A video arcade game is pretty simple compared to a pinball machine.

FYI, it will probably cost somewhere around $12k-$18k+. You will probably have to manufacture a number of parts that are not available.

There have been a couple of examples of scratch builds with AFM and MM games you could use for guidance, or at least to gauge what you might expect to face.

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. Instead, you can get a nice TAF for around $6k-$7k, or a project for around $5k.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/building-an-addams-family-from-scratchcrazy
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/cost-of-building-90-s-pins-vs-buying

No. Each boardset generation typically has its own transformer with the necessary voltages and designed for the proper current draw.

Actually, a donor machine would reduce the price. That was my scratch build estimate (ie, starting with nothing).

However, WPC projects are hard to find these days on the cheap since everyone wants them.

I have a few project games that need repairs if you're bored

Honestly, in this day in age, I find it very hard to believe someone could possibly be bored.

Look at HEP restoration threads and various other restoration threads. Those will have lots of photos.

Honestly, building a game from scratch really shouldn't be your first foray into pinball. You really should at least try repairing one first to gain some hands-on familiarity with the boards, parts, and the theory of operation. That could help prevent some costly mistakes/errors from happening if you wire things up incorrectly.

Yout can always resell what you don't need. But building from scratch, there probably wouldn't be much left over.

Do a Google search for mad amusements. It's better to avoid that one, as well as their account *pinballparts* on ebay.

Mad amusements is the only one I can think of with a very extensive laundry list of greavances.

Are you sure that putting a backplane on the light board isn't going to cause problems and short out all the lights? I'm thinking that's what may happen if you staple both legs of each lamp socket to it. I don't think I've seen anyone use a backplane on the light board before.

Also, that open electrical panel in the background looks a little concerning.

Otherwise, the backbox looks pretty nice