I have to say, this is the most enjoyable thread regarding JJP I've ever read on pinside - maybe it has to do with some of the changes Robin made recently. This hobby should be about the fun and joy (that's why I got into it), and I look forward to playing this machine when it comes out (thanks to David at Flippers in Grandy, NC who is placing every new machine out there for everyone to enjoy).

I don't know how the slingshot axes could lower to block shots so close to the bottom flippers without being a mechanical reliability nightmare, but that idea/concept is still pretty cool forcing shots to be made with the upper flippers that could have otherwise been made from below.

Anyhew - I don't want to take this thread off topic regarding attitudes, so back to the pleasant speculation about this highly anticipated machine.

Sorry I don't have the thread link, but Jack set the record straight in a rumor post stating that the company is contractually obligated to launch the pin at the release of the third film. They are not distracting themselves with reproductions or any other side projects other than their current manufacturing of WOZ. He also said they're hiring (& have hired) more people to assist with the further development of the Hobbit game.

Can someone find/post the link?

dug around and found it here it is

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/a-jjp-game-before-hobbit/page/4