As I have been seriously researching an NBAFB conversion (i.e. having spent days going through the parts lists and identifying sources and costing for just about every single part), I would definitely be in for an AFM. I just hope if it happens, that greed doesn't take over. I hope that pricing will not be set by the perceived notion that everyone will pay 10K for an AFM. Hardcore collectors that want the best of-the-best and bragging rights will.

But why should these be priced even at 6K or 7K?? Here is my 2 cents: I am assuming these sold new in mid 90s for at MAX or 2-2.5K (just a guess). Are they that much MORE to manufacture now? The original WPC boards are not complex compared to what is being manufactured today, and I would assume that manufacturing costs are now lower. Has cabinet making, screen printing, injection molding, ball guide stamping/machining, and habitrail forming tripled in price since 1995? While skilled labor and engineering costs have increased, has it tripled? All of the engineering design work has been done. I don't believe that parts have tripled in price (at least not if purchased in large runs). Minimum wage has only increased by $3/hr since 1995.

In my ideal world: Materials + Labor + Overhead + Profit = Price. I just hope that "Profit" is not dictated by the small handful that will pay outrageous prices. While standard economics dictate that pricing is driven by supply and demand, one way to cut demand is to overprice.

My vote: 5K. You can get new Sterns for less than that. And I would think that provides a suitable profit margin for Planetary Pinball.

Regarding AFM- I am tired of reading about player-grade, faded machines with playfield wear being listed for 8K that would be "Great Candidates for Restoration." But hey, it has all new rubbers!! At 8K it should be flawless and restored. Not *blinged" with powdercoated screw heads and every mod known to man, but flawless. Otherwise I'll buy WoZ or a new Stern. Five years ago these were 3K machines. So I hope Planetary helps bring folks back to earth.

Regarding New vs. Original? Or even Converted vs. Original? I would take new any day of the week. Better manufacturing, better reliability, etc. Even the high-end reproductions are using new parts. I do not believe they are being delivering with yellowed plastics and ramps, faded stickers, faded cabinet decals with lock-bar holes drilled in the front of the cabinet. The difference between an MPU on 2 WPC pinball machines? A sticker that I can print on a laser printer. I guess I am not a "True Collector." I just want a machine that my family can play where the little green martians jiggle around for a fair price.

Either way, I am in- (depending on price )
Hopefully there will be some good news today.

Thanks for the correction in my initial pricing guess- makes my final price estimate go up

.... the 5K was to be implanted subliminally in Planetary thinking.

If any announcement is made, it will be interesting to see if people "hoard" this buying opportunity. Just like reproduced playfields- buy 'em with no intent of using them, then post them 6 months later at an increased cost just to turn a quick buck.

I hope not.

Nothing about AFM?