Quoted from bbulkley:

Any 80mm pc case fan will work. Most people like noctua because they are made to be very quiet. If you replace the stock one, I recommend connecting it to the sysfan header on the motherboard. JJP directly wires their fan to power, but the motherboard will throttle the fan and it’ll be even quieter.
amazon.com link »

Quoted from Dreadreaper:

I just applied the JB weld we will see if she holds. If not I'll take it to get welded.... or apply zap straps lol.

Quoted from KevInBuffalo:

I need help, fellow Hobbitses.
My playfield lights and Smaug frequently lock up during gameplay. You can see an example of it here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/491641015?t=828s
(It happened a few other times during that stream too).
I’ve heard it may be an issue with the BAG board so I reseated connections on it and replaced the USB cable, but it’s still happening. I was going to bite the bullet and buy a new BAG board but I don’t see any on the JJP site. Any troubleshooting recommendations appreciated. Thank you!

Quoted from GTO:

Now, what are the must have mods? I've seen:
-Lior barrel legs (I must have this)
-Ring button plaque (need to get this as well)
-Bilbo's home (getting this)
-New shooter rod handle (can't believe they went so cheap with the stock one)
-Lior's book cover (probably not, I'm okay with the stock book cover)
-Barrel spotlights (maybe?)
Any others I'm not aware of?

Quoted from nogoodnames222:

For anyone following along with my saga, new BAG board did not resolve the random LED + Smaug issues. Not sure where to go from here. I've reseated all BAG board connections (obviously), all Smaug connections, all "bulk head" (back of PC box) connections. Anything else that could be causing these constantly-changing light problems? Or is there anyone in the Midwest that wants a good deal on a Hobbit? (It was working great 3 weeks ago )
Losing my patience with this thing.
Edit: Unplugged the ethernet from Smaug and having better luck now, the game is playable again! I had tried this before, so it may have been a combination of BAG board + Smaug? We'll see, just very excited about being able to play my first full game in a while on it, needed a reminder of how fun the game is (even if this is short lived).

Quoted from BazilBLast:

Someone on the GNR hype thread said The Hobbit Playfield was bare and lacked shots .
I thought I would correct him .
Did I miss anything .
[quoted image]

Quoted from GTO:

I was also thinking of getting the Bag End mod. Do you think it affects visibility into the pop bumpers area very much? That has been my main concern with getting it.

Quoted from Doctor6:

So I had the hest game ever, yesterday, and discovered that there is literally no limit to your ring button value when lit purple. When in a mode, every 10 switch hits will charge the ring up and the value keeps going for seemingly ever. I was cashing in as high as 14,000 points per button press. It got to the point that nothing in the game was scoring as much as me charging the button. I'd just hit an orbit spinner and hit that button like I was collecting pizzas or shooting down tie fighters.
My final score was just a hair south of 4 million, and that was with only getting to one wizard mode and doing terrible therein (scored like 150k).

Quoted from Thot:

nothing happens when i plug a headphone in the jack on the front of the pin, lights are on, i can made plus or minus and lights change good but no sound on headphones and normal sound still on speakers, rj45 cables are solid in boards, any idea?

Quoted from Fred550:

Hello, the community of the ring!
I added an extra screen on my Hobbit LE pinball machine.
We are more focused on the set with all the information on the small screen.
Like me, enjoy this mod.
I'll give you all the details you need to add the extra screen.
amazon.com link »
amazon.com link »
amazon.com link »
amazon.com link » 2x
amazon.com link »
amazon.com link » [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from Fred550:

I will make other detailed photos
can you tell me where i can find the mods
thanks again

Quoted from zaphX:

I joined the club today with Black Arrow #224![quoted image]

Quoted from HornerSyndrome:

This is how I found the pinstadiums the two red (flashers) not connected at all. And the GI only had one connected (I connected the other in the one of the pics) and it seems that pinstadium recommended the left side of the playfield and this is connected to one on the lower right. Do you just shove them into the same slot as the existing wires? It seems loose. Or tape them? They don’t seem to be working other than one side flashes purple occasionally. Thanks
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from pinballinreno:

The way they play.
However I have super bands on my IJ (tough to install) and they work well.
Urethane has a "dead bounce" feel, it works pretty good on a lot of games.
I choose flipper fubbers based upon how they play on each particular game.
Some games need bounce, some need less bounce, some need ball control etc.
I have Titan purple on my Houdini.
Perfect Play on my WOZ and TH.

