Thought I'd pat myself on the back here - just got a new DTR record 1:10.02. Pretty excited to still be breaking (personal) records after five years of home use

I'm whittling my time down - under 50 seconds. Once I get it under 30 seconds, I can start to brag

Damn - I just love this color display. I can't believe how much more I play lotr now.

Also pictured - my prototype lighted 3D Mt. Doom mod I am working on.... gotta get the lava to glow a little better!

DTR 48.78 (resized).jpg

Ok, so I am working on a much better alternative to Mt. Doom than just the stock decal image on the backboard (it's been driving me crazy for years). I have the design mostly done, but am looking for a 5v or 12v (5v preferred) connection that is constantly on (not tied into GI) and common to Whitestar.

I can tie into a GI lamp on the backboard really easily using a Matrix connector, but the mod is MUCH cooler with the glow of lava always on. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think there is an available 3-pin Molex 12v connector near the coin door that is common. Is there a 5v connector somewhere that is commonly available on a a stock LotR?

I'd love to make these available but I am really struggling with the wiring harness I should make.

Any help would be appreciated!

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Jeese - all these years in pinball and I somehow didn't know the third pin was 5v :O

Thanks for the tip!

-PC

Thanks, yz! Mt Doom as a decal made me a dull boy. I mean, that's the big finale (ok, one of many, many finales) at the end of the quest. I needed to do it some justice!

I don't know how you sold LotR - I keep trying but it is precious to me

I've ordered the materials I need to do a small trial run of five of these Mt. Doom mods.

I have four spots available, please let me know if you want in (either on this thread or PM me). I am guessing I can have these ready to ship by late next week.

The trial run price will be $40 shipped. I'm not sure if I'll make more yet or if I will change the price on a later run. I guess it will depend on feedback from the trial run, how much work/cost is involved and if there is additional demand.

Each piece will be individually hand painted, clearcoated in a matte finish and lighted. A wiring harness will be provided to tap into an existing 5v power source.

Thanks!!

-PC

MTD 3 (resized).JPG

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FYI - The Mt.Doom mod list filled up quickly, so if you didn't get an email from me about getting on the list, I'll put you on a standby list.

Let me process this small run and get a feel for how producing these will go and get some feedback from the early orders. If all goes well, I'll see about making more of these, for sure!

But for now, the list is closed - thank you!!

I've received several requests for a video for the Mt. Doom mod. Please excuse the occasional blurry nature of the quick video I took last night; cameras have hella time trying to focus on constantly changing light

So far I've had a lot of requests for the mod. It's time to end that grainy picture of Mt. Doom! That is really the one eyesore (mostly - I'm looking at you cheap looking Orthanc) that needed better representation.

Just a little patience - I want to gather as much info from these first five to make sure a larger run or a Pinside Shop Item will be completely universal (this is really a custom fit on that wireform and I need to see about mfg tolerances from pin to pin).

Thanks for the awesome comments and interest so far!!

-Chuck

The two hex head machine screws that mount the ramp to the backpanel are used. Remove screws, place the model over the mounting holes and bent wireform, replace the screws/washers.

The model accounts for the 3mm or so width of the wireform so it mounts flush to the backpanel. It's nice, also, because it hides the bent wireform that the screws mount to.

That is awesome! I really want to watch the video - but I have to avoid spoilers!!!! (as if I'll ever get there)...

Update on Mt.Doom! I received my materials and spent the better part of the weekend getting these done... during perfect weather.... in my basement.... all by myself. My family probably hates me. I learned a lot about the process, time and costs. The final product will likely sell closer to $60 - if not $60. Hate to increase the price, but they do take a lot of time to make.

Anyhow - for you in the trial run receiving these this week, it would be a good idea to check out some installation pictures/instructions here:

https://www.pinworlds.com/install

It's an easy install - but knowing what to do ahead of time will certainly be handy.

I have nine people on my auxiliary list. After I get feedback from the trial run, I'll offer the first batch to you guys (look for an email later this week). After that (after I build inventory, that is), these will be available right here on Pinside and/or on my website. Probably one week wait time for the second run, and 2-3 weeks for store inventory.

Thanks, all - I'm really looking forward to getting these into the hands of some fellow pinheads!!

-Chuck

trial 1 (resized).jpg

Trial 2 (resized).jpg

It's actually three bright white strip LEDs (to fit in the thin profile channel of the mod) shining directly into the transparent red plastic portion to divert the light.

AFAIK "flicker" lighting is not available in strip lighting but I did think about doing that. But "flicker" might be too much; lava undulates more than flickers - especially at such a distance.

You have to really field a ball coming back from a failed right ramp, for sure. If you don't actively nudge, there is a good chance it will drain.

