....By way of introducing myself .... I played a lot of pinball between the years 1963-1968 in particular. I began collecting pinball machines in about 1990. I still have the 'Sweethearts' that I bought from Mike Shalhoub; this was my first. Since then I have learned some things about restoring electro-mechanical machines. With my wife's invaluable assistance with artwork and colour matching, I've restored many machines over the years. My collection was bigger years ago, but I began to run out of room. Some of the great machines I've had include 'Spot A Card', 'Buckaroo', 'Bank-A-Ball', 'Bowling Queen', 'Gigi', 'Top Card', 'Teacher's Pet', 'Quick Draw', 'Pretty Baby', as well as the digital machines 'Gorgar' 'Centaur' 'Flash Gordon' 'Eight Ball', 'Indiana Jones' and a 1957 magic squares Bally Bingo 'Showtime'.
..... I'm currently looking for a suitable machine that requires restoration. On restoring I'd say that every machine has some things the same ... (like the flippers, bumpers, score reels, and other components), BUT every machine has individual artwork, and individual problems). I just go slowly, and try to be as thorough as I can be with each project .... you've got to be careful just what you line yourself up for ... some problems are very hard to mend once a machine has been worn &/or abused beyond a certain point.
..... I'm currently looking to buy or trade for an 'Ace High', as well as a few others. My main interest is for Gottlieb's from the 50's 60's and 70's.
...... by the way; I got my 'World Fair' backglass shipped. I used MyUS.com and can recommend them as an alternative to US mail.
...... when I was about 10 there was a 'Daisy May' in a milk bar opposite St Joseph's hospital at Auburn. That's the earliest machine I remember having played. Anyway, cheers to you all on this great pinball site. Mark
