Its not that one that's been on eBay for the last six months is it? Think there's a thread about that one somewhere...
If not, so far as I'm aware TFTC is definitely a sub-1k machine (possible exception for an actual mint resto job, but even then maybe not). It definitely seems on the low end of "popular" so far as I can tell (Never owned on myself though).
Things I'd look out for:
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Credit dot. Bad sign but could be nothing. If there is one, what does the fault menu say when you go in the menu system? "Date/ Time not set" - Ok, no problem. "Check Totally unobtainable or expensive mechanical part" - Bad.
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Original "Door knocker" ball launcher & topper (See pic).
- Playfield wear. Especially in drop holes or down side lanes where ball drops from ramp onto playfield just above flippers.
- Plays well. If they won't let you play some games on it but insist its in "Full working order" WALK AWAY!, whatever reasons they give you. If you know the game, try and get a go-round of all features and at least one multiball (if it has them) to make sure everything works as expected.
- Check in the back cabinet - Is there any sign of leakage from the AA batteries? (Ask when they were last changed for bonus points). Also check the boards for any sign of "repairs" while you're in there. Anything you can obviously tell is not from the board manufacture should make you nervous, unless you're experienced in circuit board repair (I'm not so I assume any I can see are bodge repair jobs). "I don't have the keys for the backbox" is an incredibly bad sign as an excuse to not let you in there.
- Lift the playfield (or if not confident, get them to take the glass off and do it). Do the electrics look in decent shape? Is there a rats nest in there? Are any under playfield ramps so dirty you can't see inside them?
To help with most of the above I'd recommend checking out the
IPDB for pics of a good condition machine and playfield. Expect similar quality and adjust price accordingly if anythings missing/ worn/ faded.
Best thing you can take is someone who's in the scene already and knows their way around a pin. If you don't know one personally, ask on here - You may get an offer of assistance from a local pinhead.
Final piece of advice - If you're not totally sure. Leave it, there will always be another.
Best of luck.
Rog
