Pinball Brothers &amp; Heighway Alien Apron &amp; Backbox Mod!!!!!!!

Can't say it was due to this, but I had a feeling once they went to PB to try to integrate it was going to be a problem.

#203 2 years ago

JIM

cpr9999

If this mod apron competes with their LV package (PB apron), I get it. PB loses value in selling their LV machine if this goes forward.

Others want the integrated topper lights too. But again I don’t fault PB for not coding in for SV owners as this would again affect LV sales.

I guess in the end if these sting - sell SV and get a LV.

(And I am on the mod Apron list too…)

#204 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

No comment!!!

#205 2 years ago

BEN

benime

Pinside member

7y 40,300 141

OP
Quoted from Red_Devils:
Well I have an update and it's not a good one I heard back from the designer and here is an excerpt from his email to me...
"Apparently my mod is a trademark infringement on the ALIEN word/logo which is registered/owned by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and any commercial use without purchasing a license agreement this is not allowed."
He is also going so far as to pull all the YouTube video from the original Heighway version he created because of this threat.
He also stated that the people helping him with the design and electronics have backed out for fear of being sued. It looks like Pinball Brothers have got what they wanted, no competition on the aprons. This really sucks and kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth with PB, it sure sounds like he received a cease and desist letter and "somebody" brought it to light with them.
I want to thank all you guys who wanted in on this amazing mod and it is a sad day that we aren't going to be able to see this on our machines.
Peace out guys.
Red_Devils out...

If it's just the word/logo ALIEN, why not just dump it and keep the rest?

Seems silly to scrap the whole project over that but I guess that's just me.

#206 2 years ago

TBM

Zablon

Pinside member

Quoted from benime:
If it's just the word/logo ALIEN, why not just dump it and keep the rest?
Seems silly to scrap the whole project over that but I guess that's just me.

There's ways around all of that. If they were truly interested in making it, they could. I think thew wind went of the sails when PB decided to not work with them on integration.

#207 2 years ago

RPG

RussG

Pinside member

11y 43,900 186 13 19

OP
Quoted from Red_Devils:
Well I have an update and it's not a good one I heard back from the designer and here is an excerpt from his email to me...
"Apparently my mod is a trademark infringement on the ALIEN word/logo which is registered/owned by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and any commercial use without purchasing a license agreement this is not allowed."
He is also going so far as to pull all the YouTube video from the original Heighway version he created because of this threat.
He also stated that the people helping him with the design and electronics have backed out for fear of being sued. It looks like Pinball Brothers have got what they wanted, no competition on the aprons. This really sucks and kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth with PB, it sure sounds like he received a cease and desist letter and "somebody" brought it to light with them.
I want to thank all you guys who wanted in on this amazing mod and it is a sad day that we aren't going to be able to see this on our machines.
Peace out guys.
Red_Devils out...

This pisses me off. For many reasons.
Is PB going to use this apron or a variation of it or did they just narc on the designer so we couldn't or anyone now can't do it?

A few questions:
Did Heighway get these aprons (or similar) on any of their models - production or aftermarket?

Are any of these going on current PB models like the LV? Does PB have any fair use of this?

If the answers of the above are mostly no.....

My guess is the designer and a few selected will
have the special apron and the rest well....I guess not.
This is sad news.

Red_Devils thanks for your work. Can you please keep us updated if anything changes or any news is forthcoming?

#208 2 years ago

AMS

I think you will see that the LV will have the almost same design. Funny thing is that this apron was far before the LV ever came to excist , what makes me believe that PB stole the design of the original maker and now they are saying they made it or it’s all off a sudden an licence issue......

I smell bullshit over at PB

#209 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from AMSNL:
I think you will see that the LV will have the almost same design. Funny thing is that this apron was far before the LV ever came to excist , what makes me believe that PB stole the design of the original maker and now they are saying they made it or it’s all off a sudden an licence issue......
I smell bullshit over at PB

no comment.

