Brobra’s Pinball Adventures

Quoted from merfeldma:
6 years ago I traded my TOTAN for a HUO IM and always missed it from my collection. Yesterday I had the opporutunity for a really nice TOTAN 1.5 hours North of me. Pictures didn't do it justice, this one has been well taken care of and I'm very happy to have one back in the arcade.
The seller also included a Fireball/Genie mod, anyone recall who sells this mod or where you can find install instructions?
As an added bonus it came with the Color LED DMD installed (always a welcome perk). Made it home before the snow started as well.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Wow, @merfeldma, very happy for you, bro! That’s a solid pick up and playfield and trim looks gorgeous.

Let me check, or bump on who made Fireball/Genie mod.

#252 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/fs-totan-genie-with-lit-eyes-and-fireball

Quoted from merfeldma:
The seller also included a Fireball/Genie mod, anyone recall who sells this mod or where you can find install instructions?
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Is it this one?

#253 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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So anyone have or recommend good lock pick sets? (HPC set) was recommend by some pros/bro’s.

is 7 pin barrel lock standard for arcades (or do i need 7,8,9)?

Every one in a while I get games without keys, (1/2 the time, there’s an original set inside) so I plan on becoming a good Picker in more than one way.

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#254 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Made this one easy for a fellow bro...
Minty 1st run, complete with collectors manual, black ball, and light board upgrade set installed correctly.

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#255 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

OP
Quoted from brobra:
So anyone have or recommend good lock pick sets? (HPC set) was recommend by some pros/bro’s.
is 7 pin barrel lock standard for arcades (or do i need 7,8,9)?
Every one in a while I get games without keys, (1/2 the time, there’s an original set inside) so I plan on becoming a good Picker in more than one way.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Curious as to why you would choose picking over drilling? With the good bits and cutting fluid, I can go through a lock like butter with no damage to surrounding areas. of course there is a little bit of metal filings when you are done, but those are easy enough to clean up.

#256 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from ralphwiggum:
Curious as to why you would choose picking over drilling? With the good bits and cutting fluid, I can go through a lock like butter with no damage to surrounding areas. of course there is a little bit of metal filings when you are done, but those are easy enough to clean up.

Tell me more about your drilling process.
Bit types and drilling fluid.

I want to pick because sometimes i find keys inside after drilling, and with a few rare collectibles for example, I want to keep locks original if possible and make new keys. Plus lock picking is kind of a cool skill.

#257 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Tell me more about your drilling process.
Bit types and drilling fluid.
I want to pick because sometimes i find keys inside after drilling, and with a few rare collectibles for example, I want to keep locks original if possible and make new keys. Plus lock picking is kind of a cool skill.

I use TAP magic cutting fluid. I also use carbide bits for metal. Keep your bit wet, and keep the heat down. A smaller bit is usually all it takes with these locks, as you are basically just hollowing out the part of the lock where the arm is attached. Usually you can hear the arm drop inside the cab when you make your way through.

#258 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Thanks ralphwiggum

Changing gears to wcs. Soccer ball Is made of white rubber material with black line and pentagons stenciled painted on.
The ball is filthy. Any recommendations for paint, and process to get the whites pearly white?

I was thinking a bleach and soap solution to soak and scrub. Enlighten me.
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#259 3 years ago

CRD

chad

Game Guy

11y 140K 15,206 9 4

OP
Quoted from brobra:
So anyone have or recommend good lock pick sets? (HPC set) was recommend by some pros/bro’s.
is 7 pin barrel lock standard for arcades (or do i need 7,8,9)?
Every one in a while I get games without keys, (1/2 the time, there’s an original set inside) so I plan on becoming a good Picker in more than one way.
[quoted image][quoted image]

I've had good luck with the tubular picks. No mess.

#260 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Thanks ralphwiggum
Changing gears to wcs. Soccer ball Is made of white rubber material with black line and pentagons stenciled painted on.
The ball is filthy. Any recommendations for paint, and process to get the whites pearly white?
I was thinking a bleach and soap solution to soak and scrub. Enlighten me.
[quoted image]

Been there, done that... Find a replacement ball. Back in the days before replacement balls, I painted one flat white, and stenciled. It looked fine, but still acted like a painted ball.

