Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines • Hacker News Board

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#121

Post by ProllyInfamous » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 3:20 PM UTC

feedsmgmt wrote: post #93

Boogie_Man wrote: post #64

There is zero (0) reason I don't currently own a pinball machine. There are several listed on my local Craigslist right now for between $500 and $2500 USD. I could simply play pinball whenever my heart desired. The fellas who bankrupt early and rode with someone else when we play cards could have something do. I could maintain it obsessively, finding original manuals and schematics. They don't depreciate significantl…

They're big and heavy and have a lot of wear parts that are expensive to maintain. Standing in one spot not blinking isn't great. I can play pinball in VR and have about an equally good experience these days.

My father had several of these mechanical machines during my early adulthood. It was one of the few things we "did" at family reunions, and was always worth a few hours playtime...

but damn if they didn't require a "first name basis" with the repairman, and they were absolutely not able to be transported without a team of helpers. When we sold the house most of them were "given" to the new owner [sort of white elephant?].

--

I could never get in to the virtual pinball machines [it's been about a decade], but I guess they "play" identical to a "theoretically perfectly-operating" mechanical type?

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#122

Post by orblivion » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 3:23 PM UTC

zeekaran wrote: post #115

wobblykiwi wrote: post #87

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you have the link to that brewery map?

I'm also interested. All I have is this Colorado map https://www.coloradobrewerylist.com/brewery/

This is the project: https://www.openbrewerydb.org/

Here's what came up on HN: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39145901

Maybe there's not actually a map but it would be easy to make.

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#123

Post by ProllyInfamous » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 3:24 PM UTC

FabHK wrote: post #116

Boogie_Man wrote: post #64

There is zero (0) reason I don't currently own a pinball machine. There are several listed on my local Craigslist right now for between $500 and $2500 USD. I could simply play pinball whenever my heart desired. The fellas who bankrupt early and rode with someone else when we play cards could have something do. I could maintain it obsessively, finding original manuals and schematics. They don't depreciate significantl…

I've had a 1986 Bally Motordome for decades. It's fun. There are many techniques and tricks to get better, detailed in books and online, and when you have a machine at home, as you say, you can play whenever your heart desires and practice. Playing for a long time has a meditative quality, too, and is a good metaphor for life - a mix of skill and random factors. As others have noted, maintenance is a bit of an issue,…

>The machines are beautifully crafted

As an apprentice electrician decades ago, I remember the first time I viewed the innards/underside of a pinball table/machine: absolute insanity.

Running my own shop a decade later, my favorite way to describe horrific residential electrical panels was "it looks like a drunk pinball machine in there."

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#124

Post by aodonnell2536 » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 3:27 PM UTC

As I come to the comments to advertise my hometown pinball museum, I’m surprised to see there’s so many! Cool to see an old arcade game live on so strongly.

Anyways, to anyone who finds themselves in Southwest Virginia and wants to relive old pinball and arcade games, the Pinball Museum of Roanoke, Virginia has a floor dedicated to pinball, and another to retro arcade games (in the cabinets). Everything is free too after the entrance fee!

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#125

Post by mumblemumble » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 4:16 PM UTC

feedsmgmt wrote: post #108

mumblemumble wrote: post #99

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I haven't. Brookfield isn't really accessible if you live in the city and don't have a car.

It's less than a mile from a train stop. That isn't accessible?

The last mile might not be too bad, but Google Maps says the total trip is 2 hours one way.

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#126

Post by Boogie_Man » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 5:33 PM UTC

ohwaitnvm wrote: post #120

Boogie_Man wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is the best, most helpful message I've ever received in response to something I've typed on the Internet. I'll take it to heart, thanks boss. Edit: to further take advantage of your kindness, let me ask you a question: it looks like an old bowling alley near me has several machines reported to be non functional, including an Elvira and the Party Monsters. In your humble restoration opinion, would it make sense f…

Aww I'm glad it helped! I wanted to illustrate the amount of upkeep it takes to even keep a machine that was already about 99% working from disrepair. I think you could give the offer a shot, but it looks like the market is a good bit higher - the bigger the discount the more you're probably going to have to work to get it operational. It looks like you've already got a headstart on that, so if none of this is scarin…

You're making good sense about the pitfalls, and I think these might be great for me to bring up when negotiating price. It looks to me like the machine is in pretty good shape for its age and being a bowling alley machine. It also has a topper (that I didn't get in the photo) and seems stock. https://ibb.co/pZV1Vx5 When I arrived the lights in that area weren't even turned on in that section of the building because, as they said, most of the machines are broken. It can't be making him money if it's not even worth it to the run the lights. The out of order paper in the machine looks like it has been there for 5+ years (it could be used on different machines when they go out but I don't think so).

If I can swoop in and buy it for $500 or less I think I'm going to. I have to keep it low on the off chance I end up with a paperweight. My wife won't be thrilled about the booby lady pinball but at that price she can't get too mad. I'll home it at a buddy's house for now if it comes to it.