Quoted from Fred550:

Hello everyone, I have been asked for pictures of the installation of the second screen I hope this will help you have a good weekend
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from Vernisious:

Oh, I see. I'm referring to the single magnet above the playfield on the ramp that locks for Smaug multiball. I loosened the two nuts for the assembly and was able to force it to sit flush with the ramp. Thanks LTG and punkin!
I still am unsure how the change the lights from mystery to bombur and two others. Can I unplug the wires going to each rgb led board or do I need to unscrew the board and put them in the correct place?

Quoted from Vernisious:

trumpanche. That did it! It was tough to tell which board was A. I messed up the arkenstone lights on board C and then guessed correctly the second time. Thank you all so much. I love this game and the community!

Quoted from Furio:

I have an interesting issue that is popping up on occasion. It's rare enough that I can't simply call my shop guy out to take a look. During gameplay, usually after a decent game, often after the first Wizard mode, the lights across the entire game all come on and stay a single color. Similar to dying to Smaug's breath where they burn up red. However, the bug is that they don't reset and everything stays lit and none of the features or ques are active for any modes from that point forward. It makes continuing on that game near impossible once you have trained yourself to look for the ques. Once you do a hard (powered)reset, everything works fine again for what could be a several day span, 20-40 games before you see it happen again. That makes this hard to troubleshoot.
I am going to update code and see if there is something buggy there by chance.
My only other issue on this game is Smaug tests fine but doesn't want to turn and speak all the time. Mostly we think that's just a loose wire as whenever we fiddle with the connection he works fine for a bit then it stops again. What would be the best method for securing that wire? A bit of hot glue?
Thanks!

Quoted from Furio:

It was definitely glued on, no signs of solder on the connections and broken glue present. I glued it back down with some instant epoxy and the eyes light up just fine again. Mouth doesn’t. Movement of the head has come back for left and right movement, but it is clearly binding when going left and right. Going to check the connections again and retest. This is all trial and error on my part. Takes forever as I know nothing and am just watching videos and reading how to/diy guides along the way.

Quoted from KingBW:

Sharing some "Awesome" from Eric ... pretty cool :
Flipper Code: (Left flipper for Letters, Right Flipper for Enter)
GAME
So: In attract mode: make sure you're on a clean slate by hitting the flippers together first.
Then: Left 7, R1, L1, R1, L13, R1, L5, R2
Report back to confirm you've seen the Awesome.

Quoted from Toppers:

This is neat. I don’t even remember the ball being able to go towards the out lane. It’s always just fell back towards flippers. I’d be interested in seeing how the game play dynamic changes. It would make killing smog easier with a nice feed towards that flipper

Quoted from joetechbob:

That’s a neat idea. What does that switch do at the modified exit?

Quoted from Travahontas:

Hey fellow Hobbitses...
I developed a mod to address a pet peeve of mine with the layout of this game. I really get tired of 1. not using the third flipper much, and 2. draining from rejects or dribbles out of the pop bumpers. I've always felt like there should have been a gate at the entrance of Bag End, but it's just missing. So I made a gate
Is this something anyone but me is interested in?
Operation:
Installation:

Quoted from punkin:

I need a mod gate for between the bottom flippers too. I think this will drastically increase my use of the bottom flippers.