A new ball has new rubber, which in turn causes the pinball to react a lot more.

Looking at the breakdown of material on that ball, it is due for replacement.

#261 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from ralphwiggum:
Been there, done that... Find a replacement ball. Back in the days before replacement balls, I painted one flat white, and stenciled. It looked fine, but still acted like a painted ball.
A new ball has new rubber, which in turn causes the pinball to react a lot more.
Looking at the breakdown of material on that ball, it is due for replacement.

Ok. There’s a replacement on Marco for about $50.

#262 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from chad:
I've had good luck with the tubular picks. No mess.

Thanks chad

#263 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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So played some incredible 60-current games tonight: a massive and epic setup to say the least. Walked away really wanting a Flash Gordon. Just love the flow of the game and shots. Shout out to a very gracious host.
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#264 3 years ago

MSY

Dr_Gonzo

Pinside member

Loveland, CO

13y 54,050 962 7

OP
Quoted from brobra:
So played some incredible 60-current games tonight: a massive and epic setup to say the least. Walked away really wanting a Flash Gordon. Just love the flow of the game and shots. Shout out to a very gracious host.
[quoted image][quoted image]

I've never played much flash. A few games here and there over the years. That's a really nice looking game there, I'd like to get more time on it.

#265 3 years ago

MJM

merfeldma

Merf's Pins

13y 74,900 543

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Is it this one?
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/fs-totan-genie-with-lit-eyes-and-fireball

@brobra, that looks like the mod. The eyes were already done on the Genie so it's just a matter of added the wiring for the Fireball mod.

#266 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from merfeldma:
brobra, that looks like the mod. The eyes were already done on the Genie so it's just a matter of added the wiring for the Fireball mod.

Sweet, bro. I’m happy we found it. That wiring shouldn’t be too tough. If run into to issues, someone here can help.

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The Simpsons Pinball Party New ad! Featured

Used - shows wear but 100% working and clean - “Players Condition. Everything works as it should. priced to sell.”

27 hours ago

Reno, NV

Jecco74

7,500 (Firm)

#267 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from Dr_Gonzo:
I've never played much flash. A few games here and there over the years. That's a really nice looking game there, I'd like to get more time on it.

I’m regressing back from the 90s to the 80s now that I’ve been getting more exposure on some of the 80s classics. I’m a build quality, Toys, drop target, and neat feature dude. The 80s was loaded with nice transitions of computer and mechanics bridging the gap up to the 90s.
With pinball collecting and hunting. Getting an education and diving into new little niches, is super rewarding and fun

#268 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

OP
Quoted from brobra:
I’m regressing back from the 90s to the 80s now that I’ve been getting more exposure on some of the 80s classics. I’m a build quality, Toys, drop target, and neat feature dude. The 80s was loaded with nice transitions of computer and mechanics bridging the gap up to the 90s.
With pinball collecting and hunting. Getting an education and diving into new little niches, is super rewarding and fun

If you are basing your opinions on build quality, you will LOVE Gottlieb System 3s... They each weigh about 5,000 pounds, and they are pretty much unbreakable when it comes to the playfield and it's mechs.

That being said, the rules leave a lot to be desired on many of them.

#269 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from ralphwiggum:
If you are basing your opinions on build quality, you will LOVE Gottlieb System 3s... They each weigh about 5,000 pounds, and they are pretty much unbreakable when it comes to the playfield and it's mechs.
That being said, the rules leave a lot to be desired on many of them.

Ralph what are your top 5 sys 3s? I love hearing your thoughts.

#270 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Ralph what are your top 5 sys 3s? I love hearing your thoughts.

I have had all of them (I think) at some point. My top 5 will most likely be very different than others. The general consensus is that Stargate is #1 as far as gameplay and rules. Mine is Class of 1812. Rules aren't there, but the charm, quirkiness, sounds, and everything else is. 2nd would be Rescue 911. This is generally panned as one of the worst games out there. It is one of three machines that got me into pinball when I was in college, so it will always have a spot in my top 5.