#210 2 years ago

AMS

AMSNL

Pinside member

3y 81,050 1,089

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
no comment.

#211 2 years ago

POP

Llabnip1972

Pinside member

3y 55,300 733

Now I am even more thankful for Vintomans motion tracker mod. It's the single greatest mod I have ever had on my pins. Hudson!!! Get over here....

#212 2 years ago

TBM

Zablon

Pinside member

Quoted from AMSNL:
I think you will see that the LV will have the almost same design. Funny thing is that this apron was far before the LV ever came to excist , what makes me believe that PB stole the design of the original maker and now they are saying they made it or it’s all off a sudden an licence issue......
I smell bullshit over at PB

I do find it interesting that after all this time they have yet to show a full real LV. Only mockups...but I really don't think they are trying to do anything nefarious. While they may have been influenced by the design, I doubt they stole it, it was already a known entity before the remakes. If so...that's bad news and will likely turn the community against them.

#213 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Zablon:I do find it interesting that after all this time they have yet to show a full real LV. Only mockups...but I really don't think they are trying to do anything nefarious. While they may have been influenced by the design, I doubt they stole it, it was already a known entity before the remakes. If so...that's bad news and will likely turn the community against them.

So sloppy how they are presenting this. Worst marketing ever. All the excitement is disappearing for me. Can you imagine in our real world and jobs if we did 10% of what is happening. So bizarre us loyal pinheads , we are so patient and forgiving.

How freaking hard is it to post a one liner somewhere showing something or even stating appreciation for the pre-orders. 11k commitment and we have to beg for info and or a picture or video...

Feeling sour, salty and sad on our apron project.

Rant over now going for a hike.

#214 2 years ago

JIM

cpr9999

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
So sloppy how they are presenting this. Worst marketing ever. All the excitement is disappearing for me. Can you imagine in our real world and jobs if we did 10% of what is happening. So bizarre us loyal pinheads , we are so patient and forgiving.
How freaking hard is it to post a one liner somewhere showing something or even stating appreciation for the pre-orders. 11k commitment and we have to beg for info and or a picture or video...
Feeling sour, salty and sad on our apron project.
Rant over now going for a hike.

You will be all good again when they release pictures! Amazing- today in the dumps tomorrow on the mountain. It’s called the pinball ride….

#215 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave and I had a call with designers.. We are moving ahead. The hardware is all complete and looks awesome. I will get the apron in about 2 weeks to have in hand and work on our next hurdle. ( Anyone going to Houston show I will have one to show)

We are needing help on the electronics side of this....So please DM me or Dave and let's see if we can out put our heads together. I have the schematics of what we need with a wish list of items and must have list. Let's start with the basics we all want and go from there to enhance it over time.

No BS with copyright, lets do this.

cpr9999 you called it, my day is getting better. LOL.

Once we have a few responses I will set up a zoom call with all of us to walk thru it with designers.

#216 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Here is a picture of the apron mounted on a SV.

We also have a source for the plaque from the original to place it in top left corner to fill the space.

It completes the look to perfection.

IMG-20211030-WA0000_7248388968380 (resized).jpg

#217 2 years ago

TBM

Zablon

Pinside member

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave and I had a call with designers.. We are moving ahead. The hardware is all complete and looks awesome. I will get the apron in about 2 weeks to have in hand and work on our next hurdle. ( Anyone going to Houston show I will have one to show)
We are needing help on the electronics side of this....So please DM me or Dave and let's see if we can out put our heads together. I have the schematics of what we need with a wish list of items and must have list. Let's start with the basics we all want and go from there to enhance it over time.
No BS with copyright, lets do this.
cpr9999 you called it, my day is getting better. LOL.
Once we have a few responses I will set up a zoom call with all of us to walk thru it with designers.

What electronically is actually needed? What does it do?

