Thought it was time for us Michigander's to have our own spot to discuss Michigan related activities, which could include, well, anything happening within our state.

Even if you're from a surrounding state, please feel free to join in if you have something to contribute.

Weather it's shows, parties, buy/sell/trade, someone needing help with a repair, you get the idea.

I would like to thank a couple of Michigan Pinside friends I've made during the last year, tamoore and Astropin, for helping me out in various aspects. They're good people!

Let's get the party started!

Upcoming 2014 Events:

Tournaments/Leagues:

Rosie O' Grady's-Chesterfield Pinball League

Avoid the winter blues, join the new Rosie O'Grady's-Chesterfield Pinball League for a chance to win $200! Best of all, you don't have to be a 'pinball wizard' to join since this fun event will give out random prizes during league nights. Rosie's will also have $2 PBR and Bud/Bud Light buckets 6 for $12.

The league will accommodate six teams of four members, which will meet on Tuesdays at 7 PM for four weeks. There is only a one time league fee of $5 per person and the games will be set to free play during league nights.

If you are interested in joining, you MUST sign up first by emailing [email protected]

The league Facebook page is facebook.com/rosiespinball

We are hoping to have our first league night on Jan 7th.
********************************************************************************************************************************
The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids

Starting this month, the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, MI will be holding monthly pinball tournaments the second Sunday of each month at 5pm. Our first tournament is Sunday, January 12th. Entry fee is $5 and all entry fees are paid out to the top 3 players. Tournament starts at 5pm and will be head to head matches, double elimination with the matches and machines to be chosen at random by computer. If there are 16 or more players we will switch to single elimination. All players will receive IFPA points if you care about that kind of thing.
Here is a link to the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/493183004113530/

Pyramid Scheme has 22 machines available for play everyday from 4pm - 2am and all are set to $.50/play (except WoZ which is $.75/play). You can see a list of all the machines here:

http://pinside.com/pinball/map/where-to-play/the-pyramid-schemebar-967-grand-rapids-mi-united-states

********************************************************************************************************************************
"The Arcade" in Brighton

If anyone wants to join the new league forming at "The Arcade" in Brighton the first league night is Friday Jan 24th.

Here is a bunch more info on how to sign up etc.

http://michiganpinball.com/thearcade

********************************************************************************************************************************

Did you get a slot machine? Or did you mean something else?

Pro BBQ and Live music? Man, your parties are getting better all the time! I'm definitely planning on making it.

Thanks for pointing that out, and I'll check in there from time to time.

I thought it might useful to have a Pinside thread, for those of us who frequent this site.

For?

Something I know all too well being stuck up here in "no pin land".

I'm making it a point this year to hit some events and parties, would like to play something newer than the Stern IJ & POTC at the local mini-golf!

Hemi out of Muskegon can hook you up, I believe.

Road trip!

Pics! Or yur' just yappin'!

Pretty nasty up here in the NE sector as well. I'm self-employed, so I can be late, but I still have to get out there and deliver the goods. I need a new job.

I choose.......................Ugh!

That'll be my word for the day.

Handy site here if you need to travel to certain areas and want to actually *see* what the road conditions are. Also alerts to accidents and construction.

http://mdotnetpublic.state.mi.us/drive/cameraviewer.aspx?show=det

livecam.jpg

If you click on "Other", it brings up cameras scattered thru-out the state. Doesn't say which city it is on all of them, but it does on most. Also, if you click on "go to" under Traffic Incidents, it will take you to that incident area with an over head view of cameras. You can then move around the state with the creepy little hand.

It's pretty safe to say that the whole state is a mess today.

I'm going to list events and tournaments for the year with links, if applicable, in my original post. That way people can quickly find what's happening and when, instead of searching through numerous postings.

If you have something you'd like included, just post it and I'll include it.

Thanks!

Hopefully this party goes for a while. I know there's a lot of Michigan folk on Pinside.

AC/DC??

Metallica??

Careful, or Centerflank will *pop* up!

Vanilla Ice!

On second thought...........

