Hey all, proud new TOM owner here. Slight issue with the wire ramp that begins at the top lanes. When I hit the ball around the left outer loop to that ramp, it begins its journey up with plenty of speed to complete the ramp, however it comes to a screeching halt around where the ramp cover ends and rolls back down to top lanes. I thought it might be getting wedged between the ramp cover and ramp, but there is plenty of clearance for the ball to travel. It doesn't appear to be leaving the ramp into the cover to slow it down; it appears more of a friction of ball and ramp issue at that corner. Frustrating since this is the result about 80% of the time. Thanks in advance for any help!

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I adjusted the ramp cover, and that helped, but shifting the entire ramp over a bit closer to the ball guide really made it smooth! Thanks! And, yes, it's tough to see past that sweet hat mod!

I’m updating to LEDs. Sticking with warm whites for GI, but wanted some suggestions for colors in the back box. Nothing too fancy or bright, just some subtle color highlights. Anyone who has done this have a map they might share? Thanks!

Perfect, thank you!

On the hunt for a playfield protector for my ToM. Are the German manufacturers the only avenue for distribution? The shipping is 40% of the cost!

Thanks! I pulled the trigger on one from Cointakers after I spoke with them and they confirmed it was the same product from the German manufacturers. $125 + Free shipping! I know if it sounds too good to be true...we shall see upon receipt of item.

Having a few issue after pressing start, on ball 1, all balls are kicked out and stacked in the shooter lane.

EDIT: Resolved. The optos were filthy and LEDs just needed a clean. Switch edge test checks out. Got lucky

EDIT EDIT: After a few games with no problems, it started stacking again. Arrgh! Any suggestions?

Just went ahead and ordered new trough optos and a switch for the shooter lane. Sanity for a few dollars.

If you want to stay true to the original incandescent GI lighting on the playfield, I got Comet sunlight warm 2smd and they are gorgeous. Colors in the backglass makes it pop, but still looks classy. I just put the unbreakable trunk in a few days ago, it's the real deal; highly recommended.

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Mylar and a playfield protector are 2 different items. The playfield protector I have has no adhesive and covers the entire playfield. This is a lightening rod issue whether they are needed and whether they alters gameplay beyond recognition. I love mine and the piece of mind that this machine will be around for at least another generation. There are slight variations in the gameplay (e.g. a few more airballs), but overall its personal preference.
The same original German product is sold through Cointaker so you don't have to pay $75 for international shipping:
https://cointaker.com/products/playfield-protector-pinball-stern

Looking for the right sling plastic! I have a new left sling plastic if someone wants to trade. The right plastic seem to be infamous for being chipped on the lower corner

Does anyone have a coil sleeve type and count for the whole game? I found some kit deals but they don't list the counts of each, and I think it would be cheaper if I bought individually.

Finally, some restitution

Is there anyway to loosen up a sticky microswitch? It's the one at the rear of the captive ball lane. Can I get any cheaper than trying to repair a sticky microswitch?

Another vote for the ColorDMD LCD in ToM. I love mine and how versatile the modes are. The kids prefer the HIRES animation, but the Dots looks classic

Just confirming, what is needed to upgrade to 2.0? Can I just install and be done with it, or are other board mods needed?

Good thinking

This and I'd check the switch in the trap door. Also, I'd clean the lenses on the optos in the main trough. I had some issues with this in the past

Totally normal. I'm running original code

Found this lil bugger under my ToM, that sits next to a Pinbot. Not sure how it would have gotten under the machine, or if it even belongs to ToM or Pinbot. Doesn't look familiar. Any ideas?

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No rebuilds or disassemblings lately. It's a shorter guy for solenoids, too, which makes it a bit more vexing. Time to just take a look underneath

Ah, good thought.
Everything else checks out

My TOM also has a big dong, only when it's turned on.

Does this ever happen during gameplay? It may be a needed switch adjustment, the ball popper switch that detects a ball in the trap door.

LCD all the way. The color projection matches the game aesthetic much better imo