The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Mods => Stern => Topic started by: swinks on January 21, 2013, 09:40:39 AM
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Ever since this game came out, I have been amazed of the poor attention to detail of this part in this game.
I have been wanting to do a mod but don't have a game and there are none local to inspect - as it is calling for a mod.
edit: 8-2-13
What I was thinking was a 3D print ABS black plastic authentic looking civil cannon would be perfect, but after getting dimensions and doing a few sketches it was deemed that people wanted it to look realistic in which a 3D print could not achieve due to what had to be housed and still be kept to scale. Therefore I had the thread moved out of my member location to the general Stern mods section and cleaned up to represent the new direction of a great solution from a member here.
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Got a shaky phone video of the canon movement here.
Hope it is of some help.
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Attached are some measurements as a guide.
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Yep defiately need a replacement very piss weak effort on the original design
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Best of luck with the baby Swinks #*#
On the Cannon mod, is the Cannon you have in mind like the one on the album cover of " For those about to rock" ? !@#
With the wagon wheels
See attached photo...
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Cannon would need to look authentic so American Civil War vintage would be the best.
What you need to realise is that the mechanism and wiring take up the bulk of the space.
An idea would be to paint some MDF model cannon/wagon wheels found on ebay. I noticed they sell for $2 each and would look neat in AC/DC colours. The trick would be to make an authentic cover which looks like a real cannon.
Also need to be aware that space clearance is critical especially on the right side because of wiring and ramps.
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I Have attached more accurate measurements once the canon plastic was removed.
The plastic is very cheap quality and the paint was stuck to the metal assembly and had to be prised off.
You can see on the photos around the screw holes where paint is coming off.
IMO the best mod would be spoked wheels of diameter 2 - 3 inch and a canon replica cover over the top.
Something like this
http://woodcraftparts.net/Wheelspages/MetalSpokeWheels/212metalspokewheel.html
or this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WAGON-CANNON-WHEELS-2-Inch-Diameter-Alder-small-wooden-toy-buggy-carriage-/150730279763
could be painted.
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Just bought the last $10 cannon toy on ebay from a particular buyer.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=320858057820&index=2&nav=SEARCH&nid=25811902107
The length is too long but I will try and cut the front barrel part to sit on rotating mechanism and the rear legs to be fixed above the right sling.
The left wheel should be OK as is because it is the ideal diameter of 2.5 inches. The right wheel will need to be fixed and probably modified due to wiring and space restrictions.
I like this toy because it is light plastic and will not cook the gun motor.
If this works, it will probably go down as the cheapest ACDC mod.
If it does not work, I will not cry over $10.
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Well I got this cannon in the post today.
$10 sure beats the $65 that Stern charges for the cannon cover. Now the trick will be to modify the toy cannon so that it sits nicely on the assembly.
The packaging is all in Chinese so it is very difficult to get the manufacturer details. The one bit not in Chinese says ML-189 Artillery. A check on Google tells me the canon was used by Missouri State Militia Cavalry (Union) between Dec. 1861 and April 1862. I think the style is perfect for AC/DC.
I need to think about this mod before rushing in as there is a fine tolerance needed to allow the assembly rotation. At the same time, tne canon would need to look as one piece when stationary.
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I think that is a good potential solution, maybe remove the rhs wheel and it can be the spare if the lhs wheel is smashed. interested to see the results.
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Well I got this cannon in the post today.
$10 sure beats the $65 that Stern charges for the cannon cover. Now the trick will be to modify the toy cannon so that it sits nicely on the assembly.
The packaging is all in Chinese so it is very difficult to get the manufacturer details. The one bit not in Chinese says ML-189 Artillery. A check on Google tells me the canon was used by Missouri State Militia Cavalry (Union) between Dec. 1861 and April 1862. I think the style is perfect for AC/DC.
I need to think about this mod before rushing in as there is a fine tolerance needed to allow the assembly rotation. At the same time, tne canon would need to look as one piece when stationary.
Good luck with this idea . Looking forward to seeing how it turns out
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A guy from the UK has the same idea and has fitted modified cannon. I checked the post on Pinside.