Quoted from DaddyManD:

Hi. thanks for your help. Pic attached. When it gets stuck there it gets VERY stuck. Ball search does not help and only very hard shaking multiple times or taking off glass fixes it. Happens about once per game on average.
[quoted image]

Quoted from Gogojohnnyquack:

I just completed the whole Smaug mouth servo thing. Ken at JJP was great at helping me through it. I checked voltage on the Smaug Control Board J102 connector pins 1 & 3 when the mouth should be moving using the Smaug mouth min/max settings. These are the 3 pins where the mouth servo motor connects to the board. I set up a stand in the cabinet with the playfield raised to make it easier.
[quoted image]
Here are the settings that I measured:
Min.
Setting, VDC
100, -.206
105, -.216
110, -.226
115, -.236
120, .247
Max.
Setting (Min. at 100)
120, -.246
115, -.235
110, -.224
105, -.213
100, -.202
These progressively inclining/declining numbers showed us that the control board was working but not the servo, so Ken sold me a new servo. The new servo worked and I followed the procedure in the manual to calibrate and mount the control horn. This didn't work for me at all so I pulled the horn off and did my own calibration: I set the min(mouth completely closed)/max(mouth completely open) settings in the middle of their range, selected the min setting, held Smaug's mouth almost all the way closed, and mounted the horn onto the servo (no screw yet). Then I went back and forth between the min & max adjustments to fine tune it by carefully pulling the horn off and rotating it 1 notch at a time then pushing it back on. When I got it close I put the screw in the horn and did final adjustments with the menu settings. Make sure that when the mouth is closed that you can't hear the servo still trying to move. If you can then back the min setting off until you don't hear it, plus a little more.

Quoted from Gogojohnnyquack:

I installed and connected the new servo but didn't mount the control horn onto it, went into the Smaug Mouth Test (page B-21) and cycled back and forth between the 'min' and 'max' settings to make sure the new motor worked while also changing the values up and down, making note of the highest and lowest possible values then setting each in the middle of the range to allow adjustment up and down once I connected the control horn. Then, I selected the 'min' setting which moved the servo to the position that closes Smaug's mouth and while manually holding Smaug's mouth closed with one hand, I pushed the control horn onto the motor hub. Then I went back and forth between the Min and Max settings again to adjust and fine tune his jaw position. If I had to change the settings more than 5 numbers then I would put it back to zero and carefully pull the servo horn barely off the motor, rotate it one gear tooth, push it back on, and go through the tests and number adjustments again. I did this a few times until I was happy and still close to the middle of the numbers adjustment range.
Does that help visualize it better? I'm not going to take Smaug out and go through this again to make a video!

Quoted from Goronic:

It would have been nice if they had that in the core design. It would be great if the bag end shot fed the top right flipper every time
Really good idea.

Quoted from Skipnatty:

Hi folks, hoping someone has experienced this problem and has a fix or some troubleshooting tips. Both of the beast mechs towards the back of the game make an attempt, come up half way, go back down, fire again, and raise up the whole way and stay up via the hold. The two beasts closer to the flippers do not have this issue. They're both also pretty squeaky
I've made sure there are no wires in the way and they've got freedom of movement, and checked the alignment. Any other thoughts or have folks had this before and come across a fix?
Thanks!

Quoted from zaphX:

That's true for flipper noise too. I see the point of headphones as being able to hear the callouts in a noisy environment.

Quoted from jhoward1082:

Have to say this mod is absolutely killer. What a difference it makes to gameplay. It installs super easy in minutes with no tools required (which you got to love). I really think it’s a no brainer for any owners of the game.

Quoted from ulmpharmd:

Made this with some help awhile back, but just wondering how the demand would be if I tried to recreate something similar..it’s made out of real post oak and still maintains the original apron underneath..wouldn’t be cheap but is amazing looking in person
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from Tuna_Delight:

Congrats - nice looking Smaug Gold and some sweet mods too!

I installed my "Gate at Bag End" today and gave it a few games worth of testing. LOVIN' it so far! So NICE not to have pops shots come flying back SDTM anymore!
Nice mod @Trumpache - thanks!

Quoted from Beez:

Just bought a Hobbit from a great Pinsider
One issue ... Check matrixed switch #69, Left Pop bumper (stuck open)
I tested the switch and it pops in test mode.
Any help?

