I arrived back home at 1am this morning so apologies for a late post.
I have to say it was an event that opened the eyes of a LOT of people. Mostly ordinary families having a day out, lots of mums who seemed to be quite happy that 'little Johnny' was having a great time and for such a small cost - and all to a good cause to boot.
I'm sad to report that I only sold $92 worth of S.I. posters and bumper stickers towads the cause but I guess every bit helps.….
Hats off to the organisers, simply one of the most polished efforts I have ever seen - and I've been to a lot of events where 'professionals' were paid very large sums of money and the result was often pretty half baked. Perfect venue - perfect number and quality of machines and brilliant promotion of the event. It just shows that you can't buy success like this, you have to have a passion for it.
It was great to meet so many forum members from both AA and AP and great to talk to so many people who had made up their minds to buy a machine after attending. Many 'newbies' asked me about spare parts and I was happy to put their minds at ease about the availability. It was good to catch up with my mate from Brisbane - Gav (Retropin). We had tables next to each other and shared a room (separate beds thankfully) and a rent-a-car which eased the cost burden a little.
It was astounding just how many people walked in and said "I've had a pinball in the (insert out of the way place here - garage etc) and it hasn't worked for years - I thought I was the only person who owned one". They were able to get contacts for parts and repairers over the weekend so I'm sure we will see a few new faces popping up in the near future.
I spoke to so many people I had lost my voice by Sunday night (some would say that was a good thing). There was a huge mix of people from all walks of life and not one single harsh word between anyone. One young fellow came back in after we had closed up on Sunday and thanked us for putting on the show - "I have been trying to convince my girlfriend to let me buy a pinball, after today she wants a Playboy (Bally) - I couldn't get her off it!"
Another moment was a bit scarier - a large, hary biker type came up to me and grabbed me demanding to know where the owner of the Junkyard was (it had a for sale sign on it) - "I've been tryin' to ring the bastard but he doesn't answer his phone - I NEED to give him this money before someone else buys the machine". All worked out well, they hooked up and he bought it!
Probably the highlight for me was chatting with David Hankin and telling him that I was going to re-create boards for Hankin pins - he said "that's great" so I guess that's about as good an endorsement as you can get. I was also chuffed to win the signed Orbit Backglass even though EB stitched me up (you know what I mean Greg) - all for a good cause and lucky my wife knows I only paid $50 for it (wink).
Anyway there can be no doubt that I will be back next year (if invited) with an even greater range of boards and, you never know, I might even have a few surprises to show off by then now that the industry has been released from the death grip of the past few years (subtle dig at a certain EX rights owner).
Some pics from my camera in no particular order:
Dan "the man" and myself - thanks for the free T-shit Dan, but it didn't make it home????
This shirt is GREAT!
Furby made the trip from Sydney on both days, such is the dedication........
There were a few 'bodgy' repairs - don't bother looking for a nut driver - these pliers will do
The EM's needed a little bit of love but were VERY well presented and were a big hit 
Even Tony from the Pinball Shed came along (could have sold 20 machines if he had them there)
The kids just LOVED this EM baseball game. Every time I looked across at it there was a different kid playing it - girls & boys
Left to right: David Hankin, yours truly, Bruce (from AMD) and Norbert
and the highlight for me - gas bagging with David Hankin and receiving his approval to make Hankin repro boards.
Those who weren't there - you missed out, BUT if you came along you probably wouldn't have been able to get in the door - hahaha