I'll keep you posted about any developments, thank you again for your help.

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#127

Post by Rebelgecko » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 5:39 PM UTC

whitej125 wrote: post #90

Boogie_Man wrote: post #64

There is zero (0) reason I don't currently own a pinball machine. There are several listed on my local Craigslist right now for between $500 and $2500 USD. I could simply play pinball whenever my heart desired. The fellas who bankrupt early and rode with someone else when we play cards could have something do. I could maintain it obsessively, finding original manuals and schematics. They don't depreciate significantl…

I grew up having pinball machines in our house (my dad bought and fixed them as a hobby, sold or gifted them to friends). I have my childhood Black Knight pinball with me now. Love playing it, the kids and their friends love it. Honestly it’s great. Repairs and maintenance is very DIY able at least for this age of machine. Luckily I can still call dad when I’m stuck troubleshooting. No idea if they hold their value.…

My parents had a Black Knight 2000. when I was growing up. As an adult, walking through an arcade and hearing that theme song is like running into an old friend you haven't seen for years.

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#128

Post by Einenlum » Sat, Feb 03, 2024, 6:03 PM UTC

bsimpson wrote: post #50

Einenlum wrote: post #16

I really like pinballmap. I try to add gigs and machines all the time. But another app that has way more pinballs is Pin my balls (at least in France). Regarding pinballs I recently built a self-hosted app to track scores between friends. https://demo.pinball-friends.com/

I wonder if the (presumably French) creator realizes how crass that name sounds in English.

I hate this name. I unfortunately think it was made on purpose.

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#129

Post by bdash » Sun, Feb 04, 2024, 12:36 AM UTC

Boogie_Man wrote: post #126

ohwaitnvm wrote: post #120

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Aww I'm glad it helped! I wanted to illustrate the amount of upkeep it takes to even keep a machine that was already about 99% working from disrepair. I think you could give the offer a shot, but it looks like the market is a good bit higher - the bigger the discount the more you're probably going to have to work to get it operational. It looks like you've already got a headstart on that, so if none of this is scarin…

You're making good sense about the pitfalls, and I think these might be great for me to bring up when negotiating price. It looks to me like the machine is in pretty good shape for its age and being a bowling alley machine. It also has a topper (that I didn't get in the photo) and seems stock. https://ibb.co/pZV1Vx5 When I arrived the lights in that area weren't even turned on in that section of the building because,…

To get that game for $500 I think the owners would need to be at a point where they're sick of it and just want it gone.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Games on location are often not owned by the location, but instead owned by a third-party operator that is responsible for maintenance and splits coin drop with the location. 2. Since the game is on location it was probably playable at some point recently. It may be off because of something simple like a rubber ring breaking and the ball keeps getting stuck or an important switch not registering, but the operator hasn't had a chance to fix it. If it was recently and only needs minor work, its value is more likely to be $5,000 than $500. 3. Even if it has been broken and not working for years, its value would heavily depend on the cosmetic condition. A non-working machine with a great cabinet (artwork without fade, no dings) and no wear or damage to the playfield would still probably be worth closer to $2-3,000.

It never hurts to ask, though!

Re: Pinball Map: Crowd-sourced worldwide map of public pinball machines

#130

Post by Boogie_Man » Sun, Feb 04, 2024, 12:48 AM UTC

bdash wrote: post #129

Boogie_Man wrote: post #126

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're making good sense about the pitfalls, and I think these might be great for me to bring up when negotiating price. It looks to me like the machine is in pretty good shape for its age and being a bowling alley machine. It also has a topper (that I didn't get in the photo) and seems stock. https://ibb.co/pZV1Vx5 When I arrived the lights in that area weren't even turned on in that section of the building because,…

To get that game for $500 I think the owners would need to be at a point where they're sick of it and just want it gone. A couple of thoughts: 1. Games on location are often not owned by the location, but instead owned by a third-party operator that is responsible for maintenance and splits coin drop with the location. 2. Since the game is on location it was probably playable at some point recently. It may be off bec…

You're making good points. 1. I neglected to mention that I confirmed the owner owned the machines. The employee I spoke to said she was going to approach the owner about purchasing the pacman machine herself. 2. The location seems like it's being kept alive by bowling leagues. I wouldn't be shocked if it wasn't there in five years. They quite literally do not turn the lights on in this section of the building. 3. You're right that I'm off on the price, but I'm starting with 400. If he wants to try to sell it online and ship it or deal with the arcade two cities away he can, but it's a question of how much it's worth it to him. I bought a grandfather clock six months ago for $100. It never hurts to ask. I won't weep or be rude if it doesn't work out. I've found I can get great prices on low volume stuff.

I don't particularly think it will work out, I just need to try so I can throw my hands up in the air and answer my original question in this thread with "I don't own one... because they're too darn expensive".

But dag on I want it. Elvira is calling to me.

You've also given me great information in this thread, thank you.