Some Chinese supplier will be wondering why his model cannon sales are shooting up.
http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/acdc-cannon-mod-1
This guy has removed the right wheel and cannon rest.
As I said earlier, this $10 toy is just the right size and should be a hit with the mods.
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here's that photo, looks the goods to me.
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here's that photo, looks the goods to me.
Looks very effective and you can't beat the price ^^^
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I ordered one of these myself today. Looks the goods. Its apx $30 aust delivered via paypal if u go via the UK seller, or its apx half if u go via the chineese company via China. UK listing below for those that dont trust chineese companies etc on ebay but most are good, most of the time.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321007208620;jsessionid=1C0641145E99C8E668934795E02BF8D8?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D321007208620%26_rdc%3D1
or ebay item number 321007208620
[ Invalid YouTube link ]
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The ebay link I gave earlier in the thread was a Chinese seller. The cannon was $10 and postage was$2. Goods arrived in about 1week.
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thread moved into the mods section under the Stern Category and cleaned up to represent the direction as my suggestion can't compete with this solution. Going off the video that is awesome, just needs a painted bracket over the coil and spring and you have a much better AC/DC cannon.
Can't wait to see your revision Freiherr
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I ordered one of these myself today. Looks the goods. Its apx $30 aust delivered via paypal if u go via the UK seller, or its apx half if u go via the chineese company via China. UK listing below for those that dont trust chineese companies etc on ebay but most are good, most of the time.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321007208620;jsessionid=1C0641145E99C8E668934795E02BF8D8?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D321007208620%26_rdc%3D1
http://offer.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBidsLogin&_trksid=p4340.l2564&rt=nc&item=321007208620
Hehe...10 sales in 2 months and then 25 in one day. &&
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I noticed that, he probably will jack the price up lol
another one
$7.49 free shipping worldwide.
http://www.pandawill.com/120-scale-military-artillery-with-cannonball-toy-p55378.html
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I love this.... some random guy in China knocking out models of cannons that noone wants until someone sees the product and modifies it to suit an ACDC pinball.
Next thing he knows.. business is booming and he has no idea why westerners suddenly love his cannons.
Funny stuff
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I love this.... some random guy in China knocking out models of cannons that noone wants until someone sees the product and modifies it to suit an ACDC pinball.
Next thing he knows.. business is booming and he has no idea why westerners suddenly love his cannons.
Funny stuff
What gets me is how good the dimensions of the cannon are. Its as if this guy from China knew how crappy the Stern toy was and he made one to measure....it is perfect width, length and height.
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I noticed that, he probably will jack the price up lol
another one
$7.49 free shipping worldwide.
http://www.pandawill.com/120-scale-military-artillery-with-cannonball-toy-p55378.html
Just ordered two just in case I stuff one up lol
Peter
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Ha ..BB gun ,customs are going to love these once they get wind of it....buyer beware
but a great mod none the less
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I noticed that, he probably will jack the price up lol
He did, it is now $784 for a cannon. I can see him now frantically emailing his supplier in China trying to secure stock to fulfill the orders.....
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Just ordered my cannon.
Anyone going to post the best way to fit it? I see on youtube someone has done it.
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Just ordered my cannon.
Anyone going to post the best way to fit it? I see on youtube someone has done it.
I am not totally happy with the current mod. You can still see the bare mechanism underneath. I am working on a cover on which the cannon sits. This will add more possibilities such as cannon balls on top of cover behind the cannon and maybe some wording on the side of the mechanisms such as "For those about to rock" or maybe a small tribute to the great Scot.
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here is some installation instructions for this mod
utoplay=1&rel=0
from a pinsider
http://www.pandawill.com/120-scale-military-artillery-with-cannonball-toy-p55378.html
Price lowered $.01 because they "saw better price". Also here is a coupon code (that works ) that takes 5% off of your order. $7.12 including shipping is hard to beat.
PANDAFORYOU5
I'm expecting a delay on shipping because of the seemingly month long Chinese New Year. I'm in no rush. I don't even have an AC/DC.....yet. As good as this mod looks and as cheap as the cannon is...I can't imagine having one and not installing this. Buying one now save me possibly searching for one in the future.
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Hope my canons make it to oz cause its a great mod very easy to fit.
