Quoted from Dallas_Pin:Was Ron looking for one for you as well or is his different?
Ron is looking on my behalf.
(Topic ID: 142990)
Linked Games
The Who's Tommy Pinball Wizard
Data East, 1994
Topic Gallery
1 week later
Palmer, MA
Quoted from Milltown:Picking one up this week... Im in..
Welcome aboard. Awesome game with many worthy opportunities for you to spend copious money on some really great upgrades. Great game to boot! Nothing beats those flipper blinders....
Quoted from zahner:Welcome aboard. Awesome game with many worthy opportunities for you to spend copious money on some really great upgrades. Great game to boot! Nothing beats those flipper blinders....
Thanx man
Looking forward to it..
Whats the latest codes to date ? 5.0 ? I hsve a feeling there the original ones stil on board...
Quoted from Milltown:Thanx man
Looking forward to it..
Whats the latest codes to date ? 5.0 ? I hsve a feeling there the original ones stil on board...
You want the modified code...look back a few pages where the details are listed...I think Soren did it...great upgrade
How can you tell if your Tommy Pinball Silver topper is legit or some sort of a replacement? Just curious.
Quoted from wackenhut:How can you tell if your Tommy Pinball Silver topper is legit or some sort of a replacement? Just curious.
The real one has a base that fits the big hole on the top of the head. Looks more like a big round silver lightbulb. The homemade ones, like mine, are usually spheres made of plastic (mine was a jumbo outdoor Christmas ornament) or metal (a glazing ball). The replacement ones are then attached in a variety of ways that usually involve a metal plate or rod that is screwed into the bottom of the fake one.
If you’re asking about a reproduction done to the specifications of the original, I am not aware that such a beast exists. If it did, I couldn’t tell you how to tell the difference. But also, if it did exist, I’d love to hear about it.
I've never understood the fascination with the OEM Tommy topper. It's cheap plastic. There are literally stainless steel gazing balls (8" or 10", depending on you preference) that are a much superior upgrade in material quality besides being a much more faithful example of a pinball. You can polish these things up to a complete mirror shine.
I had an original topper and switched it out for SS gazing ball. Huge improvement.
Quoted from pinballjah:Pretty quite in the Tommy thread these days. New decal I added recently.
[quoted image]
It has been quiet here!
All the pieces are finally coming together fir my Tommy. The Tommy I bought from Jopo8157 has been shipped to
Jjsmooth for restoration. Finding a playfield was a real bitch. I won’t go into the details, I ended up getting a nice play field from
Dallas_Pin and has it shipped to
CaptainNeo for restoration. It will have a ColorDMD, Pinsound and PinWoofer set up installed.
Quoted from ToucanF16:It has been quiet here!
All the pieces are finally coming together fir my Tommy. The Tommy I bought from jopo8157 has been shipped to jjsmooth for restoration. Finding a playfield was a real bitch. I won’t go into the details, I ended up getting a nice play field from dallas_pin and has it shipped to captainneo for restoration. It will have a ColorDMD, Pinsound and PinWoofer set up installed.
Sounds like you are going full out on this one. You may want to look into the Who translite as well that they now sell out of Europe. Btw, I thought space was tight in Hong Kong, how can you have room for 67 games? Do you own an arcade there?
Quoted from pinballjah:Sounds like you are going full out on this one. You may want to look into the Who translite as well that they now sell out of Europe. Btw, I thought space was tight in Hong Kong, how can you have room for 67 games? Do you own an arcade there?
I’ll look into the translate. Do you have a source?
I’ve been in Hong Kong five years, but my collection is back in the USA.
Quoted from ToucanF16:I’ll look into the translate. Do you have a source?
I’ve been in Hong Kong five years, but my collection is back in the USA.
You must miss the collection. Here is the translite source:
https://www.retrorefurbs.com/shop/the-whos-tommy-hand-drawn-pinball-translite/?currency=USD
Quoted from bsrhardy:Hey guys, looking at a potential Tommy. Did they all originally come with the blinders? If so and they are missing, what is the drama with getting repros and adding them back in. Thanks in advance, I need the Silver Ball!!!
The game always had blinders as far as I know and they are a must. Once you upgrade the software to v5.0 (think that’s the version designation), they are used a bit more. Several folks make a reproduction. Here is a blinder set up on Pinside:
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1203-thedudemods/02682-tommy-blinder-assembly-repro
Quoted from Milltown:Picked up today.. 540 mile round trip.. Great shape...few bugs.. Great $$ ..
In need of a topper and the small plastic to the left of the left ramp entrance...
Auto shooter is out of wack as well.