Good info here:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/best-pinball-distributor-share-your-story#post-1364682

Updated my original post to include events & tourneys/leagues.

If there are others that I'm not aware of, please let me know and I'll include them.

Thanks!

Are you talking about downtown Detroit?

Was it three loud cracks on the door?

Doing a road trip tomorrow (Sat.) to tamoore's to meet up with Astropin and trade my JP for his JM.

Of course I'll also hang out and play pins, with some new ones I've never played before, Diner & Baywatch.

Should be a good day, and I need a break!

So what interesting activities do the rest of you Michigan guys have planned for this weekend?

That doesn't sound like much fun, or interesting!

Or that!

I'll be sure to have as much fun as I can, in honor of you guys!

BATS!?! For real? Just get a Scared Stiff & MB and have a theme going!

Made the trip, on the icy side and running late, but made it. Did a quick swap of pins and then it was fun time! Played pins until late while enjoying some *adult* beverages. Got to play Diner & Baywatch for the first time, two fun games for sure! tamoore's gameroom is really shaping up nicely, looking forward to the party coming up.

Now I have Johnny in my home, kicking my ass! Very challenging game to say the least, but I like it that way. Should keep me interested for a while. Astropin did a great job applying those cab decals, game looks very nice all around!

Didn't notice the high scores on tamoore's JM when I was there last weekend.

I do recall seeing him making *adjustments* on some of his pins the next morning after that last party.

I shopped it when I first got it, including subway, and then did a few light cleanings after including just days before the trade. Wasn't played a lot the last 6 mos.

Holy crap, you must like your games to light up the whole basement! I believe I did all the inserts with LED's, but topside still has a few incandescent bulbs here and there.

Club is open for the weekend!

Now serving my famous "Big Meat Chili" (well famous to my family & friends).

Also serving a variety of rums, sorry if it's not your drink of choice, it's what I prefer.

And of course a few pins to pass the time.

So what's everyone else enjoying tonight?

IMG_0744.JPG

IMG_0740-232.JPG

Nothing? Nobody?

Should I close up early tonight?

C'mon Michigan! Don't make me feel like I'm the only one playing pin, drinking & checking Pinside on a Friday night.

Wow, I need to get a life!

That was quick! Pics?

I put LED's in the slings on Johnny. Did you leave them out on purpose? Game plays super-fast! I had to jack up the ass on RR, it seemed so slow after playing Johnny!

The biggest plus, imo, is you can stay warm!

Sounds like you guys all had a good time last night, sucks being way up here in Alpena, too far to do a quick trip. At least tamoore is only 1-1/2 hrs. away, so I consider that a quick trip.

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

Definitely would like to make it down there.

Tourney coming up as mentioned in another thread:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tri-city-pinball-tournament-coming-to-mid-mi#post-1391359

TriCityTourney.jpg

Also The Arcade in Brighton is having it's 1st coming up on the 24th:

http://michiganpinball.com/thearcade

thearcade.jpg

Sorry, I didn't realize you still had openings or I would have mentioned it.

I do have your info in my original post of this thread.

There's one in Bay City on CL.

Better jump on it then!

Didja' get it?

Kicking out Elvira?

Yeah they are! I'll miss her too, but WW is a great game as well.

How about a nice JM and $3k?

Nahhh, I was just being silly. Thought that might get your attention!

Yeah it's kicking my ass, but I'm learning to kick back a little. Learning the flow and shots of the game is half the fun, actually completing the modes is the other half.

Hooked up my external sub to it, it's got decent bass if you turn up the volume on the pin a bit, like 13-15.

Yeah, it's great! I just dropped $168 for Shadow plastics, $175 for Aurich's translight package, $575 for new ramps & brass plating from Chestnut, $110 for LED's......I better stop adding up now, before I get sick.

No, I was just kidding, I just got it less than 2 weeks ago. I think it'll be a while before I want to let it go. Or as Astropin would say, "This one is NEVER leaving!"

Don't you already have about 20 that fall in that range?

I have a brother that lives in Livonia, and you can join this club if you mop the floors every Sat. night!