Peter
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I cant get the Panawill site to work. When i click add to cart it still shows Empty cart !*!
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I cant get the Panawill site to work. When i click add to cart it still shows Empty cart !*!
Sold out wont be anymore for 6 weeks.
Peter
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I cant get the Panawill site to work. When i click add to cart it still shows Empty cart !*!
the guys said on pinside that you still have to pay a $1.60 postage and then it works - still a good deal.
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I cant get the Panawill site to work. When i click add to cart it still shows Empty cart !*!
the guys said on pinside that you still have to pay a $1.60 postage and then it works - still a good deal.
True but there also saying the supplier has sold out due to high demand lol
My payment went through but I haven't received an email yet, I'm not holding my breath.
Peter
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The seller i paid apx $30 to for a couple of them is only asking about $800 each now..... &^&
Various people have emailed me saying they have reported him to ebay, but i am not sure if it will do any good ??.
Its his right to charge what he wants, but ebay may have a rule which says u cant increase the price by 10 million percent in a certain time frame ?
I have a feeling, someone put in a order for 100 of them which is why he has no stock left and has jacked the price to insanity.
Luckily, I recieved a email apx 2 days before the pricing went thru the roof saying mine had already shipped and i got the postage track number from their verssion of the govt post office already. If i recieve my 2, and anyone gets stuck and cant get one, I am happy to onsend the spare one. ^^^
If mine arives, I will update the thread.
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Hahaha - it seems I got the last order through before the price jack. Poor guy who bought it at the insane price. He probably just clicked through and followed the bouncing ball before he realised.
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The seller i paid apx $30 to for a couple of them is only asking about $800 each now..... &^&
Various people have emailed me saying they have reported him to ebay, but i am not sure if it will do any good ??.
Its his right to charge what he wants, but ebay may have a rule which says u cant increase the price by 10 million percent in a certain time frame ?
I have a feeling, someone put in a order for 100 of them which is why he has no stock left and has jacked the price to insanity.
Luckily, I recieved a email apx 2 days before the pricing went thru the roof saying mine had already shipped and i got the postage track number from their verssion of the govt post office already. If i recieve my 2, and anyone gets stuck and cant get one, I am happy to onsend the spare one. ^^^
If mine arives, I will update the thread.
HaHaHa!!! Once again... the Chinese showing us just how to make capitalism work to its best.. too funny.. Sterns lack of finish is this mans ticket to the high life.. cracks me up!!
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here is a response that I got from Sue the UK ebayer:
Hi, thank you for your email, it all went a little crazy on Friday as everyone of our customers was from Australia and we sold out within 2 hours. Hence the silly price, we are awaiting new stock. Kind Regards sue
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Well I have finally made a prototype and as far as looks are concerned, it looks like it has seen some battles with mutilated limbs and war scars. My intentions were to reproduce the mechanism cover without the top hump and then attach the cannon to the top of the cover. I was not keen on doing the UK version of spray painting the mechanism and leaving bare solenoids in view.
For the cover, I used original Stern cover measurements, minus the top hump, and used light cardboard. I then pasted a gold colour envelope cut out onto the cardboard and then on the left and top pasted an apron card cutout as shown on photo. This was then laminated with 250 micron laminate. This stuff is pretty thick so I ran it through the laminator 4 times untill the apron card colours look vivid.
The laminate was then folded and the screw holes cut out to match the mechanism. As you can see in photos, I used original 4 screws to secure the cover.
The canon underside between the wheels had to be trimmed as this is secured to the modified cover. I also had to reseat the left wheel slightly lower as it was getting stuck to the glass. The rear end of the cannon is totally mutilated on this prototype as I was playing around with best seating position. I will do another one later with all in one piece.
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More photos from different sides.
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excellent. looks good.
a flashing red LED/light on the cannon when it activates would look awesome, like the cannon is firing. I will have a play and see what wiring possibilities it has. Should be straight forward.
the UK seller has sold some cannons at the $500 + figure, 3 different people ordered at the very very high price. wow ! *!@
r***r( 528) Design: 1:20 Cannon Ball GBP 514.99 x2 11-Feb-13 02:57:44 AEDST
f***f( 659) Design: 1:20 Cannon Ball GBP 514.99 x1 11-Feb-13 02:16:51 AEDST
r***m( 308) Design: 1:20 Cannon Ball GBP 514.99 x1 09-Feb-13 00:03:33 AEDST
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Your version of the mod turned out great ^^^
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Guys, the mod will come up good on a video. I will take some when I get some time.