After that it gets sort of messy, and really a coin flip.... I enjoy them all for what they are. They are sort of an early System 11 ruleset tied into a DMD body.

#271 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Quoted from ralphwiggum:
I have had all of them (I think) at some point. My top 5 will most likely be very different than others. The general consensus is that Stargate is #1 as far as gameplay and rules. Mine is Class of 1812. Rules aren't there, but the charm, quirkiness, sounds, and everything else is. 2nd would be Rescue 911. This is generally panned as one of the worst games out there. It is one of three machines that got me into pinball when I was in college, so it will always have a spot in my top 5.
After that it gets sort of messy, and really a coin flip.... I enjoy them all for what they are. They are sort of an early System 11 ruleset tied into a DMD body.

Got a chance to play this guy last night.
What is it about the sys3 build quality, that make it solid?. I’ve heard this over and over.

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#272 3 years ago

TIM

ralphwiggum

Congrats... We had that one and Shaq Attack make it through our Student Union in college, put a lot of quarters into both of them.

As far as mechs go, they rarely go bad. Every once in awhile, a smart switch might flake out, but that's about it. Once the grounding issues are taken care of on them, the boards are rock solid. Everything is fused, and for the most part, the fuses take care of anything that might travel upstream to the boards.

#273 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from ralphwiggum:
Congrats... We had that one and Shaq Attack make it through our Student Union in college, put a lot of quarters into both of them.
As far as mechs go, they rarely go bad. Every once in awhile, a smart switch might flake out, but that's about it. Once the grounding issues are taken care of on them, the boards are rock solid. Everything is fused, and for the most part, the fuses take care of anything that might travel upstream to the boards.

Ah hah. This is good stuff.

#274 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1375&context=grrj

So, I met a fellow craps fanatic. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of dice control since I like games of skill: skill roll, pinball, billiards, and the grand champ; craps. (Which comes from the word “crabs” two 6s). We plan to live stream some dice control sessions and generate optics and computers to record stats and outcomes.
This study from UNLV on the matter is interesting.

#275 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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So the Brobra scored another favorite; LOTR. January 2004 build. Bonus find; the original Gandalf the White on ShadowFax.
Playfield looks nice, has cliffys. The only real negative for me is the lighting and Lollipops (kind of growing on me). I’m going to check my spare mods, do a light shop job, and go from there. It plays great, and I consider myself an authority on that part.

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#276 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

For the record, I like incandescents on LOTRs because of the elegant lighting effects.

#277 3 years ago

VTY

Vitty

Pinside+ Pro!

Minnetrista, MN

9y 136K 1,711 4 6

Anyone need any games between here and Texas transported back? Asking for a friend

#278 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Vitty:
Anyone need any games between here and Texas transported back? Asking for a friend

I’m a running a cannonball soon, guns blazing from the Alamo up 35. PM @vitty, he’s my dispatch.

#279 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

LotR could use a new spinner...in stock

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#280 3 years ago

MJW

DakotaMike

Mike's Pinball Repair

Clermont, FL

4y 95,550 2,111 1 26

How's it going with your California connection? You're supposed to hear back from him soon, right?

#281 3 years ago

EJS

Pinball Outpost

11y 223K 14,869 1

OP
Quoted from brobra:
So, I met a fellow craps fanatic. I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of dice control since I like games of skill: skill roll, pinball, billiards, and the grand champ; craps. (Which comes from the word “crabs” two 6s). We plan to live stream some dice control sessions and generate optics and computers to record stats and outcomes.
This study from UNLV on the matter is interesting.
https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1375&context=grrj

I should have taken more pictures of my build. That, or done a better job of organizing said pictures. I'm sure I can find more. As of now all the walls are built and finished inside and out. I didn't add any support to allow for arm rest or chip trays but that's not as important for me.

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#282 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from DakotaMike:
How's it going with your California connection? You're supposed to hear back from him soon, right?

Today..I’ll call him. He should be up by now.