Gonna dive in this wknd...
[quoted image]
What are those red marks on the head decals? Is the head red under the decals? Haven't seen that before.
Quoted from bsrhardy:Hey guys, looking at a potential Tommy. Did they all originally come with the blinders? If so and they are missing, what is the drama with getting repros and adding them back in. Thanks in advance, I need the Silver Ball!!!
TNT sells an upgraded servo board and new servo for around 80.00, blinds themselves not included
Quoted from pinballjah:What are those red marks on the head decals? Is the head red under the decals? Haven't seen that before.
Some one thought they were artsy .. Haha .
My tommy is missing 1 plastic to the left of the left ramp entrance... Platic no 4 I belive ? Maybe no 9..? Can any one tell me for sure ?
Also anyone have 1 they are willing to sell ?
I can score no,9 on the eBay but no 4 is not there ?
Thank u...
0925201444 (resized).jpgScreenshot_2020-09-25-14-44-39 (resized).pngWell we are in!!!! Just picked up our Tommy, it needs a good bit of work, but I am actually looking forward to it. It plays great, but just needs a ton of TLC. Here is what wows me. We currently own 3 other pins Star W Prem, GB Pro, and JP Prem, all of them show dimpling and really aren't that old. Tommy is a 26 year old machine that was on route and probably has 50,000 plays (i'm guessing) and the playfield looks great. what the hell has happened to QA now a days.
For the current owners out there, what is the best source for parts? Need to replace the mirror, the bomber has a crack in it etc....
Also, how in the hell do I work on the cabinet? Point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Ain't got no distractions......
Quoted from bsrhardy:and the playfield looks great.
Here’s an example of a ‘used’ Tommy PF that had no work done on it. Smooth .. your observations are spot on. My GnR and DESW are the same
441DAE74-7A5B-46A9-B723-A69FBD3F0C00 (resized).jpegQuoted from Dallas_Pin:Here’s an example of a ‘used’ Tommy PF that had no work done on it. Smooth .. your observations are spot on. My GnR and DESW are the same
[quoted image]
Hey! That PF looks familiar!
Quoted from bsrhardy:Well we are in!!!! Just picked up our Tommy, it needs a good bit of work, but I am actually looking forward to it. It plays great, but just needs a ton of TLC. Here is what wows me. We currently own 3 other pins Star W Prem, GB Pro, and JP Prem, all of them show dimpling and really aren't that old. Tommy is a 26 year old machine that was on route and probably has 50,000 plays (i'm guessing) and the playfield looks great. what the hell has happened to QA now a days.
For the current owners out there, what is the best source for parts? Need to replace the mirror, the bomber has a crack in it etc....
Also, how in the hell do I work on the cabinet? Point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Ain't got no distractions......
I think you can replace the mirror decal on the mirror if that helps.
Mirror decal
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/515-5905-Mirror
If I remember correctly, the plastic bomber is unobtainium.
1st night of a deep clean and comet led bulbs install..
Adjusted the ball shooter . few other adjustments . working perfect ..
New rubbers / balls installed,.,
Alternate translight / British flag target pads ordered ,,,
Pinsound / kids are alright cabinet art next.... And cliffys protectors...
How is yours all lit up like that. Even before the LEDs. The one I bought seems dark as hell, and the trans light just illuminates TOMMY with an occasional burst from the lower lights in it. The slings are never lit and the outlanes just light occasionally.
Since I am brand new to this machine, I just don't know what I don't know. But I do know it is super dark. On the first shot, the only thing, and I mean only thing, on the board that is lit is the skill shot.
Quoted from bsrhardy:How is yours all lit up like that. Even before the LEDs. The one I bought seems dark as hell, and the trans light just illuminates TOMMY with an occasional burst from the lower lights in it. The slings are never lit and the outlanes just light occasionally.
Since I am brand new to this machine, I just don't know what I don't know. But I do know it is super dark. On the first shot, the only thing, and I mean only thing, on the board that is lit is the skill shot.
Check your GI connectors. Probably burnt pins and connector housing.
Quoted from LOTR_breath:Check your GI connectors. Probably burnt pins and connector housing.
Agreed. Absolutely should not be dark. Mine almost looks like it has Pin-Stadiums. I did add a couple of spots on the slings just to give it a tad more, but it really should be a fairly bright PF.
Quoted from wackenhut:How can you tell if your Tommy Pinball Silver topper is legit or some sort of a replacement? Just curious.
original has a plastic base that screws into the top of the backbox, most people just use gazing balls as a replacement.
Quoted from ccbiggsoo7:original has a plastic base that screws into the top of the backbox, most people just use gazing balls as a replacement.
