Breaking Pinball News! (warning - long post)

[studley67]

playboy 60th aniversary

[Pintoxicated]

OK what machines were built in '75, '85 or '95?

All the very best with the project.  I hope you succeed where other Aussies have failed.  

The kit idea sounds interesting.  Just a thought but perhaps you might consider different levels of kit e.g. beginner and experienced.  It would be a shame for your machine to cop a bad wrap just because a Noobie couldn't put the machine together properly and either damaged your reputation or the machine.

Again though Mike, all the very best with it.

[Homepin]

OK what machines were built in '75, '85 or '95?

All the very best with the project.  I hope you succeed where other Aussies have failed.  

The kit idea sounds interesting.  Just a thought but perhaps you might consider different levels of kit e.g. beginner and experienced.  It would be a shame for your machine to cop a bad wrap just because a Noobie couldn't put the machine together properly and either damaged your reputation or the machine.

Again though Mike, all the very best with it.

Intention with the kit is flatpack cabinet, all electronics assembled and tested including wiring harness - all mechanical assemblies built and tested.

Basically assemble the cabinet, screw in the boards and assemble the parts to the playfield.

All of this could change as things progress however.

[Strangeways]

This is really exciting, and from a technical standpoint, there is not better qualified person to succeed in such and undertaking than yourself.

The most important part of your idea is the "father / son bonding". I can speak from experience that this will be the BEST aspect of the project. Your son might not know it now, but he will be grateful for everything he learns from you (I know my father did the same), and I spend as much time with my son teaching him about pinball. For a 9 year old, he knows a lot about games - as in the names etc.. No matter what the outcome, the journey will be the most rewarding.

I'm keen to follow the progress, and who knows, the first "Homepin" might be my first NIB for many years.

Good on you Mike, the interest in pinball is increasing and it might be time to ride the wave !

[ddstoys]

Wow Mike this is unbelievable news an Aussie building Pinballs in quantity Wow

  Can't wait for updates on this one. 

    Best of luck mate

[Freiherr]

Mike, your idea has crossed my mind several times (fantasised) over the past couple of years. You and your son have proven that you can take the first steps to reality by your Chinese ventures. I congratulate you both on your drive and enthusiasm.

I would certainly buy your flat pack with several criteria in mind.
Keep it simple.
Stick to proven themes and playfield designs. Maybe some research with pinball enthusiasts for ideas.
Artwork and style execution need to be spot on.
Component quality is a must.
The price point has to be enticing.

If you go ahead, you would be one of the first with such a concept and with current economic climate, onto a winner.

[Pintoxicated]

OK what machines were built in '75, '85 or '95?

All the very best with the project.  I hope you succeed where other Aussies have failed. 

The kit idea sounds interesting.  Just a thought but perhaps you might consider different levels of kit e.g. beginner and experienced.  It would be a shame for your machine to cop a bad wrap just because a Noobie couldn't put the machine together properly and either damaged your reputation or the machine.

Again though Mike, all the very best with it.

Intention with the kit is flatpack cabinet, all electronics assembled and tested including wiring harness - all mechanical assemblies built and tested.

Basically assemble the cabinet, screw in the boards and assemble the parts to the playfield.

All of this could change as things progress however.

Cool, sounds good.

[Homepin]

Some have asked me when I will announce the theme - here are a few more details:

***************

I will announce the theme as soon as the contract is signed. I received this email this morning so I am guessing sometime next week (fingers crossed):


Hi Mike

Fabulous news! Thanks for confirming. I can confirm that all of your additional points are fine to be included in the deal.

I have looped (name) in, who will raise the documents and send across for your approval soonest.

Regards




For info: one of the points that I insisted on was the ability to supply LICENCED spare parts for the life of the machine even though my agreement has an expiry date. They have agreed to this...

This prevents the idiotic situation we see today where you can't (easily and legally) get some parts for Addams Family, Dr, Who and many others.

I am confident that this theme will make a few other "pinball manufacturers" sit up and take notice - I believe it is BRILLIANT!! (even if I do say so myself  )

[coon82]

Wow, very exciting news.

Great concept and couldn't agree more with the sentiment shared by everyone so far. Well done on a forward thinking idea...very promising for pinball and collectors. I'll be watching this space with interest.

[pinball god]

Hey mike got a fantastic idea. Produce a shitty magazine type pinball book which comes with one piece of a pinball. As you collect all the editions you make yourself a pinball. Just think after spending $3.2M you end up with a pinney  or like in most cases you end up missing a mag or two and end up with a pile of crap 

Seriously i think your concept is great and will work with enthusiasts in the very least.

[pinnies4me]

Mike and I have discussed his theme - and while I can't say anything until things are formalised, can I say that it is perhaps one of the best licensed themes I could think of, ready set for pinball - can't wait for this to be announced!

[andtan]

This sounds great, can't wait to see what the theme is

[Pintoxicated]

Any thoughts on making your own mods Mike?  I would imagine there would be huge potential in this area.

[Freiherr]

Wow, watch this space, can't wait!

A wild guess, "The Voice"

Art and graphics would be nice with reds, blacks, blues and deep shades.
3 toys around upper playfields as the judges with their backs to the player.
Player sings better by achieving objectives and one to three judges turns around. Player hits the judge of choice and sets himself up for next ball. Grand Champion becomes the Voice.

Whatever the theme, I will be waiting with anticipation.

[swinks]

licensed......

now to work out: movie, band, tv show, car theme (ford, holden), suitable for the world scene.....

very exciting Mike