it's restored ! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Did they have more pics of the arcade area ? It's so stupid, we never ever thought about taking pics in arcades b.i.t.d. :(
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a guy on ukvac joined to say he used to play on the ships arcade when he was a child in the early 80's. He found this picture from his parents holiday photo books. It's your helicopter :spaceace:
hwo incredibly cool is that? :o
-
chris,a guy on ukvac joined to say he used to play on the ships arcade when he was a child in the early 80's. He found this picture from his parents holiday photo books. It's your helicopter :spaceace:
that's pure magic! Wow, thank you (and him) so much!! :spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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Really nice, makes the story even cooler!
-
DUKE OF LANCASTER SHIP REBORN
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum3/black_duke_1.jpg)
An Abandoned Cruise Liner docked off the North Wales Coastline, has been brought back to life over the last month, with some intricate street art murals created by some legendary street artists – and it has now been confirmed that more works are set to come from other international artists over the coming weeks, in a bid to transform the landmark into the UK’s largest open air art gallery.
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum3/black_duke_2.jpg)
Watch the video :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum3/black_duke_3.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lxGFOxRD7ao)
Source : DUKE OF LANCASTER SHIP REBORN (http://www.dudug.co.uk/index.php/duke-of-lancaster-ship-reborn)
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An other video :
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum3/black_dude_4.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IgbWlXoHkGo)
:ghost:
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At least something happened with that poor ship, I really hate graffiti though :-[
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... just had a really nice flashback reading through this topic again, whats the most craziest is that its 14 months ago now!!!!
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Damn! It reminds me I still own you a burger! :P ;D
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... just had a really nice flashback reading through this topic again, whats the most craziest is that its 14 months ago now!!!!
funny. just talked with superully and chrischris about this story a few hours ago. :)
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ChrisChris, check this out : KIDDY RIDES HELICO (http://www.ebay.fr/itm/KIDDY-RIDES-HELICO-machine-a-sous-/111038501711?pt=FR_YO_Jeux_Jeux_JeuxCafes&hash=item19da69134f#ht_527wt_883). For parts maybe? Auction ended with no seller...but maybe still available?
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Coooool thanks!!!!!
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FIFTH ANNIVERSARY! :-*
Need again more of these! :P
:spaceace: :spaceace: :spaceace:
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Haven't seen this thread until today, pure awesomeness! Saving a bit of video game history :D
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How do you start on something like this?
Are there tips or tricks to find something like this.
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As a good start you get a pair of boots, a helmet, a sword and a lucky charm. :lol:
I have read this thread atleast five times, and everytime I really wish it was a film... pure awesomeness
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WOW. Amazing trip. Amazing condition of the cabs in such a piece of junk. 8)
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Drone footage done in 2017 :
SEE ON YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9xL7_N6O3k)
No more tag / new paint!? :o
New plan in progress for the ship?
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Drone footage done in 2017 :
SEE ON YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9xL7_N6O3k)
No more tag / new paint!? :o
New plan in progress for the ship?
I saw the post on UKVaC too, and checked the video out - looks really nice, but imagine they will refurbish the ship :o that would take a lot of time, and the cost will be huge!!
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...and the ship is back to life! :o :arrow:
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/forforum4/dukezombies.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=167&v=msUcY_49-fo)
A Zombies experience!
- 2.5 Hours (approx) of award winning immersive entertainment.
- Fully up-gradable weapons.
- Set across this iconic abandoned ocean liner, never been open to the public before - The Duke of Lancaster
- Weekend packages available.
- Upon survival photos with cast and crew!
- Film realistic SFX zombies
- Limited tickets available!
- Maximum teams of 18
- 18+ Only
Synopsis :- “The undead tell no tales on this virus voyage ”
The 4,450 GT TSS Duke of Lancaster awaits you and your team of undead explorers. The ship is full of infected, untouched for years, they'll be strong and hungry... Intel suggests that this location could be the hub of recent rebel activity in the unquarantine zones. You'll need to learn quick, gain access and explore deck by deck to uncover the answers Harvertech are looking for. This one isn't for the fainthearted."
Can you believe your eyes!? Exclusive to Zombie Infection comes a once in a life time opportunity to immersive yourself in our zombie universe on this incredible turbine steam ship. Believe us when we tell you that this is not only an incredible place to visit, but also that it is the ultimate zombie experience location. Multiple decks, rooms, cabins that are locked in time and completely unexplored. All of this mixed with hours of immersive entertainment being chased, challenged and instructed by our award winning cast means you'll need to grab your tickets fast and join a VIP selection of Zombie Infection patrons who have had the chance to step on board!
We are also delighted to offer a small selection of late night VIP packages (Launching late October) to includes the following:-
- Late night experience as above with free weapon upgrade
- One night stay for two in local accommodation
- Post experience food & drink
- Private late night Ghost Tour
- Souvenir Zombie Infection gift pack
Link : https://zombieinfection.rezdy.com/266358/holywell-the-ship-age-18
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Wow, cool 8)
I have already gone through 2 of those Walking Dead live experiences but I think this is even more....frightening :spaceace:
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I have already gone through 2 of those Walking Dead live experiences
You are living in a dangerous neighbourhood, man!
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well...maybe you made similiar experiences with undead Romans? ;D
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Today, it's the 8th anniversary of this legendary road trip 8)
To do something special, here's some video clips I found on my HDD...It's raw footage, un-edited, no cut, in french, and not everything is very interesting but I thought it would be fun(ship) to publish them anyway for this occasion. Here we go ->
(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/news/dukelost.jpg) (https://youtu.be/TFgezVMyx6E)
Great memories! :-*
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This story just keep on giving! :D :D :D :D
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:)
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Still epic !
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9 years ago yesterday..... damn time flies.
Any of you still have your games?
I still have the Missile Command.
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Well I didn't have time to give love they deserved, so my Star Hawk is now gone to a famous Atari collector in France while my Condor went to another famous collector in Italy.
What a journey for these cabinets! 8)
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i still have the tomahawk which i started taking apart last year. goal is to turn it into a multi-deco!
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11 years today - damn time flies!
But the memories remains, what an event to be a part in!
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11 years today - damn time flies!
But the memories remains, what an event to be a part in!
Totally agree! I'm a little sad such stories doesn't happen anymore! :-\
To be honest the story (and especially in this case) is far more interesting than the cabinets themselves...
But yeah, memories remains :)
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I mean - My feeling is that even when this amazing story took place, by that time stories even on a smaller scale were growing few and far between...