Fort Wayne, IN
Since I was a child, I’ve been attracted to the lights, sounds and joy produced by pinball tables. I’m not particularly good at any one machine but I have fun nevertheless. I recently stumbled upon a web streamer (twitch.tv/dead_flip) that has a large collection and rotates tables on a weekly basis. I found the channel by accident. Within minutes of viewing, I made up my mind that I would soon own my pin.
As of October 2015, I joined the club and purchased my first machine. I scored a 1973 Big Indian (EM). Prior to my purchase, I knew nothing about the inner workings of any pin. I’ve worked with computer hardware for nearly two decades and figured that passion would translate. I got the partially working machine from Craig’s List for $200. After two nights of trial and error and with the help of a local friend, we got the machine in working order without having to replace any parts. As soon as the lights turned on and the ball kicked out, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.
My primary goal was to get the machine in working order so that I could fulfill the need of playing daily without having to spend money at the local bar; goal achieved! The next step is to restore the machine to as close to like-new condition as possible. It will be some time before I can afford a modern table so I plan to fill that time learning as much about this EM and the best restoration methods. I look forward to learning from the Pinside community, sharing photos and perhaps making a friend or two along the way.
