This is a thing people got all worked up a long time ago, before being replaced with dimpling, then ghosting, and now clearcoats.

“Planking” is perfectly normal on a play field that is decades old
And is nothing to worry about.

I have nothing constructive to add, but it is fun to say "Ronkonkoma."

I do not agree with this. Dimpling yes, ghosting is not normal(depending on the situation, on a 3 month old Stern for example), planking is not normal. Ghosting and planking absolutely devalues the game.

I agree that your planking is minor and not a big deal, but for example, if I bought a game from someone that didn't disclose planking, and they told me to shut up and deal with it, we'd have a problem.

To me normal means that the issue doesn't de-value the game, a playfield with planking devalues the game.

I would just leave it and play it. It looks like you have done some custom work to your Dr. Dude, may just keep your eye open for a replacement playfield for a decent price and do a swap to make it really nice. I do not have a problem with older games showing signs of planking, but to have brand new games planking is an issue. Lots of newer titles that look like corduroy jeans, Spiderman, Aerosmith, Star Wars, Deadpool, etc. I feel planking is not normal and has to do with inconsistency in manufacturing and improper care and maintenance.
planking..jpgplanking.jpg

I’d be more concerned with that hideous powder coating.

I actually think it looks great and makes the game pop!

I entered into this expecting to see some good planks, and am leaving with curiosity satisfied!

Thank you Jay.

just play it!!

Nice machine!
The jury is still out on excessive dimpling.

To be honest, I never noticed planking or dimpling until someone pointed it out and started complaining about it. I would expect it to be an issue on a 30 year old game. The only person it will bother is you, and only if you let it bother you. That's a beautiful machine. Enjoy it!

I'd clean it, wax it and play it. I've learned the hard way that not every game has to be "Smithsonian" grade to be fun and offer hours of playing enjoyment. If you take a slight hit when selling it, oh well. Just the price of admission.