Quoted from paulbaptiste:

https://littleshopofgames.com/product-category/the-art-of-pinball/
[quoted image]

Quoted from PinPeet:I just received it and after just one game I can say that it is the best mod for The Hobbit! Improves gamesplay by a mile.
I remember when I bought the game that Keith suggested to Joe Balcer to add the hole+Shot through the pops instead of two standup targets like the Witch on WOZ. It was a good choice but unfortunately they missed this solution in the quick changelog.
Thank you very much for this mod and thank JP for the idea!!

Quoted from Goronic:

To be honest I was thinking I didn't want to add something like this that would alter the game play. But honestly seeing that video makes me think I will make an exception. And to your point, you can easily remove it to make it 'original design' with ease.
I think I am going to be a buyer

Quoted from GTO:

trumpanche - got the bag end gate mod, installed and played a few games with it, and have to say it is absolutely amazing. Many fancy mods get all the accolades, but they usually just enhance the appearance of the games. This one ACTUALLY improves the gameplay! Mod of the Year in my eyes. Thank you very much for creating it!

Quoted from Skipnatty:

Just wanted to mention this to Hobbit owners...I did the beta testing and temp checks for Pinmonk's JJP flipper cooling fans. Results were very satisfying to say the least.
Coil temps with the fans never crested 100F over a 90 minute play session and I saw no noticeable flipper fade through the whole time, whereas without the fans, flippers were noticeably weaker by the 60 minute mark of the initial test.
Would highly recommend if you find yourself playing for 60 or more minutes at a time.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Im ready to buy this NOW! for my TH.
I dont see a need for the upper flipper kit, the upper flipper is barely used.
But for both lower flippers:
Vic, take my money!

Quoted from paulbaptiste:

Damn! $140 for a lit button. There just isn't anything economical in this hobby. Does look nice though, just not $140 nice.

Quoted from GTO:

Wish there was some video of it in action. Like, if it glows and swirls like the movie's arkenstone that would be killer.

Quoted from Vyzer2:

Here’s a mod that works great and reasonably priced. Thanks for coming up with this Trumpanche.

Quoted from fnosm:The only question I have is which size to buy? 1.5" or 2"?

Quoted from Tuna_Delight:

Hmmm ... which would Thorin choose?

[quoted image]

Quoted from paulbaptiste:

Ordered both as well and had my best game ever. All 3 mini wizard and Smaug defeated. I had 28 modes played...so close!!
[quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from Dr-pin:

Love hate relationship.
Now it's mostly hate.
The worg head broke and i had to order this small bit of plastic for 80$. Insanely, rediculous overpriced.
While waiting im trying to play with it disabled, which means reaching beast is five times harder, since the right spinner is now acting as worg and since it's the outer inlane for worg means the ball you have to hit the spinner with is traveling really fast.
Btw if you like hard-mode, try completing into the fire with the spinner as worg. Also notice the spinner is often blocked from the right upper flipper since it's a multiball.
Grrrrr
Couldnt they have the right ramp as for when the orch is disabled?

Quoted from dug:I installed Trumpanche's bag end gate mod.
Played a dozen games or so and I like it...
Just as described with a lot more use of the upper right flipper.
Should have been there from day 1

Quoted from Beez:

I installed the “Gate at Bag End” today ... wow, what a simple mod with HUGE gameplay improvements. Pop bumpers were more active, upper flipper was able to be used more effectively... not to mention the first game I played was the best scoring game I’m had so far. Great mod .... love it and love this pin!

Quoted from pinballinreno:

I ordered one and cant wait to try it out.
Its been taking up to 6 weeks to get something priority mail here.

Quoted from dug:

Ordered the bag end mod from PinWorlds and considering the ring shooter rod.
Love this hobby!

