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Hi all, I'm Richard from Lincoln,
I finally found space in my workshop to start looking at pinball machines and have a good go at repairing.

I grew up in Great Yarmouth and in the 90s would walk past the arcades on the way home from school, if I had a spare 20p I'd go and play Fun House, Twilight Zone and Star Trek TNG, to name a few. I loved every table I played and looked forward to going each day.
I'd even wait by the 2p pushers in case I could find spare change to make up my 20p when I had no coins.

Fast forward 30 years and a lot of excitement looking at many youtube collections, I found my first machine. I wanted to start with EM and know the basics and operations of a machine and how it all works. Then I'll work up through solid state when I feel ready.

I found a neglected Bally Hi Lo Ace in October, that needed alot of love. All the score reels seized, numbers worn, playfield paint beginning to chip, most of the coil metals corroded.....in short it needed everything doing.

Fast forward to now (Aug 25), the table is fully functioning, still needs some cosmetic work and cabinet repair, but for my first machine I feel I've done well. Its been such a fantastic experience, I can't wait for the next project!

I'm off to Pinfest 2025 next weekend for the Saturday and can't wait to meet people with the same interests and love for these incredible machines.

Looking forward to reading some of the forums topics and items for sale. Hopefully I'll find my next project too!
 
Hello, and welcome,

Your mention of Hi-Lo Ace recalls an account I read many years ago from someone with little respect for 'sacred cows', who wondered what people really saw in Bally's Fireball (the legendary and highly prized/priced electro-mechanical), which they reckoned became "a real stone to play after a short while", compared to the "sweet" Hi-Lo Ace.
 
ExtraBallWorkshop said:
Hi all, I'm Richard from Lincoln,
I finally found space in my workshop to start looking at pinball machines and have a good go at repairing.

I grew up in Great Yarmouth and in the 90s would walk past the arcades on the way home from school, if I had a spare 20p I'd go and play Fun House, Twilight Zone and Star Trek TNG, to name a few. I loved every table I played and looked forward to going each day.
I'd even wait by the 2p pushers in case I could find spare change to make up my 20p when I had no coins.

Fast forward 30 years and a lot of excitement looking at many youtube collections, I found my first machine. I wanted to start with EM and know the basics and operations of a machine and how it all works. Then I'll work up through solid state when I feel ready.

I found a neglected Bally Hi Lo Ace in October, that needed alot of love. All the score reels seized, numbers worn, playfield paint beginning to chip, most of the coil metals corroded.....in short it needed everything doing.

Fast forward to now (Aug 25), the table is fully functioning, still needs some cosmetic work and cabinet repair, but for my first machine I feel I've done well. Its been such a fantastic experience, I can't wait for the next project!

I'm off to Pinfest 2025 next weekend for the Saturday and can't wait to meet people with the same interests and love for these incredible machines.

Looking forward to reading some of the forums topics and items for sale. Hopefully I'll find my next project too!
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Welcome my friend. I’m in Florida. In february attending the 2nd annual pinball at the beach in St Pete/tampa. Went last year it was awesome. Limited ticket sales low crowds. No waiting in long lines.
 
Nicklaur12 said:
Welcome my friend. I’m in Florida. In february attending the 2nd annual pinball at the beach in St Pete/tampa. Went last year it was awesome. Limited ticket sales low crowds. No waiting in long lines.
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If you know or bump into Art (OldPinGuy) from Winter Park please give him my best - I havent been in touch for a while because of... well... life. I must drop him a line real soon as hopefully will be back over next year :)
 
Hi Steve here.
Based in Mid Wales.
Been into pinball since at school.... That was a fair while ago.
At the risk of being hung I'm into the virtual pinball side of things..
Looking to buy my first setup after playing on phones and tablets for the past six to eight years.
Any advice and pointers welcome.
 
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Blackdog said:
Hi Steve here.
Based in Mid Wales.
Been into pinball since at school.... That was a fair while ago.
At the risk of being hung I'm into the virtual pinball side of things..
Looking to buy my first setup after playing on phones and tablets for the past six to eight years.
Any advice and pointers welcome.
Click to expand...

Welcome! Come along to the annual Pinfest show in Daventry next weekend. Loads of games to play, loads on sale too. Perfect opportunity to find a game you like and take it home with you after the event.
 
Wizcat said:
Welcome! Come along to the annual Pinfest show in Daventry next weekend. Loads of games to play, loads on sale too. Perfect opportunity to find a game you like and take it home with you after the event.
Click to expand...
I would do but we are going to see The Petshop Boys.
 
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