Hi All,
I hope I post this correctly. I'm not sure what to expect. I'm a bit early as I am away this weekend.
1. Earliest pinball memory?
My Dad took me to a milk bar in Chester Hill. I begged him to let me play the pinny. I think I played 1 ball and it went straight down the middle and I don't think I played any more as I did not know what to do next. I was very young.
As I became a teenager I played with every cent I could find (and there weren't many to find in those days). I had a mate who always had money (didn't we all have a mate like that) and we used to play at a pool room in Fairfield and the machine was a 5 cent World Fair. The other 20 cent machines were coming in, but great value for 5 cents. We played one on each side.
2. All time favorite pin? Why?
Has to be the World Fair. I now own a World Fair. I think it only just pushes out my Sweet Hearts. I love them for the memories of being a teenager and the memories that it brings back (like chasing girls).
3. Favorite pinball manufacture?
I love the Gottlieb Wedgeheads.
4. Favorite game in your collection? Why?
World Fair (see above for the reason). It's still a challenging game and looks great and always is fun.
5. How long have you been collecting?
I started about 10-12 years ago with whatever pinball I could find. I used to buy one, play it until my wife could beat me, then sell in the Trading Post. I also collect and restore jukeboxes.
6. First game and how did you find it?
Pinball Pool in the Trading Post. I think I paid about $280 or $300 for it.
7. Do you still have it?
No, My wife started beating my score. I wish I still did have it. I taught myself some basic repairs on that machine.
8. What are you currently working on?
I just bought a 1948 United Circus wood rail. I have it playing 100% and intend to just restore the woodrails, legs etc as the playfield, backglass and cabinet are almost perfect. Hard to believe a game this old could be this good.
9. Most wanted game to add to your collection?
My kids want an Addams Family or Twilight Zone, so they would be fine.
10. Best all time bargain game added to your collection?
All machines are a bargain. If you buy them they must be the right price.
11. Worst ever miss – tell us about the one that got away!
I used to go to Windsor to shop occasionally. I noticed a Joker Poker under a house and always thought I should approach the house owner. One day it was gone and the owner was in the garden. I asked what happened to the pinball. He said he no longer played it and sold it for $50!! It was working fine.
12. Worst ever purchase – tell us about the game you wished you never bought
Never really bought a machine that I wished I had never bought.
13. Describe your collection
I have a United Circus Woodrail from 1948. I have 2 wedgeheads, a World Fair and a Sweet Hearts. I have a Hook. I also have 3 jukeboxes. A Pepsi machine (from the 40's that works), 2 Coke machines, a poker machine (5c) and a few odds and ends incliding a Circus Clown (the ones the kids put balls into to win a prize).
14. Describe your gamesroom
Full.
15. Do you have other games other than pinball?
See my answer above.
16. Where can you see the hobby in 10 years?
I hope we don't run out of a supply and also that new guys enter the hobby. I know this means competition for the machines but we need the new interest so parts etc are still available.
Cheers
and thanks to the guys who have helped me in the hobby with advice and parts etc.
Gordo.....
