Every Pinhead's dream, just became a reality for me late last week. I imported a 20 Foot Container full of EM, SS and DMD pinballs from Europe. It arrived safely and has been unloaded into my storage building. There are 50 complete machines, comprising of 39 Project machines EM and SS, 1 machine already restored and 10 DMDs. I also bought some playfields as well.
Importing Pinballs has always been the domain of the commercial Guys - and "NO", I'm not about to go Commercial. I bought this container as a private entity. I did this to have a "stockpile" of machines to fulfill my addiction. They were all "hand picked".
These will keep me busy for years - and every single machine will be documented here. Think of it this way - Some people pay tens of thousands for fast cars, boats and big houses. I had "better" things to do with my money - I wanted a steady flow of EM and SS machines to restore - and I found them. They will go into my Gamesroom to be played and enjoyed. As most of you know - I enjoy the "Journey" or the "process" of restoration, so I will be moving on machines post restoration on a "case by case" basis.
The exersize was BY FAR the hardest thing I've done, and VERY stressful. Anyone who says "it is easy", is simply not stating the truth. So many people have to be involved, and there's a "twist" or "delay" at every corner. All it takes in an Admin person to tick the wrong box and your container is delayed.
I've spent the last 4 days going through machines, and I'm one very Happy Pinhead.
Was it worth it ?
Well I have no interest in expensive Cars, Houses etc - and I see this as a great challenge and opportunity.
Anyhow - Here's some pictures of my "Container Day"..