Quoted from PinballHaven:

There are some gold mirrored ones that are very pricey but look amazing. I’ve held off on adding any so far but will likely go that route when my other repairs and expensive eye candy priorities have run their course-

Quoted from Modelvisionary:

I got a request to make an Arkenstone using the recessed button on the machine. It's not as impressive as the other two, but I managed to create the same depth of color and brilliance in a more subtle version. Peaking out of the dragon's hoard, glowing just enough for a sharp-eyed Hobbit thief to find it.
It's a bit easier to make which is reflected in the price. I'm extending the One Ring offer for the Low Profile version, total price for both $179.
https://superskillshot.com/products/arkenstone-low-profile-lighted-start-button-for-the-hobbit?_pos=2&_sid=b1466b948&_ss=r[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from pinballinreno:

I played a few games with the added ball gate last night.
Its pretty shocking as to how different the game play is with this slight addition.
The upper right flipper is used continuously now. I find myself adjusting strategy as to what to hit off from the upper left flipper pretty much all the time.
I was making shots that I forgot you could make!
My score didnt go up much but, a new excitement was brought into the game that I havent felt in years.
I did get a ball hang on the right corner under it that was quickly nudged out, but I might have it set too far to the right?
[quoted image]
It went a little crooked after a few games but the gate swings freely for the most part.
Im going to pull it off and move it up maybe 3/32" and see if its better. Its just stuck on with clear VHB tape, I have plenty of that on hand.
This will be a permanent addition to my game for sure! But Im worried about long term durability
How long before I can get a steel part that I can rivet to the plastic? Im in if you want to make some up.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Really this mod is a keeper.
Who want to fab up a few out of steel brackets that I can rivet on.
Long term durability is the factor here...
Pinball is a lot like automotive. Parts get beat to crap. Even steel plate gets torn and beat...
Make it out of steel and you have a winner!

Quoted from HornerSyndrome:

I want to second / third / 10th that the bag end gate mod is a game changer - literally. Not only do I not get the super frustrating SDTM after hitting a clean pop bumper shot but it gave me so much more practice at using my upper flipper that I killed Smaug tonight for the first time ever and did it with my black arrow upper flipper. So thanks trumpanche for making this!

Quoted from pinballinreno:

I slightly lifted my gate mod and pressed the crooked hinge further in to be tighter against the plastic.
I played 3 games and no ball hangs.
The mod is worth every penny. Yes it could be cheaper. Yes you can make it yourself, etc.
But the guy who envisioned it and did the research deserves to be rewarded.
This mod is never leaving.
Pleas make one out of steel for long term durability, its not too hard to do, it just needs to be done.
Ill be your first customer.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Also the bag end model that covers the gate is awesome!

Quoted from dug:

Could not agree more with what you said!
Love both mods.
I just checked my gate mod and after dozen's of plays it has not moved and I've had no ball hang ups.

Quoted from Energyspike:

Printed the gate mod and have tried piano wire and stainless welding rod (tough to bend). So far the piano wire is working well, it's a tad light so the bumpers tend to cause it to bounce back up from time to time and the ball rolls back through but gives a new dynamic. I appreciate the that idea was brought back and enjoy building the mods myself.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from MrBubbles:

I finally got good enough at Hobbit to notice the "weak flippers as gameplay goes on" issue. I think I saw where some of you were installing fans to try and cool flipper coils during gameplay, but has anyone figured out a less invasive/easier solution? Thanks in advance!

Quoted from Pinball-Ike:

I will add my thanks, super quick delivery and communication when I ordered. It took just a few minutes to install, and the instructions were clear, even for bit ole mitts like mine. I’ve played several games, it hasn’t moved, and the gameplay change is noticeable, especially getting the pop bumper awards on the dwarf and captive ball targets, and fewer SDTM returns obvi...
With 2 other gates in the area I’m surprised this wasn’t OEM, but there isn’t an immediate mounting area for an OEM gate, and so likely wasn’t possible, which makes this clever mount even better.
Well done Trumpanche folks like you, capguntrooper and others making simple but meaningful mods are a fantastic part of Pinside!

Quoted from GoldenBear:

Haven’t been loving my Hobbit lately ...game times seem awfully long. Nonetheless just ordered the gate mod which may not shorten game times but seems like it should be there giving me more things I can do safely when not in multiball modes. Excited to get it in the machine and give it a try! Thanks for tips

Quoted from darkryder:

That looks amazing, nice work! Do tell how you wired it up to pulse...I ordered the recessed version of the button and would also like to do this.

