ralphs007 2 years ago I had zero pins,.. now I have 4 (soon to be 5) have done full plastics, rubbers, and led replacement on 2, learned how to solder, upgraded translites and displays, waxed playfields, installed mirror blades, added mods,.. and I am 54 and also challenged by battery replacement...
Whether in the US or in Australia or elsewhere I learned that 1) play as many pins as you can and find the “one” that floats your boat 2) your wife will probably be as good if not better at playing it 3) for inspection and buy time, try and get an experienced pin head to go with you to look at a machine and lean towards excellent condition.. there’s more pin heads about than you think and they are all nosey, very friendly and can spot a dud 4) check parts are available for the “one”,.. pinball is a game of kinetic destruction,.. parts scarcity is a pain,.. and can mean extended downtime coz something IS going to break...
Pin 1 is a training junker, pins 2 & 3 are 86/93 era, pin 4 is NIB as will be pin 5,.. they’ll be with me till I can’t flip no more!!
Enjoy the chase...