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16 hours ago

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Jecco74

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#283 3 years ago

VTY

Vitty

Pinside+ Pro!

Minnetrista, MN

9y 136K 1,711 4 6

Quoted from EJS:
I should have taken more pictures of my build. That, or done a better job of organizing said pictures. I'm sure I can find more. As of now all the walls are built and finished inside and out. I didn't add any support to allow for arm rest or chip trays but that's not as important for me. [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

That's bitchin! Love it! Craps is the best

#284 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from EJS:
I should have taken more pictures of my build. That, or done a better job of organizing said pictures. I'm sure I can find more. As of now all the walls are built and finished inside and out. I didn't add any support to allow for arm rest or chip trays but that's not as important for me. [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

OM to the fucking G!

#285 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Wow

#286 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Tempest is officially gone, but millipede is still available.

SOLD!

Other - For Sale

Atari Millipede Cocktail Arcade Table Archived

“Atari millipede dedicated cocktail arcade table. Rarest of the millipede cabs. All original equipment. Plays and looks great. Willing to bullet proof and ship, apx. 300-500 anywher...”

2021-05-12

Minneapolis, MN

brobra

700 (OBO)

Archived after: 42 days

Viewed: 291 times

Status: Sold (amount private)

#287 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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SOLD!

Machine - For Sale

Lord of the Rings Archived

Fully shopped/refurbished - “January 2004 Build complete with characters and the original Gandalf the White on Shadowfax. Does not appear on subsequent runs including the LE, due to no supply on those charac...”

2021-01-26

Minneapolis, MN

brobra

6,650

Archived after: 1 day

Viewed: 343 times

Status: Sold (amount private)

Contributed to Pinside

#288 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Attention TAF owners....
Came across a few nice mods for the game. Prior owner clipped cables on some (hack), so a wiring connection and some shrink tube is needed (I can provide shrink tubing).
If interested in any, make me an offer. Each will cost apx $12 to ship, so if shipping build that into offer, and I’ll send ASAP.

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#289 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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https://classicplayfields.com/shop/pinball-plastics/wcs94/

Threw down $204 for a complete wcs platic set. I’ll have spare plastics, including some new sling shot plastics. I’ll post the lot when I can.

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#290 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Attention TAF owners....
Came across a few nice mods for the game. Prior owner clipped cables on some (hack), so a wiring connection and some shrink tube is needed (I can provide shrink tubing).
If interested in any, make me an offer. Each will cost apx $12 to ship, so if shipping build that into offer, and I’ll send ASAP.[quoted image]

Train is gone.

#291 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

Pinside+ Frequent

Built a little JB weld cornice, here. Player’s machine but it will look better when sanded and painted.

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#292 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Cannonball run is on!
Friday/Sat Dallas to Minneapolis...

#293 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Hopefully San Fran to Minneapolis next week.

#294 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Bonus day. Old Coin drop

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#295 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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MMo and AFMo are officially dead. Couldn’t get there, but felt like I was close. You win some, you lose some.

#296 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Sellers remorse big time. This thing is so sick. Rare cab, rare game, rare monitor.
Challenged my daughter on it. She was pretty good.

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#297 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Wcs stuff arrived today. Holes filled and nearly formed. Cliffys will go over.
A little more forming an some wet sand. The rest of the pf will get masked:frisketted off.
New coil sleeves, flipper bats, new plastics, rubbers, pf decals, flipper rebuild kit. This thing is coming along.

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#298 3 years ago

MJW

DakotaMike

Mike's Pinball Repair

Clermont, FL

4y 95,550 2,111 1 26

OP
Quoted from brobra:
Wcs stuff arrived today. Holes filled and nearly formed. Cliffys will go over.
A little more forming an some wet sand. The rest of the pf will get masked:frisketted off.
New coil sleeves, flipper bats, new plastics, rubbers, pf decals, flipper rebuild kit. This thing is coming along.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Good stuff, always satisfying to bring a game back like that.

#299 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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Hoping to get a minty who dunnit this weekend if there’s interest.

#300 3 years ago

CHS

brobra

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