Tommy Prototype Pinball

[tonyt]

Tommy is such a great game imo. Would love to play the prototype - very different to the final production version. I would guess that this pinball would have the most differences between the prototpe to final of any pinball produced.

The prototpe has:

- 3 extra pop bumpers
- chimes
- different targets
- no spinners
- plastic ramps instead of metal
- shaker motor
- other differences

[MartyJ]

I really miss my Tommy.  Was a great game and one of the only pinballs well actually about pinball (sort of).

The chimes - I think they are just sounds which on the normal production version come in on certain modes.

[pinsanity]

From IPDB:

"10 pre-production prototypes were made for promotional use in conjunction with the off-Broadway productions. These prototypes had six pop bumpers. The game made it's debut at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas in October of 1993, one of these games fell off the truck and was destroyed."

[tonyt]

Some additional information on the prototype

http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/chimes.html

Forgot to mention in my original post that the prototype also had a bigger plane on the playfield which dropped bombs (balls) during certain modes.

Have just installed a pinball pro sub woofer kit to mine, makes a massive difference, well worth the $'s

[andtan]

Yes, I miss my Tommy too As soon as I have enough cash I'll be on the hunt to replace it.

tonyt, I'll have to get some info from you regarding the mods / upgrades that you have made to your Tommy - as a bit of inspiration

Oh, and if you could throw in some photos, that would be great too

[MartyJ]

Some additional information on the prototype

http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/chimes.html

Forgot to mention in my original post that the prototype also had a bigger plane on the playfield which dropped bombs (balls) during certian modes.

Have just installed a pinball pro sub woofer kit to mine, makes a massive difference, well worth the $'s

WOW.  The one in the vid sounded exactly the same as mine...But thats very cool.  One of the best playing D.E's..

[Strangeways]

I really miss my Tommy.  Was a great game and one of the only pinballs well actually about pinball (sort of).

The chimes - I think they are just sounds which on the normal production version come in on certain modes.

I was surprised you let yours go, Marty. Tommy is a great player. I think it does not get the credit it deserves. Gunners, Jurassic Park and TFTC seem to be the more popular DE titles, but Tommy plays as well as all of those three. I also think Tommy has the best artwork package for any DE.

[Pinprick]

Restored a Tommy for a mate a few years ago, played it over & over.
I reckon it's seriously underrated, not just one of the best DE's but of all machines.
That prototype is really very intesting - SIX pop bumpers no less!
The ONLY disappointment I found is of course the shit "Broadway" music.
If some genius could produce a sound module so we could record the real & ballsy Who on it - we'd have a world beater IMO.
Likewise, sad to see it go when it went home.
Then the cnut sold it (for a profit) soon after - f**k I was infuriated  

[tonyt]

tonyt, I'll have to get some info from you regarding the mods / upgrades that you have made to your Tommy - as a bit of inspiration  

I have not started the restore on Tommy, enjoying playing it too much. The only visual thing I have added is a topper. Not a big fan of toppers generally, but think Tommy's really suits the game. Have not been able to find an original topper, so purchased one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x200mm-Stainless-Steel-Pond-Garden-Decorative-Ball-/320777466312?pt=AU_Decor_Furnishing&hash=item4aafd3b1c8. These are 8 inches in diameter and from what I read, the originals were 7.5 inches - so pretty close .