Quoted from Tuna_Delight:

Sweet! I too added a big 2-inch to my Hobbit as well as a gold ring shooter. I like that pulse action trumpanche!
Hats off to modelvisionary for the fabulous start button and shootermods too![quoted image]

Quoted from GTO:

Thank you so much for the video! The button is nice, but your wiring mod takes it to another level!

Quoted from PinballHaven:

Yes please share the wiring mod you speak of, thank you!

Quoted from BertoDRINK1:

Having a problem with my Mini Display. So I'm loosing Red every now and then. I've already installed a new VGA cable, that seemed to help for a while but the problem still comes back. If you put it in test I will just not have Red. Not really much to the little screen, i took that apart but not really anything can be done with that. Doesn't seem like much can be done on the MPU also. Possible a reflow on VGA connector. The Board itself is very expensive. Not sure if i just get a replacement Motherboard or could this be more of a mini display issue? anyone else have this problem?
Does this board look like the correct one?
ebay.com link: MSI H81M P33 Motherboard Intel H81 LGA 1150 DDR3 DVI VGA USB3 0 mATX

Quoted from Tuna_Delight:

It was a bit humorous to hear the guys on the Slam Tilt Podcast complaining about the supposed uselessness of The Hobbit's upper flipper in their latest episode. (spoiler: they are NOT fans of TH)
They're obviously unaware of Trumpanche 's fabulous Bag End gate mod!

Quoted from PinballCharlie:

Hmm - my gate installation is about 80% feeds the flipper - 20% still get through. Reverse those percentage before the gate installation.

Quoted from jrawlinson_2000:

This is my software setting, strange thing is I can not changed the stacked extra balls.
[quoted image]
Yes I know I need to hit both shots.

Quoted from Reaper802:

Those numbers can vary greatly depending on the servo. Pull the glass off, go into the setting and adjust each until the servo is making no noise at either max position. To be safe, back it off a few points more from those numbers. Then you will know for sure you are not over driving the servo and binding it. You don't need crazy range of motion for the jaw movement to match the speech well. Less in this case, is more.

Quoted from Kneissl:

here's a pic of the layout he's talking about...
[quoted image]

Quoted from PinPeet:

To add to this story. Originally there was a nice wireform loop around Smaug as well (instead of the magnet when you shoot the right ramp and it deflects to the Smaug lock) and even a left upper flipper. That upper flipper was earlier changed into the slingshot and the upper right stayed. The Smaug wireform loop was deleted because they were not allowed to have any interaction of Smaug and a pinball. Thats why you don’t even see Smaug shooting pinballs from his mouth in the screen animation but just the balls flying around when Smaug is out of the picture.
Crazy times

Quoted from mjfisher:

I just wanted to re-iterate what everyone knows about the Hobbit Arkenstone Mod and One Ring Shooter Mod. Not only are they awesome works of art and extremely well made but @modelvisonary (Bill) is one of the nicest guys around. Extremely genuine, willing to take feedback and not treat you like a fool. Thanks again for such a great product. If you haven't checked out his site yet it's here https://superskillshot.com/

Quoted from docdeath:

Bill's Arkenstone with back panel LED strip blue/UV (Photo 1), not red as in above post (10043). Photo 2 is with playfield lights on. Note: Don't affix stone to back panel sculpture with 1/2" glue dot as previously recommended. The dot is too thin and won't hold. Use a double sided adhesive tape such as Gorilla. It's thicker than a glue dot & there is more surface area of stone & pillar adhering.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from Vernisious:

Ok, I have the elite topper, bag end gate, arkenstone start button with pulse, arkenstone in Smaug's gold, clear shooter ring (and red shooter ring for LOTR), barrel legs, and book frame. I don't have bag end mod because of previous owner glued figures there (I might remove them and add the bag end sculpt. Can you guys stop making amazing mods? I think we are good now right? Just kidding, this community is awesome. I think this pin is undervalued even at $8k.