In regards to the lighting, an interesting observation is that the existing lighting really highlights the cannon well, much better than the original cover. The red flasher to the right of the cannon lights up and reflects off the whole side as the cannon sits right next to it. The flasher goes on or pulses when the cannon is ready for action.
I think the apron and playfield led strobes could probably do more to enhance the cannon shots but this is something that LS could program in a software upgrade.
I found the cannon barrel is helpful in aiming for the targets and my shots are now 95% hits. The other day I hit a 98 million bonus cannon shot, definitely not one to miss.
The other thing you notice with the mod is when the ball loads, the cannon gives a slight shudder due to the ball weight. Never noticed with the original because it did not have the long barrel. Kind of looks good every time the ball loads, I actually like the cannon shot more now.
Like I said earlier, this mod is more of a prototype to test for robustness, fit and playability. So far it has worked well after about 50 games. As is, it is much better than the standard cannon.
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Ha ..BB gun ,customs are going to love these once they get wind of it....buyer beware
but a great mod none the less
Hah, I took note of this as I was eyeing a beautiful James 1841 cannon for my BIB LE topper. I thought this being a metal replica, I better check with customs so as not to get in trouble with the law. Anyway, here is their response:
Dear Freiherr,
Thank you for contacting Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
If the Cannon is not able to fire any projectiles it is not controlled.
However, if it can fire projectiles it is controlled and permission to import is required.
If it does require permission, what permit is need will rely on what the cannon actually fires.
Yours Sincerely,
Somsay M
Customs and Border Protection Officer | Customs Information and Support Centre | Cargo Service Branch | Cargo & Trade Division
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Customs House, 10 Cooks River Drive, Mascot NSW 2020
P: 1300 363 263 | F: 02 8339 6713 |
So, as it turns out, the metal cannon kit that I want to import for my topper is clear with no restrictions as it does not fire projectiles.
HOWEVER, the plastic model Chinese cannon which is sold out on ebay does fire little plastic projectiles. Technically it would require custom clearance. !)# !)# **&
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My gold Cannon arrived from the UK seller apx 4 days ago but just remembered to update.
I was supposed to get 2 x of them, but only 1 x cannon came with a note that the other 1 x is on back order.
It looks good, and I reckon it will work out really well after a few mods like others have done.
**I think I might do something extra to mine, and I have a red laser pointer in mind (seen something similar used on the Next Generation Pinball cannons on that star trek pinny).
Will update when i get around to fitting and playing with a few extra cannon mod ideas.
Go AC/DC Pro. ^^^
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My gold Cannon arrived from the UK seller apx 4 days ago but just remembered to update.
I was supposed to get 2 x of them, but only 1 x cannon came with a note that the other 1 x is on back order.
It looks good, and I reckon it will work out really well after a few mods like others have done.
**I think I might do something extra to mine, and I have a red laser pointer in mind (seen something similar used on the Next Generation Pinball cannons on that star trek pinny).
Will update when i get around to fitting and playing with a few extra cannon mod ideas.
Go AC/DC Pro. ^^^
civil war canons with lasers? Sounds like a michael crichton novel in the making <.>
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Finally got a few of these in after waiting awhile,I would of been pissed if customs had stopped them because as a BB gun they dont even work.
After checking out what other people are doing to fit these and what has been offered on Pinside I decided to see if i could get the whole cannon to fit rather than cut half of the body and leg away as I wasn't to keen on fitting it like that and didnt like the look of it.
The one in the pics is my first attempt and seems to fit ok,plenty of dremel work on the cannon and a few washer here and there under the ramp to lift it up a tad,but it fits.
What I found to be the way to tackle these is to split the cannon in half,2 screws and cut the end of the barrel off(glue that on later)then remove the whole cannon assembly from the machine and work on it at the bench,I started with the side you see and picked up the same mounting hole that everyone else is using as this seems the best spot for clearance on the leg underneath the ramp .
