Well I just got back from a trip to Melbourne and I have to say I didn’t realize how crap WA drivers were until I experienced how you guys drive over there.
The main reason for the trip was a wedding I was MC-ing but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see most of the major pinball players in VIC.
My first stop was “The Pinball Factory”.
I had some reservations about going to see Wayne after all the stories I have heard but I have to say straight off that I went in there and took up two hours of the guys’ time talking about all things Pinball and he didn’t have a problem with it in the slightest.
I couldn’t believe how much of a nice guy and how accommodating he was.
He gave me a tour out the back to see his progress on the Medieval Madness machines. I even got to see his art department and one of the new translights being made, cool as.
Next stop was “Bike City Warehouse”.
This was another place I had reservations about. I mean, Bikes and Pinnies, what a weird combination.
My reservations were completely unfounded of course.
They have quite a few old wood rails in various condition and states of restoration.
I’m not a huge fan of woodrails but I can appreciate the history and it was amazing to see several Humpty Dumpty machines in the same place.
Once again I experienced some Victorian hospitality as Robert, the owner/manager there, showed me his workshop and probably the best Circus Voltaire I’ve seen, another nice guy.
For a place whose main business is bikes, he had a lot of great pins.
“Bumper Action” was next on the list.
These guys have a lot of very cool old stuff. Their pins are a little more expensive than some other places but that Victorian hospitality shone through again.
I have to say a big thank you to Tim at Bumper for taking the time to have a chat with me about all things Pin and for showing me upstairs where customers usually aren’t allowed. I reckon he’s the nicest bloke I met the whole time I was in Melbourne.
Thanks mate!
Pinball Spare Parts Australia was the last but not least place I visited.
I’ve met Mark a few times now and as always he’s happy to have a chat and show you around.
Man what a change from the last time I was there. Parts everywhere! It’s almost like a Pinball department store.
A big thank you to Tim, Nadine and the guys for putting up with me and all my questions for several hours, I really appreciate it.
I just wish I’d prepared a list of stuff I needed so I could have gone shopping.
I didn’t leave empty handed though as I picked up a nice brass lockdown bar for my TotAN.
Thanks again to all mentioned, I had a great time.
I’ll be back.
