Just joined the club and a happy member for sure. Had a chance to buy an LOTR as my first pin but chose TOM instead. No regrets on TOM but I'm really enjoying the LOTR. I've only played a few games but each time I've seen a new look, new mode, new sounds. I think it will be a keeper.

I grabbed this HUO one locally from a super nice guy that had owned since new in Jan 2004. Only PB he had ever owned. 1,475 plays total but other than the PF being dull and dirty (polished up nice with Treasure Cove kit), it looks like new.

What rubbers/superbands are you all using. It needs new rubber and I want to add the best

Any other must have mods?

Here is what is already on order:
- Jayspinball palantir ball mod
- Shaker motor
- PAL for shaker
- Wood rail protector
- Cliffys (all 3)
- Pinbits protectors
- Habitrail brass wire mod
- Shire image decals
- POTD figures/lighted (I'm mailing my figures to Pinball Refinery)

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Thought I'd post a few pics of the recent mods/updates to my (new to me) LOTR

Added Shire decal
Added all 3 cliffys
Added sword decal
Habitrail brass wire mod
Arwen protector from Pinbits
Replaced the VUK switch in Gollum cave (was getting wonky)
Added new (upgraded PB Life) bumper post left of ring ramp
Bought the Army of the Dead figures off Ebay - going to send them away for POTD mod

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It's actually quite a bit oversized. The only reason it went well is that I put it on, let it hang over "all over the place" then used my razor knife to trim it. Had to cut quite a bit off ...

Yea- I looked around and could not find them anywhere, then a set popped up on ebay and I grabbed it for around $50 or so

Funny stuff!

Read the instructions and saw the result - nice job!

Couple of comments.

On the post protector ...
If it's the left of the ring ramp post upgrade (highly recommended BTW - from Pinball Life), then be careful removing and installing so you don't bend or damage the ramp switch.
Cliffys are a must on LOTR, but on the shire and the gollums cave, I had to add some E6000 adhesive (tiny amount) to the undersides, then put pressure on them overnight in order for them to lay flat. E6000 is cheap and reversible. Worked like a charm

Couple of other mods to consider:
1) Ring flasher from Pinball refinery (awesome)
2) Colored incandescent bulbs (in lieu of LEDs). I copied this idea from another Pinsider. Green under the slings and near apron. 2 green above the POTD. Orange to the right of the POTD all the way to left corner of machine (along top row). Orange along shooter lane (there are about 9 bulbs in a row there. Get colored bubls from PinballLife
3) Shire decal (PinballLife)
4) Sword tip decal (PinballLife)
5) Target decal set (PinballLife)
6) Shaker motor (easy install and PM me for details)

If ordering from PBL, order some extra parts that common break:
1) Stern/Sega/Data East VUK (Vertical Up Kicker) Fork Switch With Diode - the fork switch at the Gollum cave VUK and Shire
ID#180-5116-01 - you'll need to simply "un-solder" the diode on the switch as it's not needed
2) LOTR Spinner With Decals ID#515-7088-01-80

Also - check your existing Ring flasher and Baradur Tower flashers. When I got my game (HUO since Jan 2004) the Ring was burnt out and the Tower was MIA!

Have fun - it's a great game

See pic for images of colored green bulbs and colored orange along shooter lane
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