I believe Denise Richards used that term before.....

denise-richards-is-complicated.jpg

I've heard that before!

Hmmmm, Bay City maybe?

Didja' get it?

I suppose if you did I'm guessing you're playing the crap out of it, and smacking the lockdown bar every time it drains!

IF that was real, someone got the steal of the decade! I can imagine the guys email account exploded!

Cool! I'd like to have one of those myself someday!

Congrats!

Yup, definitely some good scenes in that one!

Who's Tom?

Good show old man!

You don't waste any time, do you? Looks good.

Look forward to playing it sometime in the near future.

A whole day wasted waiting on someone, and all it would have took is a quick phone call. I feel your anguish!

Sure, c'mon in!

Just so you know, out-of-stater's have to supply the beer!

Isn't that a sin for the Amish? Or were they playing some old bagatelles?

You don't have to be "honorary" to be here, but like I stated before, all out-of-stater's have to bring the beer!

Flint has been invaded by self-aware robots.......

But seriously.....neat to watch.......

Good story they did! How did news channel 3 find out about it?

Post some pics now! Or start a restoration thread, I'd be interested in following along.

Say, how did you find out about that SW anyway?

Funny, when I was talking to Astropin last Thursday about that LAH I said I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up on CL for $3k. Man, I was way off!

Like Rock said, get to some events and meet people and let it be known what you're looking for.

I'm stuck way up here in Alpena and there's not much around, but I have scored some decent pins by talking to a lot of people. Two of mine came from a local mini-golf place, one I found in a local store, two I scored from placing a "Pins Wanted" ad on CL, just did a trade with a fellow Pinsider, etc. etc. Stay patient and don't overpay because it's convenient. It'll happen, and before you know it you're out of space! (And $$)

Ad says "Looking to sell in preparation for a move". Maybe Pam plans on *moving on* with as much $$ as possible before her hubby returns from yet another overseas *business trip*.

Never know, she might take $5k cash for that MM!

If you don't mind my asking, what is the set number for each day?

I'm seriously considering going on Saturday, so I'm just curious as to how many people may be there. Not that it really matters, as it's not the general public.

So what are my fellow Michiganders doing tonight/this weekend? And I mean fun wise, not clearing snow & ice from the gutters or painting a room (unless it's cool or pinball related).

Myself, I'm continuing my Shadow project which is going on 4 months (perfect winter for this!). Starting to repopulate the pf, pain in the ass but starting the home stretch.

Of course playing pinball as well, but that's every weekend.

IMG_0766.JPG

Also just found the official Michigan State map.Michigan Explained-469.jpg

Looks like a mouse is living in there!

I wish I lived closer to these places, but my projects would probably never get done!

Some interesting tidbits about Hyperball, they actually thought they'd sell 50,000 of these!

Pulled from ipdb.org:

"According to Williams production records, the initial sales forecast for Hyperball was 50,000 units. However, it was not long before that number had to be scaled back drastically, because the game was not selling as predicted. By this time, more cabinets (and backboxes) had already been made than what would be required for the final production run quantity. The backbox for this game was unique and required a short backglass. The excess backboxes would later be used for the production runs of Defender, Time Fantasy, and Firepower II."

Manufacturer data for Hyperball:
BOM cost per game: na
Production Start Date: Dec-30-1981
Production End Date: May-28-1982
Total quantity produced: 5,000
Quantity sold: 4,444
Price to Distributor: $2150.00

And a quote about Rapid Fire:

'Rapid Fire' was Bally's response to Williams' 1981 'Hyperball'. The pre-production working name of this game was 'Cross Fire'.

At Chicago Expo 2009, former President of Williams Electronics Michael Stroll said that at the time of this game's making, Williams referred to it as "Operation Xerox".

Love the 80's promotion material!

Hyperball.jpg

Same here, I even hate someone standing close to me in line at the convenience store. Get out of my 'bubble'!.

Your show is sounding better and better to me every time you talk about it. I think it's time to order up a ticket!

