goreds2
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I am thinking about buying a pinball machine for the house.
Does anyone own or have owned one? (or know someone that owns one)
I have seen a single player machine at an indoor flea market in town but that would defeat the purpose if I have company and 2 to 4 players want to play. I would probably opt for a multi-player model. Although with the single player machine, I guess you could play one person at time, write down the score and have the other person play.
The two older models I have seen, the price is reasonable ($350-$400). They both work. I saw online where those machines sell for around $2000 so they seem like a good investment and would not decline in value.
The other thing would be to find someone who could fix these if broken down.
Here is a picture of the single player machine I saw at the indoor flea market yesterday. (not the actual one)
See Picture In My Profile
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msmith1199
Central, CA
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Don't have one but I wouldn't mind having one in the house. I think my wife would object. The thing I always wondered about pin ball machines, is when you look at them they have a lot of moving parts. All the bumpers that move and the paddles and the stuff that shoots the ball back out. A lot of things to break and I bet nobody is making parts for them anymore. If something breaks you may have to have spare parts fabricated. But I wouldn't let that stop me from getting one.
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G7ARYM
Somewhere on the road
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If you are in need of a very large, nice looking plant stand a pinball machine will fit the bill. They are great fun when in working order but require lots of upkeep due to the moving parts and what looks like miles of wires. Had one in my folks rec room for years which was good for many hours of family fun. But, without lots of help from a local shop who knew these machines someone new to them would not be able to keep one going. It's like a boat, find a friend with one, bring the beer and help him enjoy it.
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fchammer1
FL, PA & points in between
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Bought a dual(two) player in the late '80's for $125 from an amusement company serviceman who rebuilt and fixed them up as a hobby. Had to call him for service about every 2-3 years, but his charges were reasonable. Had it for about ten years and then humidity did it in. Sold it back to him for $125.
IMHO -- Go for it! (In case anyone is wondering, a dart board took its place.)
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Crowe
Billerica, MA USA
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We have a 60's vintage electro-mechanical machine. Maintenance is hard because parts for older machines are very difficult to come by. I'd check around and see if there's a shop that can maintain it for you or at least get parts if you are mechanically inclined.
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camperforlife
Midwest
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I had a 40's era Humpty Dumpty that I think I ended up having more money in it than my '65 Porsche 356. Pick something like the Addams Family, Kiss or one that has been very popular to keep the cost down. Do a search on e-bay for pinball parts and it will give you a good idea of what parts are available for the game you are interested in.
Since you are from Ohio, this guy may be of some help with electrical repairs.
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jetboater454
No Idea
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You can make your own.
Pinball machine
"If momma not happy  ....Who cares.I have my TH AND my toys  .
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LindaAnn
Columbus MS
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Never owned one, but the picture took me back many years--my uncle, who was only about 10 years older than me, would take me to a local diner that had a pinball machine. We spent many happy times there.
I would think if you want it, buy it--it would probably be a lot of fun and if you tire of it, I'll bet the re-sale value would be good.
What I've always wanted is an old-time Jukebox!
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AKsilvereagle
North Pole, Alaska
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I too would love to own a pinball machine, I just do not have the room in my residence.
Looks like that Big Ben machine pictured is a Williams manufacturer from the design.
Parts would be an issue after time goes by as my friend dealt with that, she owned an Evil Knieval pinball machine (older led solid state) in her garage (she ran an assistant living facility at her house) as we all stopped by in the late hours to play that machine...All the electronic whizzes and vending machine techs kept that machine going by customizing a few parts or restoring the original components that could not be found for a direct replacement, as they are nice to own and keep you occupied.
I used to hustle on those pinball machines in Hollywood back in the early 1970's while hanging out in the arcades, as there were very few machines I could not master or conquer.
If anyone plans to visit Las Vegas in the future and you have the love for pinball, I highly recommend stopping by the Pinball Hall of Fame as they have many pinball machines that not only work, you can play them ! (solid state and old mechanical ones).
That place is the bomb as I spent nearly all day there while it brought back many memories playing a half dozen of the old machines that were my favorites, as pinball never gets old for me... seen they relocated on Tropicana near Spencer since I last visited.
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Jim Shoe
Amelia, OH
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Camperforlife,
Since I live in SW Ohio and have always wanted a pinball, I contacted Doug and will go to his shop this week. He has a few that are in various stages of repair. Since I already have a 45 RPM Juke Box, I know the importance of having a contact for repairs before buying. Just trying to relive my mis-spent youth.
Thanks for the tip.
Retired and visiting as much of this beautiful country as I can.
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