Arcade Collecting > Pinball
Other home model pinball machines
ed12:
thk-u ken
ed
Pinball Wizard:
Ken, don't take this the wrong way because I'm ecstatic, but why have you taken such an interest in the home model pinballs? Rather, why has it taken this long for ANYONE to get interested in them?
Ken Layton:
Because these machine have been neglected, written off, so to speak. Cast off like bastard children. There has been tons of stuff written to repair all the commercial machines and they are pretty much covered for repair information. However, there is a complete *void* of information regarding the home model machines. If you Google the home models you'll find that there is very very little information out there.
I think because of this lack of information, it causes these machines to be ignored and their value goes down to zero. I feel that getting some repair information out there these machines can be brought back to life and improved and get played again. Also, since there were many shortcuts taken during the manufacture of these machines to keep price down, I feel they are ripe for experimentation and mods!
Those early Brunswick machines like Rodeo, Skate King, Demolition Classic, and Super Star would make great machines for someone who wanted to design their own custom machine or wanted a machine to "soup up". The developer of the Pinball Mind replacement board has mentioned that he can make an adapter to connect it to the Brunswick Alive and Aspen machines and probably the Mattel Las Vegas machine too. With all the advanced features, sounds, and diagnostics of the Pinball Mind board, that would really jazz up those machines.
Pinball Wizard:
Makes sense Ken, again, I wasn't prosecuting you, more just curious what makes you tick, I guess.
Ken Layton:
Machines like the Fischer "Skyhawk" and the Sentinel/Wonder Wizard series could easily be modified with Gottlieb System 80 pop bumper driver boards like Steve Kulpa did with his Gottlieb Joker Poker.
I would like to develop these mods for the home model machines regardless of manufacturer:
Lighted start button.
Replace the existing ball shooter assembly with a Williams shooter assembly.
Install an access door (smaller than a coin door) so you can open up the door and toss in/grab a manual, etc.
Install normal plumb bob tilt assemblies in machines that had that stupid "ball-and-chain" tilt.
Install normal flipper coils in machines that did not have them (Skyhawk for example).
In machines that had those silly metal rings/springs to complete a circuit through the metal ball, replace those with conventional slingshot switches, pop bumper skirts & spoon switches.
Add light sockets and beef up the general illumination circuit. Many of these machines only have FOUR bulbs to light up the whole playfield!
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