The 80's were long before your GF was born?? And you make her dress up like that??

High Five!

JackAssHighFive.gif

You too ladies!
High-Five-For-Glory-Of-Man-Kind.jpg

Spotted this on the N.MI CL:

"Wanting to start a Arcade in TC, Need GAMES/Pinball - $1 (traverse city)
Do you have Full Size Games laying around? I have a spot to rent in downtown Traverse City That would be perfect to make some money. Looking for vendors or just your average joe that wants to put his machine in here and collect quarters. We can do a 50/50 split. Maybe you want to sell a pinball machine, bring it here and let people enjoy it in a arcade setting. Please call/text 231-313-1232 if you have a game/pinball/or idea that may help our mission."

Might be a good idea if you can find people who would put their machines in your location, other than your typical op. Traverse City is somewhat isolated but a beautiful area to visit in the summer, I used to live there for about 6 years.

Yup, another winter blast. Really getting tired of this crap, although we didn't get hit anywhere near as bad as you did.

Great wife you have there!

Since tamoore is asleep at the keyboard, I'll post it for him:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/2nd-annual-red-rocket-arcadefinal-quarter-bar-spring-arcade-event#post-1446882

It will be a good time for sure, as the last few were. I plan on attending.

Just a little reminder from the first page of this thread.

Welcome, and you'll be wanting more pins for sure!

As Mr. Bally stated, try to make John Dayhuff's party, great collection!

I'll be at PATZ as well, but on Sat.

Next time I do a major project, I'm going to contact him.

Now that my Shadow is all together and after seeing the pics of that cc'd Shadow that was for sale earlier this week, I wish I would've had him cc mine!

See you guys at the 'zoo! Heading out shortly to stay the night at tamoore's, and then we head off in the morning with Astropin.

And remember, what happens at the 'zoo........

I called about 5 minutes too late this morning. I was the second caller and they were "holding it" for someone until 12. I was 1-1/2 hrs. away but took the gamble to go anyway, in case of a no-show. Got there at 10:30 and the guy was already there looking at it and said "Yeah I'm taking it". My heart sunk.

It was the real deal alright, dirty, a little insert wear, some scuffs on the cabinet but looked to be complete, and for $80 it was the steal of the year (decade?). It was donated to the Salvation Army, where it was located, in case anyone wants to know.

The guy is from West Branch and is not on here as far as I know. He has a few pins, not much experience and only planned on stripping it for parts as he told me "Parts are expensive on e-bay." I told him not to do that, it's worth a lot more than that and there's cheaper places to get parts as I gave him a few sources.

Real nice guy and we talked for a while, exchanged phone numbers, I told him about a few upcoming parties (tamoore's & vfw) and he seemed real interested in trying to attend. I was glad it was going to someone that wasn't planning on just flipping it, and I might have made a new friend that I can help out in this hobby.

Of course I was bummed and really wish I could have boasted that I got the deal, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Instead of starting a bidding war with the guy I just let him take it and possibly made a new friend instead of an enemy.

Not sure if Karma will come back around for me or not, doesn't matter as I've gotten good deals in the past. I sleep good at night knowing I didn't steal, cheat, lie or rip anyone off today.

It did eat at me for a few days how close I was to scoring a smoking deal, and thinking "I should've done this or that", but I've shook it off. It was easier knowing this guy will enjoy it instead of just putting it back on CL for $4k.

Yeah I'm not surprised, guess he knew more than he was letting on or he did some research.

That's the one alright, that's his phone # and I remember now the backglass is missing. One thing I thought wasn't right, he loaded it into his open pickup truck without any cover in the pouring rain. Not sure but I don't think driving in pouring rain for a few hours is too good for a pin.

Oh well, I guess the lure of easy money is hard to resist. I would have at least gotten everything working and played it for a while before selling/trading.

Ummmm, I don't think you're going to stand out.

Reminder for tamoore's party next Saturday, May 24th.

Shaping up to be a good time!

