Ahh ...the ball is allways hitting metal in a punball machine.... plus im sure they counter sunk them into the window

Never been an issue on Black Hole...

If they executed it correctly, it's a nice feature. Not a necessity, but a nice feature.

So folks are getting these VE for 6800-6900... the mods for this one add up quick. Easy to see VE's with mods hitting at they $8k range.

ACDC was only ever a tribute band after bon scott died

You don't think the heads of the screws will be recessed?

They are.

It does have advantages where if it gets scratched or blemished, it can be easily replaced. But no seam of the original is also nice. If they had done it in the first place, cloudy windows would not have been such an issue. Maybe this is why Stern switched, to avoid any future problems if the window clouded or ghosted.

Rob

On creesh and congo the lower PF screws in from the bottom with tabs I still think I would rather have a window that was designed like the new style on my LE though.

I'm sure Stern knew exactly what the cloudy windows looked like on the LE's at the time they were produced.

Relise they are counter sunk, just the internal sharp edge of the Torx, 2nd thoughts no big deal really, carry on

So there is a gap now... And no clear over it. So does that mean there is an 'edge' between the PF and the window?
So the ball rolling isn't totally smooth?

You could always put dime size mylar dots over them

Most likely you won't notice the edge

Have either of you owned or worked on an AC/DC prem/LE? It's a 5 min task at most to pull the full lower PF out of the game. You're not saving much time at all and with the removable insert you are incorporating an added risk of leveling issues in a game that's never had that problem before with the insert. Not to mention now you get to look at nearly a dozen screws in the middle of your PF. None of this is an "improvement" to me.

Their is not a gap now and the insert was cleared over.

I suspect the new clear is the concern and they realize there is a high likelihood that the window would craze, chip and crack.

I own one. If given the choice (and the roll of the ball is the same across the surface), I'd rather spend 1 minute removing 9 screws on the top side with my electric screw driver, than lifting the hood and removing the playfield underneath. Over the years I've pulled the playfield out for cleaning or maintenance maybe 4 times... it's way easier to work on a flat surface, than one one that's angled upward.

Guess we will have to agree to disagree. You admit to taking it out only 4 times over the "Years" of ownership. I've taken mine out a dozen or so times of my 4 or so years of ownership. So that is consistent to show its a a fairly rare circumstance the mini PF needs service. Knowing the amount of times it needs to be done I'd rather spend a couple extra mins so that I have a clean and smooth insert vs a bunch of screws looking me in the face and the risk of an edge being created impacting game play.

Yep....I respect your opinion, but I don't agree that its a 5 minute job. Have you removed the lower play field? if so why did you have remove it? until we see the actual unit its hard to comment on the actual aesthetics.

I've owned Black Hole for over 2 years... never once had an issue with that playfield window, edges, or screws.

Truthfully, I'd probably clean the mini-playfield area more if it was slightly easier to access. Not down on the version of the game I own... to the contrary... I actually would rather have the original line run with the game's original l backbox design, larger woofer, etc.

I had an original premium for quite a while - one target would always rotate and I would have to open it up to straighten it up so it would work again. That was a PITA - so I think the new removable window would be awesome. Plus the new targets they use don't do that anymore so +2

The lower playfield is really easy to remove. A few screws and some plugs. I took mine out to replace the rubbers with silicone, put in leds, and wax it.

I had to remove mine a number of times to clean off the static dust that accumulated on the bottom of the window. Also removed it to install frosted red bulbs, and new super bands on the flippers. It came off very easy, but I am more than thrilled that I can get a new machine since I sold it awhile ago.

Gotcha....there surely was some design decision to make it removable from the top? otherwise why would they add the additional cost of re engineering the lower play field? who knows if it makes sense or not, but on the surface it seems like a good idea.

I think DCFAN nailed it. They are probably concerned with ghosting issues with their new process. Outside of that I don't see the reason either. It's a simple and quick process to remove the lower PF.

My biggest concern is/would be that Stern will somehow find a way to implement it improperly. Or that poor QC will lead to some installed properly and others installed improperly. If the window is too low, there will be chipping on the edges... with the way clear seems to chip around the shooter and drain on Stern games over the last, what, 2+ years, that's not a problem I'd want to deal with in the middle of a playfield.

The Oak Ridge Boys pin!

Yes..just because they were more successful with Brian Johnson doesn't mean they were better.. theBon days ruled!

If you have QC issues, then don't buy the VE.

I already own a premium... so not buying... hence "concern is/would be"

.

It these are on the line, I am surprised Stern hasn't posted anything on their facebook. They need to promote the VE better than they have. Even a minor code update to tweak/fix a few things would get people excited for the title again.

Rob

I'm sure its somewhere on pinside, but just wondering when the ACDC Vault premiums hit the market?

I was told a little under a week ago that they should be ready to go in 7-14 days, but my distro added he'd never bet on that. But definitely out the door sometime in September for the first batch.

My Helen translite, color DMD, interactive bolts, red metal apron, and train topper are anxiously waiting!

Thanks Gorilla...I'm very close to just biting the bullet and ordering a new premium...was looking for an HUO LE, but not easy to find...

Yes they are.

It is an easy job, but i still would prefer the option to replace it. There is a reason they did it.

However, I would check both sides

It's easy. It has slot brackets and all wires are on connectors. It's like 4 screws to remove. I've removed it to adjust the stand up targets that like to get pinched. It comes out as an entire assembly.

Removable playfield windows have been done many times over... we know that it will be.

Easier playfield to create and get better yields.

I can't help wonder what the quality of the playfield will be, hopefully it is like my Aerosmith, not like SW.

I know what you mean. I feel like I'm rolling dice with $7k on the line.

Yes they are. I trust my source.

Um, I'd go with Smassa's source on this one, lol.

Yep..... From what I hear thats spot on. I also heard that sales on the last two titles were terrible.

Ghosting, incomplete code & less than stellar theme implementation may be to blame.

I bought Aerosmith but they'd sell more if code had that "wow" factor I'm sure. Its a beautiful game & plays well.

Star Wars.... damn, zizzle BOM & cut/paste artwork, handdrawn or not, had to hurt.

Factor in Sterns lack of communication & public distrust of code & QC.

Well, I suspect ACDC wont sell as well as they hope too. It's a very expensive game & Stern has lost some trust.

I'm likely to go with AFMr in a few weeks/months when the classics are available. Unless Stern sweetens up my Aerosmith code & rolls out a great non dilluted Pro title with solid release code & nice art/theme.

I'm fine with either outcome. Either way I get something cool. Having options means I dont have to settle.

Now is the winter of our discontent.

- Richard III as written by Shakespeare

So the last two would be AS and BM66??? Or are we talking SW?

damn, pretty good.