Congo - Mods

[swinks]

first mod is more or a functional rather than for looks.

This part was designed to strengthen the base of the VUK chute that sits within the volcano of the Williams Congo Pinball. The metal chute has 3 lugs that allow the chute to be fastened to the playfield and on my machine one lug had cracked so now it had a weak point. This support cradles the 3 base lugs and the screws still go through them as well as putting some slight pressure around the chute base as it tapers in towards the chute bracket. This pressure then stabilises the chute better and reduces the chance of a lug breaking if it hasn't broken yet. Apart from white you can select a volcanic colour like yellow, orange or red but it can't be seen underneath the volcano. I hope this helps either stabilising the chute if a lug is broken, cracked or prevents a chute mounting lug from breaking. This is a cheaper option than purchasing a new chute when they are available.

For installation the Congo Pinball Volcano Chute Base Support slides over from the top and will be firm as it is tapered on the inside as it needs to apply pressure to the bracket for stabilisation. once located simply screw down into place so now any vibrations due to the ball shooting up and hitting the top bracket will now be reduced therefore not loading up the 3 mounting lugs.

It is available at Shapeways if you want to protect you VUK chute.
https://www.shapeways.com/model/2189393/congo-pinball-volcano-chute-base-support.html?modelId=2189393&materialId=62

[Hashman]

Hi Swinks. My Congo shoots balls out of the volcano like a mad man. They go everywhere. Doesnt really worry me but I thought it was supposed to shoot out to the closest wireframe. Would this mod of yours fix this? Is this a common problem?

Dave

[swinks]

To be honest I did not play many games as I decided to strip and shop out. If you take the glass off and see if the chute moves by feeling the top of the chute at the tip of the volcano then possibly the chute base strengthener could be beneficial. f there is movement it could contribute to random ball travel paths. I do plan to do a yellow or red chute tip to both strengthen the flap but also direct the ball consistently to one location.

[swinks]

This is a protector that is not seen once installed and sits under the plastic that sits under the jump ramp. The jump ramp plastic is one that is commonly broken due to the ball being flipped from the mid playfield lhs flipper when shooting under the volcano when the ball catches a little air and knock the plastic probably at it's thinnest and weakest point.

The protector plastic is one that has a few features designed in to protect the congo plastic, including a cut out around the front scoop so not to stress the congo plastic and crack it from bending up, and it has 2 drop down reinforcement sections that sit either side of the SS ball diverter piece which keep both plastics straight and to reduce twist stress on the 2 only mounting points. On the playfield side the drop down extends out to support all the plastic and is scalloped to allow a ball to still pass through but strengthens up this weak point if there is a impact. The protector plastic also has 2 holes cut out allowing light to shine through and light up the gorillas faces. Lastly at the back of the plastic is a mini post so you have 2 options on install: 1 is to mount the mini post to the congo plastic as usual and the protector plastic has a recess so everything still sits flush or you install the screw through the protector plastic and the congo plastic and tighten the mini post - which firms up the congo plastic and protector plastic now securing at 3 points instead of 2 and reduces the risk of cracking.

It must be noted that the part was to big to qualify for the polished finish so a matt / grainy finish is only available but since it is not seen this won't be a issue. This has been test printed and fitted using a 3D home printer and the Shapeways option will look better.

http://www.shapeways.com/model/2798649/congo-jump-ramp-plastic-protector.html?li=aeTabs

photo 1 - typical broken plastic
photo 2 - protector in place
photo 3 - congo plastic in place
photo 4 - under support

[Strangeways]

Very good design. i like the way the light disperses through the two holes.

[swinks]

a few more parts are now available for the Congo from Shapeways, in which some more detail about each part can be learnt from the linked parts

https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinkscongo

[swinks]

green spirit level for the Congo in which is a similar green (though the flash lightened it up a little) to the apron.

[swinks]

here is a hippo mount that is designed to suit the Schleich brand figures (Schleich brand Hippo - part number 14681 - heaps on ebay for around $10)

The bracket simply screws in using 2 of the screws in the timber side rail. Best to print in the blue and the foot cups are like water splash simulations and then put 4 dabs of silicon glue on the feet and press the hippo into the mount and leave it to dry and then mount into the game. Some people have located the hippo on the ramps but I feel this causes ramp breakages as the hippo is a little weighty and this location does not obstruct play while looking cool and with the shape of the mount the inserts can still be seen.

[swinks]

just finished a thorough shop out and during the process the backboard needed a new decal so I thought I would add some lighting at the volcano so added a insert, and used one of my colour selectable rgb boards. With the rgb board you can switch off the light altogether or select from 7 colours.

[pinball god]

Very creative mate well done

[oldskool1969]

Would love to play a CONGO as it appears very sought after!
Nice work again el Duderino. 

[swinks]

Very creative mate well done

Would love to play a CONGO as it appears very sought after!
Nice work again el Duderino.  

cheers guys, just finished a thorough shop and plays nice

[Strangeways]

Would love to play a CONGO as it appears very sought after!
Nice work again el Duderino. 

It is the new "CFTBL".

Great work there Jady !

[Caveoftreasures]

I always thought Swinksy you were talented and your design and engineering skills were top notch but this thread has utterly convinced me you are extremely professional and as good as anyone in the world at design and engineering.

I was absolutely blown away by the detail and thought you have put into these parts. It's not just one amazing part you have designed but half a dozen plus.

A company like Stern or JJP would snap you up in a heartbeat and hire you if you lived in America.
It's like you have been designing pinball stuff all your life.
I am impressed by your talent and dedication. You are a asset to the pinball industry and hobby.

I am glad you own Congo. It's a title I miss badly. It's such a dam cool Pinny and so much fun.
It's a title that has climbed well in value in the past few years and not easy to find in great condition.
I hope it brings you fun for years. Your mods are so well thought out. It must have taken you a lot of time to do them all. Well done Swinksy.

[swinks]

I always thought Swinksy you were talented and your design and engineering skills were top notch but this thread has utterly convinced me you are extremely professional and as good as anyone in the world at design and engineering.

I was absolutely blown away by the detail and thought you have put into these parts. It's not just one amazing part you have designed but half a dozen plus.

A company like Stern or JJP would snap you up in a heartbeat and hire you if you lived in America.
It's like you have been designing pinball stuff all your life.
I am impressed by your talent and dedication. You are a asset to the pinball industry and hobby.

I am glad you own Congo. It's a title I miss badly. It's such a dam cool Pinny and so much fun.
It's a title that has climbed well in value in the past few years and not easy to find in great condition.
I hope it brings you fun for years. Your mods are so well thought out. It must have taken you a lot of time to do them all. Well done Swinksy.

thanks for the compliments Cavey, much appreciated, I just enjoy designing things for pinballs trying to avoid tacky and ensure it has a purpose and try to compliment the game (don't always succeed there as it is a matter of personal taste)

Heighway offered me a job and the door is still open but with my daughters health issues I decided to stay in Aus as the job would of meant moving to Wales.

As for the Congo it is possibly going to another AP member as I will be starting a custom pin soon.