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/2nd-annual-red-rocket-arcadefinal-quarter-bar-spring-arcade-event#post-1652331

Bought a ticket for tomorrow (Saturday) about a month ago but unforeseen circumstances, most importantly my son having surgery today, have caused me to forgo this visit and will hopefully make the next event.

Thank You, Mr. Bally. My son came out ok from his surgery.

I'm not worried about the ticket fee I paid for the Sat. event, consider it a donation.

There's more to life than pinball, it's called family.

Welcome! Grab a drink and enjoy!

That's what I'm doing, anyway.

So what other events are coming up this year, so that I may add them to the 1st page calendar? I heard tamoore is having another huge bash this fall, maybe he can confirm?

You tell me!

Seriously, your last party was a blast! It meant a lot to me that my son won the "amateur" trophy, very generous of you to give away trophy's and throw such a great party!

EDIT:

So I was drinking one night.....

Made some mindless ramblings and deleted them.

Also changed the thread title....then changed it back, sorry 'bout that! I should know better than to change things when I've been drinking late on a Friday night!

Edit: Deleted the link to Michigan's website, I was sounding like a travel agent.

Thumbs down guys? What's offensive, so I know. The link to Michigan's website or the pic of a cheerleader?

Michigan girl gets a hand.jpg

Was this in your room or your buddy's?

Ewww, look at her nails!

Sounds like a good time! Too far for me, but I'm sure there's plenty down there that would be interested.

Good luck!

I have my Shadow up for trade still. Some very good offers have come in but I'm really only looking to trade for an AC/DC or Metallica.

Everything works fine and there's no hacks on the boards. I spent many hours on this and at least $1800 on parts and brass plating by Mike Chestnut. For more details and many pics you can view my restoration thread here:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/me-and-my-shadow-an-amateur-restoration

Since that thread I've also installed a new left ramp diverter mech assembly and new pf glass.

I really enjoy this game as it kicks my ass, but it's time for a change to my small collection. I can bring this to tamoore's party on Sept. 27th in Grayling to do a trade if this helps ( saves 3 hours round-trip for you and you can party! ).

Thanks,
Ron B.

IMG_0891.JPG

IMG_0883.JPG

IMG_0884.JPG

IMG_0870.JPG

And you have a nice AC/DC just sitting there not being played! C'mon man!

Actually I'm hoping to get a Metallica, so that way we can trade later on when we need to change things up.

Any progress on this yet?

Thanks again Todd! Although I'm still feeling a little rough around the edges, I'm glad I was able to attend!

You and Candy make everyone feel welcome, and I believe a good time was had by all. That garage sure was full with pins and people later in the day, nice over-flow spot.

Looking forward to spring!

Did anyone take any pics at the party, I mean other than Gravitar taking pics of all his high scores?

Yeah, even when I bring an actual camera with me I usually forget once I've had a few beers and start playing pins and b.s.'ing!

Putting my RFM up for sale. Everything works on it and it plays great, has some newer items such as a video amp, speakers, power supply, cooling fan and LED's.

Some cosmetic issues such as scratches in the pf glass, minor insert raising that was covered with mylar (doesn't effect gameplay), and some dumb-ass used epoxy to hold the left ramp switch in place and the shooter coil bracket. You can't see it but it's there.

Just selling to fund a new game, I might consider trades but really looking to get TWD that I've been hearing so much about as I'm a sucker for a theme I love.

Asking $2600 and I think that's fair, myself I think new glass is needed as I can't stand f'in scratches.

I'll supply any and all pics that are requested.

*EDIT*- Pin has been sold

I'm way up here in NE MI which is quite a drive for most, but I'll supply pizza and beer when you show up.

IMG_1248.JPG
IMG_1249.JPG
IMG_1250.JPG
IMG_1254.JPG

Thanks! I thought I'd post it in this thread first as it was time to try and wake it up again!

Show some pics! Always helps.

Wow, that is nice!

I believe Chris (thedawkins) in Bay City still has his, he brought it to Todd's fall party when you were there. Might want to ask if he wants to sell it now.

A used one with shipping might still net you a decent deal.

Thanks! Still available.