Where are you located and are there specific titles on your want list? Answering this questions may help. Often times local collectors have games in their collection they may cut loose or know of an example you could pursue.

You may find a decent example of a few of those in your price range. High Hand, Sky Jump, Pin-up and Volley seem doable. The other titles may require luck or project game.

Game list is pretty good one. Your first EM to repair MUST be single player. It makes everything four times easier.

Hello,

While I am by no means anything even close to as expereinced as many others here, I might suggest the following;

Agree with JBK entirely. A single player game is the way to start as it is simpler to learn on. As for a time to buy, waiting till spring would most likely afford better pricing. I have always looked at pinball, at least here in Cleveland, as a winter sport. Prices will drop as the warmer months come along. I was hoping they would already strat to drop now that Christmas has passed but I am inpatient.

I would also suggest getting your hands on an e/m schematic and look at it and try to make sense of it. this took me a while but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty straightforward.

As for playfield condition, that is a big one for me. I am not an artist in the slightest so I always like to get games with a playfield and cabinet that are in as good shape as possible. I can muddle my way, with the help of the experts here, to resolve issues but trying to re-do a playfield is just not in my area of desire. Have no wish to learn. So, it would depend on your interest level and what you find yourself proficient at. Maybe it is just the opposite for you. You are good with the artistic end and not so much on the electrical/electronic end. Only you know this and this will guide you to the condition of machine that you feel comfortable with.

I am happy to show you my games if you have the desire and run you through the schematics/mechanics. This may prove helpful. Having your eyes and hands on a game and then going to the schematic can be very educational.

I also rely on a couple local folks to bail me out when things get tough. I have one for SS games and one for E/M's when I cannot figure it out. This is also helpful I find.

Hope the above is helpful.

G

Finding a nice working game as described should not be a problem if you are buying from another collector. Retailers have a different model and are selling games to a buyer that may not be interested in ever getting there hands dirty.

Being a newbie, I strongly recommend you buying a working game in person after spending time playing the game and liking it. Pinball shows are a great place to do this. Most of the games in the free play area will be for sale. Don't worry you will have plenty of opportunities learning repair and restoration skills as the owner of any pinball machine over 25 years old. You should start with your head above water for that first game and focus on keeping it working.