Greetings from Texas

[TJR2D2]

Greetings All, My name is Tommy.  I currently live in San Antonio and have been a video/arcade game fan for as long as I can remember.  I grew up in Rhode Island and used to love going to the neighborhood corner store, bowling alleys, and of course the Arcade to play my favorite games.  I miss those times, not so much for taking all my money, but the games.  Consoles are great, they just are not the same experience or feel as a real, dark, blacklight lit, glowing carpet arcades of not so long ago. 
I am here to look for help in both acquiring and building for a "small" arcade in my house.  The wife has given me the green light, so I do not want to waste any time!  (You all know what I'm saying?)
Any and all help would be great.  Where should I start looking; What should I read, who can help, who should/shouldn't I talk to, etc. 
thanks for having me and I look forward to hearing from you all.

[pbj]

If you're in the Houston area, join the Houston Area Arcade Group on Facebook. 

 

[PL1]

Welcome aboard, Tommy.   

Where should I start looking; What should I read

One great place to start is the FAQ.

Bad news: The wiki is still down from the server transfer last year. 

Good news: The Internet Wayback Machine has a backup.
https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20160809113045/http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ

There's also lots of good stuff in Project Announcements.   

who can help, who should/shouldn't I talk to, etc. 

You'll know them when you see them.      


Scott

[TJR2D2]

If you're in the Houston area, join the Houston Area Arcade Group on Facebook. 

 

Thanks PBJ.  I actually live not too far from Houston.  I am in the San Antonio area and do not mind making a trip that way to learn, buy, trade, etc. 

[TJR2D2]

Welcome aboard, Tommy.   

Where should I start looking; What should I read

One great place to start is the FAQ.

Bad news: The wiki is still down from the server transfer last year. 

Good news: The Internet Wayback Machine has a backup.
https://web-beta.archive.org/web/20160809113045/http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?title=FAQ

There's also lots of good stuff in Project Announcements.   

who can help, who should/shouldn't I talk to, etc. 

You'll know them when you see them.      


Scott

Thanks Scott. I appreciate the info.  I look forward to learning all I can.  With the green light from the wife, I wish to get started as soon as possible, but without of course breaking the bank.  I will check out those places you detailed right away.  Thanks again and I am glad to be on board!  I feel welcome already!

[pbj]

I got a buddy in Schertz that's an avid pinball guy.  If you go to one of his parties you'll meet a lot of area folks quick.  I'll pm you with his contact details.

In the Houston area you need to check out the Game Preserve and Lone Star Pinball Museum.  Not much on location in San Antonio, sadly.

[TJR2D2]

I got a buddy in Schertz that's an avid pinball guy.  If you go to one of his parties you'll meet a lot of area folks quick.  I'll pm you with his contact details.

In the Houston area you need to check out the Game Preserve and Lone Star Pinball Museum.  Not much on location in San Antonio, sadly.

That would be great! Thank you very much! 

Yeah, San Antonio is definitely lacking in the area of pinball and arcade machines.  There are the Chuck E. Cheese's, and the like with some small scattered arcades which are okay, but not to my liking. 

Which is why I want to make my own and hopefully purchase my dream machine...a Tron Arcade!!