I always loved watching re-runs of the Thunderbirds as a kid, so there is definite nostalga with this one. I'm surprised there hasn't been a Thunderbirds Pin in the past. I will follow the progress of this project and wait with anticipation for the reveal.

The more successful pinball manufactures we have in this world, the better for all of us. Competition is a good thing for the industry, so I think the community needs to support Homepin's endeavours. I applaud you for your efforts so far and can't wait to hear more. All the best!

I assume when you say "It was the shit", you mean that the parts were good. I had to read your post a couple of times as it has been a long day and I over looked the "the" part. I too have heard the Homepin parts are good quality. Well done Mike, keep the updates coming

Lol... so true.

I must say, I never really understood the phrase "put a shrimp on the barbie". I'm not sure what you call them in NZ, but we call them prawns over here. I don't think I know any Australian who says there going to put a shrimp in the barbie. To tell the truth though, I probably would have said something like "It was a ripper." You got me there ... lol.

True. I live at the beach, and I have to say, that picture is not too far off the mark...minus the big clam shells.

Australian Funded, Australian owned factory, Australian Code, Parts designed by an Australian, Graphic Design by an Australian.

I assume then that Apple is not an American Company. Because if we go by your logic then a great American Company named Apple, must be a Chinese company too. Mostly everything that Apple sells is made in China. Yet I still consider Apple as an American company. The same goes for many things funded by the US. Many of their blockbusters are filmed overseas, by foreign filmmakers and crew, with foreign actors, they they are still considered American productions. You get my point.

I think that might have been wiredoug's point...still...I think he thinks of himself as an Aussie. A lot of great Aussie actors were actually born overseas. Mel Gibson was born in the US. Nicole Kidman born in Hawaii...the list goes on. They are still Aussies to me.

I think at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where it is made, the important thing is that we will soon have another manufacturer in the market that can hopefully make a good pinball machine. If Homepin can get their manufacturing platform up and running, they can then start churning out quality machines and hopefully rock the boat a bit.

It may be wishful thinking, but I would like to see some downward pressure put on prices. Perhaps by having a pinball manufacturer in China, we are going to see some nice new pinball machines at more realistic prices. I see no issue with a pinball machine made in China. I am typing this post on a Chinese made iPad, while watching TV on my Chinese made Plasma, while lying with my head on a Chinese made cushion and sipping hot chocolate from my trusty Chinese made coffee mug. I have had all of these items for several years without a single fault or complaint.

Oh, and yes we are the Lucky Country. Or as you put it, this is "God's Country". It's funny, I never realised I was so damn patriotistic, until I joined Pinside and started following this Homepin thread.

I can't imagine the scope of what you have been trying to accomplish. I understand this kind of endeavour doesn't happen over night and the hurdles must be constant, costly and tiring. I'm glad that you have hung in there and look forward to seeing what lies ahead next year.

I just looked in the mirror, no complaints here...except from maybe that cushion I mentioned...

Oh, and I forgot to mention, married to my part Chinese wife. (She has a Chinese great grandmother) No complaints there either, at least not from my side of the relationship...lol.

I agree and try to shop local where possible to support my local community. But then again, that is simply not possible when it comes to pinball in this country. If we here in Australia want a fully featured, quality NIB machine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (Sub 9-10k AUD), then China makes complete sense to me.

Hold on, I'm going to need a dictionary...

Hi Mike, can you tell me what that artwork is in the background of your drop target photo? Very Thunderbird-ish

IMG_0544 (resized).JPG

Thanks, I'll have to check that out.

You crack me up.

I will keep that dictionary on hand for when you post... I just learnt a new word thanks to pinsanity.

Shill 1. an accomplice of a confidence trickster or swindler who poses as a genuine customer to entice or encourage others.
"I used to be a shill in a Reno gambling club".

Who would have thought Pinside would be so educational. Lol

I just watched this set tour of the Thunderbirds Are Go set at Weta Studio's New Zealand. I just love these real sets that have been built. Although the characters in the new show are animated, they use real filming sets and models. I miss the marionettes, but the sets and models are fantastic.