A few weeks ago I have acquired a W?D from a fellow hobbyist more or less on a whim. As there are not so many W?D around (at least not in Germany) this was probably the most important factor in deciding which of the machines available I was going to purchase. I had played the W?D extensively about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it. I am aiming for a bit of restoration work as I will definitely keep that pin in what should be a collection to come
As I happen to have a laser cutter at home I immediately thought of a few parts that I can make myself. Aside from the simple 2D plastic parts I specifically wanted to make a new window for the slot machine as the one that I bought the machine with has seen better days. One of the previous owners seems to have attempted cleaning it with an inappropriate agent, thus creating microscopic cracks inside the material.
The most satisfactory prototype replica I came up with so far can be seen here:
Slotmachine Window installed.jpg
It is made from laser cut and bent extruded acrylics. I have ordered some Evonik Optical acrylics as it has a scratch-resistant coating along with some Evonik Resist which is much less prone to break upon impact shock. With the Evonik Optical there should be no scratches at all, now with the regular acrylics there is the barest hint of scratches after ~100 games. I am also waiting for a few sheets of lexan for other parts I plan to make.
The only thing I am not completely satisfied with is how the glueing turns out (a few bubbles, sightly irregular looking joints), but am working on that. I have tested a few and will get samples of more special application glues soon.
Another part that I made a replacement for is the elevator scoop (the ramp that flings the ball into the three-pronged elevator ramp). The part in my machine was still acceptable, but why be content with what you have when you can happily waste your time making something new
Elevator Scoop.jpg
I am really happy with the result, looks immaculate inside the machine (I know that I missed to screw in the cable tie )
Elevator Scoop installed.jpg
The decal is printed on normal paper and looks acceptable but I will get it printed on glossy adhesive foil as soon as I am finished with working on all of the graphics.
Here you can see a brief overview of the plastic parts I made so farnext to the old/worn ones:
Misc.jpg
I had a small rest of black acrylics left and tried a dark base as the slot mechanism is sightly visible though the window with the clear base. Looks pretty nice but I didn't like the way the glue turned out. As soon as I recieve the new material and get the glueing sorted out I will make another one and post photos for you.
Slotmachine Windows.jpg
Also in the making are replacements for the slot reels, pretty similar to the ones presented here:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/judging-interest-wd-who-dunnit-slot-reels-new-design-reproduction
I have found a source for clear tubes that should have exactly the right diameter and material thickness. Unfortunately the tube material is pretty expensive so I have yet to order that. As soon as I have something to show you will be the first ones to know.
If everything works out to my satisfaction I will try to make a replica for the three-pronged elevator ramp. Mine is still in pretty nice shape, but I know some of you out there will be wanting one
It would be nice to know whether anyone of you would be interested in one or more of the parts. As soon as I am satisfied with the quality (I will post photos of course) I would be able to make a few parts.
I have not thought about pricing, but a rough estimates would be as follows:
Slotmachine window (clear or black border, whatever you prefer): 59$
Elevator scoop: 29$
Slotmachine reels: 49$ for a single one or 99$ for a complete set of three
Global signed-for insured shipping is just 10$, payment preferrably via PayPal.
All in all it would be nice to know whether at least some of your are interested in one of the above listed parts and if so, which ones. I will post another thread to collect orders as soon as I can begin making a small batch of parts, which I would guess to be late December or at the start of January next year.