Wheaton, IL
Quoted from Rudi:I have already replyied, but somehow it is gone. So basically what I said was a big thank you for all the help and critique I have got. I didn't think it was easy, but it seems harder than I thought. However I am studying mechanical engineering at the moment, so mechanisms will probably be good to understand for me. I want to get better at electronics and programming, so I think it is a very good project. I researched before, but I did not find pinballmakers.com, which is really helpful I think. I wanted to copy MM, because I won't be able to afford it within the next years. I know now it will be better to start small and if I like it get bigger. One thing that still bugs me is the price for the parts. Is there really no source where I can get a decend kit for cheap? I can't understand why most parts are so expensive. The material is really not that expensive. I think the most expensive thing is the labour cost. It is probably because there is not much competition. The electronics will be cheaper because I can get them from Aliexpress.
A few suggestions that May help you with All of your questions and comments. Yes MM is expensive and but your pursuit of knowledge can be achieved with a lower bar and maybe even Get you your wishes. You wouldn't jump into making a car and start with a Ferrari! I suggest you gather your knowledge like most everyone hear by buying a low cost 3-600$ pinball machine even an EM. Ground up restore it. I mean photo and take Every dam part out and polish it, catalog it, detail it, and repair minor bits as you go. If you succeed with this challenge you will gain a Wealth of how to, learn the parts market resources, and understand troubleshooting hand on! IF you are successful with That you should be able to sell that game for 10 (ish) times what you paid for it! Use that to buy your MM OR take that win fall and roll it into a slightly more complicated Used machine rinse and repeat. You will learn WAY more this way rather than a "it's expensive and Anyone can just build it!" Fail for sure. Good Luck! Basically, build a few puzzles with all the pieces Before you start making your own! lol