#218 2 years ago

JIM

cpr9999

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
Here is a picture of the apron mounted on a SV.
We also have a source for the plaque from the original to place it in top left corner to fill the space.
It completes the look to perfection.[quoted image]

See things already looking up

#219 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from cpr9999:
See things already looking up

As the brothers said in Trading Places.

We Are Back!!!!

#220 2 years ago

KPC

kciaccio

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave and I had a call with designers.. We are moving ahead. The hardware is all complete and looks awesome. I will get the apron in about 2 weeks to have in hand and work on our next hurdle. ( Anyone going to Houston show I will have one to show)
We are needing help on the electronics side of this....So please DM me or Dave and let's see if we can out put our heads together. I have the schematics of what we need with a wish list of items and must have list. Let's start with the basics we all want and go from there to enhance it over time.
No BS with copyright, lets do this.
cpr9999 you called it, my day is getting better. LOL.
Once we have a few responses I will set up a zoom call with all of us to walk thru it with designers.

When will you be in Houston? I have an Alien and I am going to the show.

#221 2 years ago

TBM

Zablon

Pinside member

Just realized looking at your picture, was there going to be a modification to allow for the tracker mod? Doesn't look like it would fit there as it is.

#222 2 years ago

KPC

kciaccio

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Zablon:
Just realized looking at your picture, was there going to be a modification to allow for the tracker mod? Doesn't look like it would fit there as it is.

Good question since I have the tracker already installed in mine.

#223 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from kciaccio:
When will you be in Houston? I have an Alien and I am going to the show.

For the pinball show coming in on friday.

#224 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Zablon:
Just realized looking at your picture, was there going to be a modification to allow for the tracker mod? Doesn't look like it would fit there as it is.

Yes......

Our electronics folks bailed on us.. We are now needing help on this side of the pond to fire this baby up.

#225 2 years ago

D S

Red_Devils

Evolution Mods

5y 109K 746 11

Quoted from kciaccio:
Good question since I have the tracker already installed in mine.

Look closer at the picture guys, the spot is there to mount the tracker mod, there's no need for the plate that Vimtoman sent, it just sits right on the apron cut out.

Post last edited 2 years ago: “Spelling”

#226 2 years ago

KPC

kciaccio

Pinside+ Frequent

Be cool to have it customized with your last name on there also somehow..Dog tag or on the Badge.

#227 2 years ago

TOM

Crile1

Pinside+ Frequent

Elizabethtown, KY

7y 99,800 2,089 14 31 1

Great news.

#228 2 years ago

???

DVDA

Pinside member

Oregon City, OR

6y 53,550 280 5 43 1

hell yes. Im still down for one.

#229 2 years ago

AMS

AMSNL

Pinside member

3y 81,050 1,089

Yes the tracker is placed on the apron. Plug and play

62849B64-563B-4002-B4F9-883C7206A973 (resized).jpeg

#230 2 years ago

RPG

RussG

Pinside member

11y 43,900 186 13 19

This is good news. Let me know if I can help in some capacity. I am not a programmer though.
I am glad we are pushing forward. This needs to be made.

#231 2 years ago

BAG

Baggerman

Pinside+ Frequent

3y 66,300 1,116 4 8

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dave and I had a call with designers.. We are moving ahead. The hardware is all complete and looks awesome. I will get the apron in about 2 weeks to have in hand and work on our next hurdle. ( Anyone going to Houston show I will have one to show)
We are needing help on the electronics side of this....So please DM me or Dave and let's see if we can out put our heads together. I have the schematics of what we need with a wish list of items and must have list. Let's start with the basics we all want and go from there to enhance it over time.
No BS with copyright, lets do this.
cpr9999 you called it, my day is getting better. LOL.
Once we have a few responses I will set up a zoom call with all of us to walk thru it with designers.

YES!!! DO NOT TAKE ME OFF THIS LIST!!