Quoted from docdeath:

Trumpanche: What do you mean by "demating"? From your video, it looks like you have also mounted the Smaug's horde Arkenstone on the back panel sculpture & back lit it. Where/how did you hide the wire leads? Also, which Arkenstone Start Button did you decide to install? The low profile?

Quoted from punkin:

Are your screws really clockwise to tighten?
They are anti clockwise here.

Quoted from Doctor6:

Let me explain better. I'm not saying I can't. I'm saying it is harder than most other games. The throw isn't as long. Like some games I can flutter the flipper and get it to control the ball and keep it on a flipper.... but this machine it seems it will be luck or happenstance as to which flipper I can cradle it onto. It is also almost impossible to post pass because of it. I wish they had a better/longer distance to travel to cradle it better.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

Check or replace the coil stops, they might be too long.
Use the modern williams coil stops.

Quoted from punkin:

Orcs.
Evil bastards.
Got the gate yesterday mate thanks.

Quoted from Goronic:

Post some pictures of the after - I am thinking about this mod too
I kind of wish Lior would redo that gold pile in front of Smaug to have a cool looking pile of treasures mixed in with the coins and a nice sculpted Arkenstone that is integrated with the gold pile more than just a flasher.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

For the past few weeks, I only focus on the modes, and completing them.
I have had this game for years and am rediscovering all that I have missed!
Its not about the score, or the multiballs, it all about the modes.
Individually, they are incredible!
Playing them and not completing them is one thing. Completeing them, wit the amazing videos that accompany them Is just "next level" amazing.
The bag end gate mod has opened up the game to a new level.
My hope is that a more permanent solution presents itself. This should have been included in the game and coded.

Quoted from paynemic:

Anyone know if you can restore high scores and setting from a different machine? Or are they coded to a game? I have an April fools prank in the works.

Quoted from pinballinreno:

I think the sillly square light in the backboard could use some work, as a mod.
The Eye of Suaron, Much like the Palantir mod on LOTR would be really good.

Quoted from RobbyIRL5:

Just got my Smaug Edition a few days ago and love it. Very pleasantly surprised how much I like playing this game. Still on the honeymoon, but it will be here awhile if not forever. A couple of questions:
It’s the first old school JJP I’ve seen, with the computer under the playfield and the monitor hard mounted in the backbox. Curious, are the Black Arrow editions like this or are they setup like the newer ones (with computer in the backbox and monitor on a telescoping mount)?
Also, the volume control looks like the attached picture which isn’t the same as my 4 other JJP’s. Haven’t tried to see if it works with headphones, but it doesn’t work adjusting the system volume. A) is this the stock volume control, and B) any suggestions on what to check to get working? I haven’t looked at the computer setup under the playfield let, maybe something came unplugged during shipping.
Thanks!
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Quoted from Modelvisionary:

First, I'd like to thank everyone who has picked up one of my Arkenstones. It's kept me incredibly busy for the last month.
I've gotten several requests for help installing the Arkenstone in Smaug's Hoard. It can be a bit challenging or more accurately, it's incredibly simple to install AFTER taking the gold lens out. It gets easier after doing it 3 or 4 times which I ended up doing to get these pictures on the process. This is the easiest way that I found. I tried removing the second light board instead of disconnecting it, but it was more difficult to screw it back in place than to reconnect plug.
This is my first run at documenting, critique welcome.
Bill Hanson[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Quoted from docdeath:

How to mod the back indicator light? Let's put a Smaug's eye there! "Smaug is in hiding but keeping a watchful eye on you." My photos do not do my mod justice. They are too dark. I think my camera needs cataract surgery! I took a 1.5cm acrylic clear half sphere, made an elliptical pupil from black electrical tape and affixed the half sphere with pupil affixed to the indicated with glue dot. The black pupil is horizontal, not vertical, but let's just assume Smaug is looking down in the backbox. I tried vertical mounting, but horizontal is more aesthetic.
Amazon has a myriad of glass dragon eyes. I have order several to upgrade my mod, but they my not be transparent to light. If they are, the red indicator light may not be bright enough. Right now I'm satisfied with what I have. [quoted image][quoted image]