Clayton, NC
Santa brought my family and I a RollerCoaster Tycoon pinball machine for Christmas 2013. I'm not really sure how Santa got it up the stairs without throwing his back out...he's a pretty strong fellow! Santa even wrapped it..now that took talent. My boys and I have tournaments almost every night to see who can get the highest score...it's a competitive atmosphere with an 8 and 11 year old :) We have really enjoyed the gift!
I have an Electrical Engineering degree from N.C. State but mainly work in Software Engineering for a living...so I find myself getting out the meter and a few tools and tinkering on it here and there when the boys are crashed out for the evening. I've replaced some bulbs, put a new playfield glass on, rewired one of the coin slots, re-soldered some broken connections, learned all about ghosting LED's the hard way :) , and adjusted kickers and flippers. I need a new pair of back box speakers (sound signal is fine but they are confirmed dead), I want to fix the start button light (haven't traced it out yet but hoping it's just a blown bulb), and I could use a new left ramp, and that will be about it...until something else fails of course. I really enjoy tinkering on it...it's turned into a hobby for me.
Another project I have in the works is to make a replacement for a broken playfield plastic piece (that darn "eat-info" plastic that ALWAYS breaks) that I cannot find anywhere. I am trying to get a nice reproduction piece professionally made but I need others to join in with me on the order...the expense is too high to just have one or two made. If you need one also, PM me and I'll add you to the list. Better yet, if you have an extra one, I'll pay top dollar for it. :) Just PM me.
I'll put a picture of Santa's wrapping job with this story.
Thanks to all who have helped me out on here so far. I'm really glad we are part of the pinball community now.
Take Care,
Donald Thomas
Clayton, NC