#232 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Baggerman:
YES!!! DO NOT TAKE ME OFF THIS LIST!!

no way brah....the list is almost at 75 people. I think when we are ready we will have about 60 happy alien apron owners.

#233 2 years ago

CAD

Crispin

Pinside+ Frequent

12y 133K 3,426 1

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
no way brah....the list is almost at 75 people. I think when we are ready we will have about 60 happy alien apron owners.

Outstanding!! I was destroyed when I heard this project wasn't going to be available for SV owners. Thanks so much for your perseverance!

#234 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Crispin:
Outstanding!! I was destroyed when I heard this project wasn't going to be available for SV owners. Thanks so much for your perseverance!

yes sir we are back and stronger.

#235 2 years ago

D S

Red_Devils

Evolution Mods

5y 109K 746 11

MORE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
Looks like we have been successful in recruiting a fellow pinsider to help with the electronics side of the mod. Things are starting to look up.
Stay tuned for more updates.

Post last edited 2 years ago: “Spelling again lol”

#236 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

OP
Quoted from Red_Devils:
MORE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
Looks like we have been successful in recruiting a fellow pinsider to help with the electronics side of the mod. Things are starting to look up.
Stay tuned for more updates.

life is good in our first world problems...lol

#237 2 years ago

RPG

RussG

Pinside member

11y 43,900 186 13 19

You still have the original list of buyers, right?
Thanks so much to all involved.

#238 2 years ago

D S

Red_Devils

Evolution Mods

5y 109K 746 11

Quoted from RussG:
You still have the original list of buyers, right?

Yes Sir

#239 2 years ago

TOM

Crile1

Pinside+ Frequent

Elizabethtown, KY

7y 99,800 2,089 14 31 1

awesome. Thanks for all working on this project.

#240 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

We are working hard on all the electronics for the apron.

You guys are going to be blown away with all the extras we are adding to the board.

Update on all of it soon.

#241 2 years ago

KPC

kciaccio

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Royale-W-Cheese:
We are working hard on all the electronics for the apron.
You guys are going to be blown away with all the extras we are adding to the board.
Update on all of it soon.

Will it be ready to install on my machine at Houston show? lol

#242 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from kciaccio:
Will it be ready to install on my machine at Houston show? lol

I wish.

Parts all been ordered.

Many rounds back and forth on enhancements and options . We will post a list of all soon.

I am learning a lot in this process.

This will truly be a stunning MOD.

#243 2 years ago

???

DannyGraver

Pinside+ Pro!

Unknown

3y 17,550 17

Hi, will the LIMITED EDITION be removed from this batch?
I’m still in no matter what.

#244 2 years ago

POP

Llabnip1972

Pinside member

3y 55,300 733

Quoted from DannyGraver:
Hi, will the LIMITED EDITION be removed from this batch?
I’m still in no matter what.

I hope I live long enough to see an LV owner remove the stock apron and replace it with this awesomeness

#245 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Llabnip1972:
I hope I live long enough to see an LV owner remove the stock apron and replace it with this awesomeness

You will see it live from my new room in my house....I am thinking to invite CNN. haha.

Anyone in the Dallas area , lets have a party.

#246 2 years ago

JIM

cpr9999

Quoted from Llabnip1972:
I hope I live long enough to see an LV owner remove the stock apron and replace it with this awesomeness

Why is that?

#247 2 years ago

TBM

Zablon

Pinside member

Honestly, the stock SV apron isn't that bad when compared to other machines. It at least has some theming going on. not just a blank slate with cards on it. But this machine deserves the extra flare.

#248 2 years ago

BAG

Baggerman

Pinside+ Frequent

3y 66,300 1,116 4 8

Any chance the programmers for the apron can take a stab at the beacons?

#249 2 years ago

KPC

kciaccio

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Baggerman:
Any chance the programmers for the apron can take a stab at the beacons?

An Apron/Beacon package deal would be awesome!

#250 2 years ago

MDF

Royale-W-Cheese

Pinside+ Frequent