Hmm, oh yeah, he isn't in the LotR pinball timeline... But, he does look totally bad-ass nonetheless. Now I am torn on whether or not to add him...

Looks great, AUKraut!

That's the thing with LotR - so many people have so many mods on this pin (me included) that I wanted to design the Mt.Doom mod with a very thin profile so as to not interfere with any other mods people might have. The internal lighting channel is designed to accommodate strip LEDs only - it is precisely 4.25mm deep X 10.2mm wide and 45mm long. The wiring included is ~4'-6" which should reach either to the coin box area or the backbox - depending on where you plan on tapping into 5v power.

It would be sweet having some lighting effects in there but I don't think those flashy fx lights come in strips.

It is possible to experiment with the lighting on the mod yourself. The internal lighting and wiring channel is held in with hot glue so it can be serviced or replaced if desired.

Those on the second batch list - I will send an email out to you tomorrow for purchase details. The intent is to get this next batch shipped all during next week. All the feedback I received was great (thanks early buyers!!), so no major changes are required to the mod.

Also - there is no more list. After I get these out, I will have them up on the Pinside store or on my website to buy - thanks SO much for all the interest! I hope everyone loves 'em!

-Chuck

That looks sweeeet with Sauron there! I was hoping someone would post a pic with Mt.Doom and Sauron.

Did you have any trouble accessing the machine screws to get the wireform off the backboard? Looks like it might be tough to get a nut driver in there.

Heads up to all those on my list that ordered the Mt.Doom mod; they all have shipped! If you haven’t already received your mod, look for it to arrive soon.

Man, that sure was fun designing something sweet for LotR - looking forward to my next mod for this pin. Thanks for all the really great feedback I received from many of you. Pinside has a great, passionate community for mod makers

For those that didn’t make the list - you can buy it here on Pinside or my website starting today!

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1139-pinworlds/01650-lighted-volcano-mod-for-mt-doom-lord-of-the-rings-pinball

https://www.pinworlds.com/lotr-volcano-mod

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Thanks QG - looks fantastic - that is some wild lighting you have going on... There is one thing I know after seeing this....

I gotta get me a reverse layout LotR!!

Great to see the mod made it to Canada with no problems, too!

The ball is wild coming out of that ramp on a reject. It is a wide enough ramp that the ball can take multiple angles on an exit. I really need to give my machine a hardy nudge to keep it from draining.

Most certainly the first (and so far only) to the UK! Did you put the power tap in the backbox or cabinet?

Just an FYI for others interested in the mod - I have about 1/2 dozen left and then there might be a considerable delay in making more. The red transparent ABS plastic I use to make the mod hasn't been in stock for a couple months and I haven't been able to find a suitably colored alternative. But on a good note, I do offer a splitter cable as an option now for those who do not have an available power connector or a fancy PowerTap.

12v5v splitter (resized).jpg

Yeah - I'm with you. Years ago I replaced all the incandescents with LEDs. Lasted about three days before I took them out. It remains as my only game with incandescent bulbs. I have a bunch of 44/555 bulbs from the past that I have to use on something Although, I haven't needed to replace a bulb on that pin in over three years :O

That flasher just hanging out there drives me crazy. It's on my list to design a lighted Weathertop with hidden flashers that should really clean that area up.

*gulp* No pressure here

Wow! My 10yo kid Alex just got GC and was only about three objectives short of Valinor! He is now officially way better than me . While I wrote off ever getting to Valinor myself, I have some hope now that I’ll at least see it in the stands

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Every month I put a new challenge out to them with a $5 bounty - like "get your initials up for a mode champion on X pin". It works! Otherwise, yeah, it is tough to compete against freakin' Fortnite and all the garbage phone games

Those bubbles are notoriously bad and should be completely disregarded - especially on LOTR for whatever reason. I've found the bubbles on modern machines to be much more accurate.

Whoa! The One Ring on your key fob is HUGE! It must have just been cut from Sauron's hand before Isildur wielded it (nerd hat is ON).....

Ugh, power problems are always a pain in the butt. The Volcano mod does not add any significant load on the 12v/5v circuit, but you can add only so many pennies to a to a full cup of water before it overflows

I would make sure you have the proper fuses on hand, then try plugging the Volcano mod in at the front of your cab while the machine is ON so you can see in real time if that is what is causing the fuse to blow.

Do you still have other mods installed?

That’s crazy. I wonder if it was modified by the previous owner?

Send me a PM, if you cover shipping costs I’ll send you a new one free of charge.

I’m curious what is wrong with that one you have...

