For my high school graduation project I am building a pinball machine from scratch. So far I have a whitewood version and am planning on building the final version soon. All of the logic is controlled using relays and stepper units from EM machines. The scoring is done using a simple flash program that interprets key strokes from an iPac board as points. The game is based on the film The Gumball Rally (1976). I don't have a rule set written yet, but the goal of the game is to light all seven inserts in a gum ball machine drawing on the playfield to spell gum ball. There will be several stand up target on the upper playfield and the ramp will be made using plexiglass. I also need to finish the habitrail for the right upper playfield drain. I'm looking for suggestions on the layout and how the artwork should be done. Thanks.
Video:

IMG_0530[1].JPG IMG_0531[1].JPG IMG_0532[1].JPG

Thanks for the compliments. I plan on slanting the ramp a bit to avoid SDTM drains. I'm also going to make it a bit smaller to make it a more challenging shot. I'm going to add a wire ramp on the upper right playfield drain that feeds the ball to the right flipper. There are going to be a few stand-up targets on the upper and lower playfield. I'm not sure what to do about the artwork for the final version. Ill probably use some sort of vinyl decal for the playfield. If anyone has any other ideas I'd love to here them. I'll post some construction pictures later today. I'll be using my schools workshop for the final version so the cuts will be more precise. The computer will run a soundboard that responds to keystrokes generated by the iPac board. I am still looking for another playfield support for a Checkpoint cabinet if anyone knows where to buy one.

Here are some pictures of the construction and a basic rule set for spelling GUMBALL.

IMG_0480[1].JPG IMG_0513[1].JPG IMG_0468[1].JPG

Spell GUMBALL
G - Complete left drop target bank 3 times
U - Complete right drop target bank, First down starts timer, complete within 60 seconds to light U
M - Shoot upper playfield left loop 4 times
B - Shoot upper playfield middle loop 5 times
A - Hit all 5 upper playfield standup targets in one ball -
L - Enter VUK (can enter through top or lower playfield) to upper playfield 5 times
L - Enter kick out hole (under upper playfield) 3 times.

I also attached the program that keeps score.

IMG_0489[1].JPG IMG_0513[1].JPG IMG_0495[1].JPG

I have a small update. I added a hole in the upper loop. If the ball is hit hard it completes the loop, if not it drains down to the main playfield. I think this will be the final design for the playfield, unless anyone else has any suggestions.

IMG_0634[1].JPG

I looked into it and this method seems a little expensive, although it probably gets the best result. I think I'm going to use 3M Controltac. I found it suggested here:http://flashredo.weebly.com/ and it looks pretty good. I'm not sure how I'm going to do the artwork since I'm not very good with graphic design. I may be able to get one of my teachers to help.

I took a break over Christmas, but I've started disassembling the playfield so I can draw in a drafting program. I also started on the control board for the machine and am waiting for the Ipac board to arrive.

IMG_0678[1].JPG

I'm still looking for a front playfield support bracket if anyone knows where to get one.

I only have one correct support bracket. The other one is a temporary bracket I made out of a picture hanger.

I started drawing the playfield design in SolidWorks and also started wiring the Ipac board. The biggest issue now is how to do the plastics and artwork. Anyone have any advice on how to make custom plastics and what material to use?

IMG_0698[1].JPG IMG_0700[1].JPG

Thanks for the idea of getting the plastics laser cut. That seems to be the best method. I also wondered how I should add the artwork under the plastics. I found a guide a while ago, but seem to have lost it.

I also wondered if anyone knew of a place that would cut the wood using a CNC Router. I have access to tools at my school, but since I have to draw the plans anyway, this seems like it would produce a much more accurate playfield. I'm not sure of the cost though. Has anyone had work like this done before?

I looked into having it done locally, but every place I checked isn't willing to do one-offs.

I might contact CPR and see if how much it would cost to have them cut the playfield.

I'm still working on the Solid Works drawing and was wondering if someone could provide the measurements for the out-lane roll-over switches cut out. Thanks.

I was wondering if anyone knew of a good source for round plastic inserts. I got some from Marco, but they have the letter on top and I'm not sure how to remove it without damaging the finish.

Thanks I'll see if they have what I need.

Thanks. That whole thread will be very helpful.

I've contacted a local company that may be able to cut the playfield using a CNC Router. I also did a lot on the control board. Now the main issue is artwork. If anyone has any ideas on where I can find an artist that would be willing to do this for under $200 that would be great. I am looking for someone local, but haven't found anyone yet. Thanks.

IMG_0708[1].JPG IMG_0710[1].JPG

I'm still working on finding someone that will cut the playfield using a CNC router. Does anyone know of someone that could provide this service at a reasonable price?

For the final layout I made the ramp much smaller and added a kick out hole gaurded by a single drop target to the right of the ramp. This way I have the option of adding multiball in the future. The original plan was to make a wide body machine, but when this cabinet came up for sale for around $100, I changed my mind.