Who Dunnit
Bally, 1995Hi all, I just picked up a W?D and like many, the slot reel hubs are cracked. I am working on having some replacements made from new Acrylic (AKA Plexi-glass). If they work out on my machine I can have more sets made, just wondering how much interest there would be out there in community for a part like this.
Quoted from dmklunk:I don't own a W?D but I've got a feeling that there would be a lot of people interested in replacements
Yep, same here. It's a game that I've wanted for a long time, so I'd probably be up for a set to have handy for later on....
Just a quick update, parts are designed and the prototype run of 6 reels is on order. It will be a 3-piece design, center hub made of aluminum to attach to the motor via set-screw, Plexi hub and Plexi tub.
Does anyone know if the opto-sensor can see through the plexi, or is the "notch" in the original required for it to function properly?
Should have pics in 3-4 weeks with my current work schedule.
Quoted from tracelifter:Each reel is different and they are not interchangeable.
Each reel is the same, each label is different and must go in a particular order for opto reading to agree with DMD readout.
If I recall it's 3A then 1A then 2A, I could be wrong
Quoted from tilt-master:Each reel is the same, each label is different and must go in a particular order for opto reading to agree with DMD readout.
If I recall it's 3A then 1A then 2A, I could be wrong
That sounds right, it has been awhile since I repaired one of these.
When I put it back together I went in 1 2 3 order and that was wrong.
The motors are the same ones used for the SSTIF backbox spider.
You can repair the reels with a collet and true them but it is a MAJOR PIA.
Strike a flat spot on the motor shafts with a file otherwise you crack the reel spindles trying to get them tight enough so they don't spin on the shafts, the reason most of them are cracked.
I found probably the last NOS reel unit on the planet and it was 500 bucks + shipping.
The center ramp is also impossible to find, so is the sewer weldment.
There are also some bootleg repro translites out there, they look good until you put it in the game and back light it then it looks like ass.
If you find one of these games FS and the slot is sluggish or doesn't match the DMD pass on it, I won't even shop another one.
New reels and ramp are really needed for this title, most of them are toast.
Pretty cool game, was going to be called CLUE but MB rights were too expensive so they changed the name and the graphics.
Quoted from tilt-master:Nice, did the opto read the plexi or do you need a notch?
Since I don't have the hub yet I can't attach and perform the trial.
It is also fairly easy (although a bit nerve-wracking) to straighten out a warped reel if you have a decent drill press and a heatgun or propane torch. Details can be found on RGP.
Quoted from swanng:It is also fairly easy (although a bit nerve-wracking) to straighten out a warped reel if you have a decent drill press and a heatgun or propane torch. Details can be found on RGP.
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.games.pinball/kHPlAmQbncU
Update pictures, the thinnest acrylic tube I could get was 1/8" wall and it doesn't fit through the opto-switch. I will be turning down the inner diameter as soon as I can get some open time on the lathe at work, probably a week or so for the next trial.
Update pics, cemented together and with hubs:DSC07443.JPGDSC07441.JPGDSC07445.JPG
I finished up the set yesterday, just got them installed tonight, but they aren't working properly yet. Since I was afraid to waste a set of decals I just coped them onto standard paper and used some packaging tape to put them on. With this set-up, the opto trips like crazy in the test menu; and just spins forever on a slot spin. Going to have to try to cut the notches out and maybe try some masking tape instead of packaging tape to see if it can block the opto-switch better.
Update: The opto-switch was reading through the paper in some areas; used some painters tape for the 1/4" that passes through the opto-switch. Got the first set working 95%. The center wheel lines up on the line 100% of the time, but the other wheels go slightly past center and the symbol is correct, but just past the center line. I'll get some more pics over the next couple of weeks.
@Methos - I am going to try another copy of the decals to ensure I aligned the notches perfectly, next I am going to try swapping motors to see if maybe they need to be replaced. Judging by the wire colors on the middle motor it is newer, or at least different. I am leaning towards it being the motors because each symbol seems to repeat it's location, but they aren't all equally below the line; if that makes sense.
I am getting very close, but with how much machining is required on the plastic they won't be cheap to make.
After some trial and error I have successfully made a full set of wheels! Slot is matching the DMD 100%, Wheels 1 & 2 line up perfect, Wheel three is slightly off, like maybe 1/8" away from being on the line. While I was at it I replaced all three motors per this post: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/15-who-dunnit-and-scared-stiff-motors worked out great. I still only have a "copy" of the decals installed with packaging tape over the wheels; looks good enough that I may just leave it. I will have to get some video this week.
Sounds like a very ambitious project. Kudos to you and your passion to create replacement wheels for W?D. I'm sure there is a pretty good market for a set of three robust reels, at least, more robust than the OEM reels. Years ago I purchased a complete spare reel assembly before they became unobtainable in the event my original one failed.
I believe Bay Area Amusements has the reel decal sets (all 3) for $39.00, in the event any one needs a set.
Greg
First, glad to help you get your motors on the cheap.
Second - I applaud your efforts to reproduce these wheels with a better and stronger replacement.
Pretty much every WD I've worked on has the set screw surrounding plastic broken, glued or zip tied.
Badly needed part and you should sell a bunch over time if you can get them done economically!
Got a set done and functioning 100%!!!
DSC07476.JPG
DSC07466.JPG
DSC07468.JPG
DSC07467.JPG
In order to get the optos to read the slot properly I had two options, a darker color, or use the replacement decals I ordered. The replacement decals don't compare to the originals - it really shows on the extra ball.
DSC07473.JPG
DSC07474.JPG
I also had to slot the optos a little in order to get the wheels to fit properly.
DSC07459.JPG
So I photoshopped the background to purple, printed it on gloss paper, and used packaging tape to attach to the wheels, I think they turned out great.DSC07455.JPG
Videos here (sorry LEDs don't work well with GoPro):
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Oak Creek, WI
Vantaa
Köln
Moe
. Still waiting on the aluminum center hub to attach to the motor 