I plan to paint the original steel satin black but still tossing up to use and finish off painting this one or start again knowing what bits to cut off the next one
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0269.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0270.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0272.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0273.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0271.jpg)
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Great work ratbag. ^^^
I'm still waiting on mine to arrive from China, apparently posted on the 26th Feb? ^.^
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They do look great mine shipped on 24/2 so hopefully not to far away.
Peter
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I plan to paint the original steel satin black but still tossing up to use and finish off painting this one or start again knowing what bits to cut off the next one
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Mate, I reckon you should use another colour rather than satin black, reason being is that it will blend too much with the cannon and not make a point of it.
Possible a matt red or whatever is in the line of sight on the table when playing?
I think you want it to pop as it looks really cool ^^^
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Gold with black accents
or
Black with gold accents
or Completely chrome (this sounds the best)
or Red with black n chrome accents
*Time to get out the airbrush and play with a few i reckon.
Does anyone have the latest n greatest link to order more of these cannons at the best purchase n shipping prices ? the UK seller is still crazy $$.
The link will help other members who want to order one, or a spare .......
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Painted up and fitted,I reckon the people selling these already painted up and modified on Pinside have made a mistake by cutting half the mounting base off ,these things are flimsy and will need all the help they can get to stay together
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0275.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0276.jpg)
(http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss128/truckrepairs/IMG_0277.jpg)
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That looks great ratbag, nice work fitting.
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Great job! That looks awesome, like the colour choice as well. ^^^
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Great job. Best finish I have seen to date. You made a $10 toy look $100. Should send Stern mod designs.
I noticed you rewired the canon mechanism and also had the old cannon sticking where the screw holes are, the mat black paint looks good, did you remove canon assembly to spray?
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Nice work Gibo. Looks good. What about a timber finish on the wheel spokes? although the red does stand out well. ^^^
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Great job. Best finish I have seen to date. You made a $10 toy look $100. Should send Stern mod designs.
I noticed you rewired the canon mechanism and also had the old cannon sticking where the screw holes are, the mat black paint looks good, did you remove canon assembly to spray?
Thanks for the kind words,
no didnt rewire the cannon just removed the whole top assembly , the coil needs to be removed first to get it off,i found it easier to make it fit on the bench first,yes some of the original artwork had stuck to the housing this only seems a problem on LE's and very early run machines
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Cant believe the prices on ebay for the $10 Chinese cannon toys.
Now $929.95 and they sold 29!?!? WTF!?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/191240932696?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=107&chn=ps&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F705-139619-5960-0%252F2%253Fipn%253Dicep%2526icep_id%253D62%2526mtid%253D1797%2526kwid%253D1%2526crlp%253D40593704497_573061%2526icep_item_id%253D191240932696%2526itemid%253D191240932696%2526icep_meta_categ_id%253D1249%2526icep_etrs%253DY%2526icep_epid%253D-999%2526icep_ctlg%253D-999%2526icep_cond%253Dnew%2526targetid%253D78459360097%2526rpc%253D0.44%2526rpc_upld_id%253D48644%2526device%253Dt%2526icep_cbt%253Dn%2526icep_msku_flag%253Dn%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526srcrot%253D705-139619-5960-0%2526rvr_id%253D828073148128
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I wouldn't believe the ebay stats @ those prices. Something tells me they are just downright made up by the seller or have been manipulated somehow.
No one in the universe is that stupid the pay those prices for something worth $10 originally.
I bought a few spares after my first one from a different seller and $10 turned into $24.
They are sitting amongst all my pinball crap somewhere.
I saw something similar recently at Toyworld for under $20.
I am sure another ebay seller must have something very similar for very low numbers $ given more than one Chineese company would make them ?
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Old thread but still worth it if you don't have one.
Anyone want a cheap cannon mod?
Took about 6 hours of searching but I found a seller. They take ages to send them and don't come with packaging but arrived for me.
Merry Christmas!
http://www.tmallbox.com/consumer-electronics/13892-120-scale-military-artillery-with-cannonball-toy.html