Perfect that you are an electrician

That LED circuit is pretty simple, just three 5v LEDs and each one has a resistor. Maybe one of the resistors went bad? My bet is the solder points at the pad need to be reflowed. The harness can be completely removed by heating up the hot glue holding it in place and removing. Maybe check for obvious issues at the solder pads and reflow the joints. If it looks fine at the solder pads, then it's a circuit issue.

Anyhow, just let me know whenever you get the chance - I'll be happy to send you out a new one

And, damn, your LE looks awesome!!

Finally, FINALLY got to making this mod I have been wanting to do for the past three years. The factory Orthanc always looked like Stern punted on that particular model, so I spent the good part of my weekend doing a total redesign. Wow, was it tough modelling around such strange angles and limited space, but I am really happy with how it is shaping up!

These pics represent an older build - the lighting will change quite a bit as well as some details and quality of the model itself. I'm still debating whether or not to use red lighting (as pictured) or white lighting.

The final will be a super simple install hooked up to the aux 12v circuit for lighting. Any feedback would be awesome! When it gets closer to production, I'll start a thread for it.

WT1 (resized).jpg

WT2 (resized).jpg

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Thanks for the feedback!

I would love to do a resin version of this (and probably will just for my pin to test it out); the fine detail would look amazing. But, yeah, that would definitely shatter

Currently, I am experimenting with three different thermoplastics right now to find the best balance between looks, flexibility and strength.

I'll hook up a some white lighting in the next day or two and post to the upcoming dedicated thread.

Thanks Niho!

I'm with you on lines - and I try everything possible to reduce or eliminate them. The inherent nature of these new complicated pinball toy designs with LED lighting channels is they aren't a singular solid model, so you can't create a casting - they have to be produced layer by layer.

I do have a resin printer, however, that completely eliminates lines, but the resin material is far more brittle and only works for certain "safe" locations in a pinball machine.

I've got the dedicated thread up for the Orthanc mod:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/pinworlds-wizards-tower-for-orthanc-mod-lotr#post-5479941

Thanks for all the input so far

That's exactly it - it would be a tremendous amount of work to get molds made and would lose all ability to modify your models on the fly. And a good artist learns to use the lines to his advantage - like naturally occurring wood grains or lines in concrete. Also, from the distance you are looking at in a pinball machine, you don't notice the lines.

Here is a photo of my Bag End mod - the first with high impact thermoplastic, the second with resin. The resin definitely looks cleaner, but is missing some of the personality of the plastic. And these are closeup, once these are on your machine you won't notice unless you get your face right in it Also, resin Bag End will explode on impact

BAG END FDM (resized).jpg

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About half of mine fly past the up-post event. I generally go straight into Orthanc because of it, even though the shot is worth more on the right orbit.

That looks awesome! Great idea.

Thanks pjj! Looking at these pics... Was it difficult to access the lower right hex screw on Orthanc? My LotR has just Gandalf, but you have the version with Gandalf on Shadowfax. Do those figures get in the way of getting a nut driver in there?

Really like these shire ideas. I think it needs to be in front of the VUK on the clear plastic. Going over the wireform looks cool, but might obstruct the playfield too much, IMO. I guess it doesn't really obstruct anything critical, though

Or as we misquote when playing - "Don't trust Golem's two balls".

DAMN! It is going to take another year or two to get that close again, lol!

You have outscored my best game by at least 2.5x - well done!

LOVE those decals! I must have them.......

Finally beat the long standing 30 second Ring Champion (from my now 13 year old kid). That was about as fast as I think I'll ever do it.

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Lol, yeah, I better get busy! I'm completely out of everything. It's nice to use my extra time to actually play again!

That is a fine time! I only recently bested that with a 27 second time (the current record on our machine) and I've had the pin for about ten years. My 10 year old kid just got 30.6 seconds last week, that is AMAZING!

My leaf switches have been flaky over the years. I'd at least rough up the contacts on the leaf blades to make sure there is a clean connection.

That Kruzman playfield is stunning! You're gonna miss it for sure. It holds up to the best artwork on Yeti's pins.

It's the only pin I have left that I need incandescent bulbs for... not sure it's possible to yank it from my collection.

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This one? Seems pretty sweet and well priced.

https://www.pinballlife.com/8-way-power-splitter-board-for-stern-pinball-machines-using-whitestar-or-sam-operating-systems.html?Category_Code=

I’ve always eyeballed that splitter. My new Shire mod ties into 6.5v GI power so I haven’t needed to do more than a two-way split yet.

Yes, that issue was driving me crazy. I ended up tapping that wire guide just to the right of the ball down further into the playfield and that finally fixed it.

I’m alive! Sorry - I’ve been out doing stuff, lol. I have some dooms and towers in the works. Not sure I’ll make any more shires for lotr for awhile, tho. Look for these on sale next week here and on Mezel.