So I'm relatively new to the hobby, but almost the moment I was introduced to it, I've wanted to make my own homebrews, and try out some unconventional ideas. I've been working on the playfield design of this table for a long time now, but I'm finally getting around to actually building it. I've never owned a pinball machine, so I know this project is going to be extra difficult, and is going to be full of me learning lots of stuff, making mistakes (I've already made so many), and then trying again, and again, and again. Knowing that, I'm trying to stay on the simple side of things. This one isn't going to really have a lot of unconventional stuff, because it's probably wise to stick to what's normal first. If it goes well, I'm hoping to make several more that are unconventional/weirder, but we'll see how it all shakes out.
This machine is going to be about a bird's fight for survival in an extremely hostile world (the title is still subject to change--it's hard to come up with catchy names). I was originally going to not do any ramps (to try to keep it simple), but I can't do a bird theme without ramps. So... I added 4... which is probably a mistake, but I'm going for it. I'm trying to aim this machine at people who are unfamiliar with pinball, which is basically all my friends, and family. So I'll be trying to make it super easy to understand, a little "classier" looking than the stereotypical pin, and hopefully an easier shooting table. That being said, I also have some ideas for rules that I think will provide enough challenge for more experienced players.
Right now, I have a playfield layout I'm going to stick with (for the most part), all the pieces for a cabinet cut, and ready to be put together, my version 2 prototype playfield cut (I actually got this one CNCed, which was waaay better than cutting it all myself with a router), all the mechs, and hopefully all the boards/power supplies I will need. I've got a long way to go, but I wanted to start posting now. I have a lot of questions, and it seems like this will be a good way to get feedback, and answers that I can understand, and all that good stuff.
Here's my rough photoshop sketch of the playfield, and my CNCed wood n stuff:
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