D9C0728D-8891-448F-BDF3-6B809A4BF26E (resized).jpegQuoted from Chuckwebster:Does anyone know if Stern Lolipop side rails will fit on a Tommy?
always heard that they will. just off a tad i believe.
Quoted from HIPPY:No more pegs, very nice. The 2 bottom screws are threaded into existing spots. The 4 top screws are hex screws. Spike system, Pinball Life. I believe it has a lower profile than the Sam.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
I dig this...
Quoted from bsrhardy:How is yours all lit up like that. Even before the LEDs. The one I bought seems dark as hell, and the trans light just illuminates TOMMY with an occasional burst from the lower lights in it. The slings are never lit and the outlanes just light occasionally.
Since I am brand new to this machine, I just don't know what I don't know. But I do know it is super dark. On the first shot, the only thing, and I mean only thing, on the board that is lit is the skill shot.
Deff some bad burnt connectors more then likley .opd bulbs.. Bad sockets maybe ? What was the pins life before u ?
Quoted from bsrhardy:How is yours all lit up like that. Even before the LEDs. The one I bought seems dark as hell,
You might have this?
IMG_4416 (resized).JPGQuoted from Catch86:You might have this?
[quoted image]
Ouch
I'm missimg part of my back box lighting...
Ive been suspicious of this plug on mine.. Haha dive back in tommorow..
Middleton-on-sea
Quoted from Chuckwebster:Does anyone know if Stern Lolipop side rails will fit on a Tommy?
Yes they will, I have fitted them to a Tommy. As was mentioned the flipper holes are very slightly off but ok with a bit of fettling.
Have what I thought was an immaculate Tommy, never a problem, then suddenly when I turn it on the propellers constantly spin, can't start a game and the DMD is out along with some of the lighting. When I turn the machine off, all the "dead" things, momentarily flash on, so I know they're not really dead. This happened when I played a couple of games, went to the office for a while, then was heading upstairs and decided to play one more game. Anything specific to look for when the propellers constantly propel? 
Quoted from LOTR_breath:Mirror decal
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/515-5905-Mirror
If I remember correctly, the plastic bomber is unobtainium.
Yep - very occasionally a bomber will surface on Ebay. But pretty scarce.
Quoted from AntennaMan:Have what I thought was an immaculate Tommy, never a problem, then suddenly when I turn it on the propellers constantly spin, can't start a game and the DMD is out along with some of the lighting. When I turn the machine off, all the "dead" things, momentarily flash on, so I know they're not really dead. This happened when I played a couple of games, went to the office for a while, then was heading upstairs and decided to play one more game. Anything specific to look for when the propellers constantly propel?
Have you checked the fuses?
Quoted from Milltown:1st night of a deep clean and comet led bulbs install..
Adjusted the ball shooter . few other adjustments . working perfect ..
New rubbers / balls installed,.,
Alternate translight / British flag target pads ordered ,,,
Pinsound / kids are alright cabinet art next.... And cliffys protectors...
[quoted image]
Tilt Graphics now sells side blades for Tommy, if you are looking to spend a bit more money 
https://www.tiltgraphicsinc.com/product-page/union-jack-gameblades
Quoted from pinballjah:Tilt Graphics now sells side blades for Tommy, if you are looking to spend a bit more money
https://www.tiltgraphicsinc.com/product-page/union-jack-gameblades
Yup
,these are the blades I was digging...
Quoted from AntennaMan:Have what I thought was an immaculate Tommy, never a problem, then suddenly when I turn it on the propellers constantly spin, can't start a game and the DMD is out along with some of the lighting. When I turn the machine off, all the "dead" things, momentarily flash on, so I know they're not really dead. This happened when I played a couple of games, went to the office for a while, then was heading upstairs and decided to play one more game. Anything specific to look for when the propellers constantly propel?
I would try reseating all of the ribbon cables. Also check very closely for any signs of battery acid damage.
Quoted from ToucanF16:Hey! That PF looks familiar!
Up close, it looks like it had dimpling, but it's reflections of the lights behind it. Enjoy it in your new build and you'll enjoy the PinWoofer treatment in it! The new amps are AMAZING!
Fixed the bsck box lighting wich half was out..
Added 2 spotlights
2 5 inch strips behind the bomber / back plastics .
Also added a red flasher tied into the bomb flasher..
Adding some xtra interactive lighting to the bomber as well.
0929200027a (resized).jpg0929200028a_HDR (resized).jpgIMG_20200929_005145_866 (resized).jpgPromoted items from Pinside Marketplace and Pinside Shops!
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