(Topic ID: 183361)

Yet another RotorDave travel odyssey thread! Texas,Oklahoma,Pittsburgh

By rotordave

7 years ago


Topic Heartbeat

Topic Stats

  • 594 posts
  • 114 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 6 years ago by chadderack
  • Topic is favorited by 34 Pinsiders

You

Linked Games

Topic Gallery

View topic image gallery

IMG_0561 (resized).JPG
IMG_5679 (resized).JPG
IMG_0722 (resized).PNG
pinball2017_0112 (resized).jpg
IMG_5604 (resized).JPG
IMG_5600 (resized).JPG
IMG_5425 (resized).JPG
IMG_5426 (resized).JPG
IMG_5423 (resized).JPG
IMG_5599 (resized).JPG
IMG_5598 (resized).JPG
IMG_5597 (resized).JPG
IMG_5593 (resized).JPG
IMG_5582 (resized).JPG
IMG_5573 (resized).JPG
IMG_5571 (resized).JPG

There are 594 posts in this topic. You are on page 8 of 12.
#351 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

Franklins BBQ could be cool but 3-4 hours in a queue isn't really my style. But we might give it a shot ...

That's a short wait for Franklins.
Unfortunately
Have fun guys !
Insert old man high kick , uhhg!

#352 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

Just got to Austin. Salt lick looks good but it's 45 mins out of town (from where we are)
Franklins BBQ could be cool but 3-4 hours in a queue isn't really my style. But we might give it a shot ...
rd

45 mins is a very small price to head to the Salt Lick. That place is fantastic! At least it was when I went a few years ago.

#353 7 years ago
Quoted from NimblePin:

Fun fact:
Drunk Kiwis are equally scared/impressed by Texas-sized lightning... /

Forgot to say ... at the Embassy Suites two hour free drinks session on Sunday night, most people had left, only about a dozen guys left. Our mob, the Ritchie's and Freres, and the Mezelmoddssss.

We kept on getting ready to leave to go to Hard Eight, and then someone would get more drinks. The bartender guy made mean Margaritas. And one wasn't enough.

About 715 he said "man, you New Zealand guys drink a lot!!" Hahaha

He also said that on the Saturday night 2 hour "free" session, the pinballers drunk 10 kegs of beer!

rd

#354 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

The Pinside Fast Food Burger of Choice (according to an earlier thread ...)
In-n-out. Always good.
rd

Next time order that burger Animal Style, try the fries the same way...Animal Style!

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/03/the-in-n-out-survival-guide-we-ate-every-single-item-on-the-secret-menu.html

IMG_0396 (resized).JPGIMG_0396 (resized).JPG

IMG_0398 (resized).JPGIMG_0398 (resized).JPG

#355 7 years ago

Hey Dave and familia. Great to see you on another adventure and have company this time. Love seeing you bbq and small town pics. Congrats to Danni on her 1st place win. Time to teach the ol man a trick or two. No amusement rides yet? Any other shows/concerts on the docket?

#356 7 years ago
Quoted from dirkdiggler:

No amusement rides yet? Any other shows/concerts on the docket?

No amusement parks yet, but we plan to head to one... "stay tuned" haha

Only the one gig lined up so far, Anthrax/Killswitch/devil wears prada/jasta in Pittsburgh in two weeks time. I always keep my eyes open though ...

rd

#357 7 years ago

Horns up to Anthrax ! Dude, just wanna say I love your thread and you have a beautiful family & friends! Enjoy your vacation & Cheers from Canada !

#358 7 years ago

2nd Fun Fact:
The Texas TSA loses their s#!t when they see NZ's #1 toy staring back at them in the luggage scanner...

IMG_5486 (resized).JPGIMG_5486 (resized).JPG

Technically I was due for a prostate examination anyway.
Thanks Buzzy Bee!

#359 7 years ago

Buzzy Bee for the win!

rd

IMG_5057 (resized).JPGIMG_5057 (resized).JPG

#360 7 years ago

Went to Pinballz in Austin this morning.

Lots of pinball machines, mostly in good condition. There were a few punters playing them (it was Tuesday morning ...)

Spot the difference on the Bally Star Trek ...

rd

IMG_5059 (resized).JPGIMG_5059 (resized).JPG

IMG_5061 (resized).JPGIMG_5061 (resized).JPG

IMG_5062 (resized).JPGIMG_5062 (resized).JPG

IMG_5063 (resized).JPGIMG_5063 (resized).JPG

IMG_5066 (resized).JPGIMG_5066 (resized).JPG

IMG_5067 (resized).JPGIMG_5067 (resized).JPG

IMG_5068 (resized).JPGIMG_5068 (resized).JPG

#361 7 years ago

Welcome to Austin Sign.

It's on the side of a cool retro Neon artists building. He had some cool stuff.

rd

IMG_5094 (resized).JPGIMG_5094 (resized).JPG

IMG_5090 (resized).JPGIMG_5090 (resized).JPG

IMG_5096 (resized).JPGIMG_5096 (resized).JPG

IMG_5095 (resized).JPGIMG_5095 (resized).JPG

IMG_5097 (resized).JPGIMG_5097 (resized).JPG

#362 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

Spot the difference on the Bally Star Trek ...

Sweet cabinet. Is that the LE?

#363 7 years ago
Quoted from chadderack:

Sweet cabinet. Is that the LE?

Very limited edition.

Six Million Dollar Man cabinet.

rd

#364 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

Spot the difference on the Bally Star Trek ...

That's the "Tomorrow is Yesterday" LE.
http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Tomorrow_is_Yesterday_(episode)

#365 7 years ago

BBQ UPDATE!!

We lucked out today ...

About 1pm we swung past Franklin BBQ just for a look-see and maybe snap some pics. When we got there the line was very short, so we got out and the lady said they still had brisket and turkey left.

So instead of a 4+ hour queue, we had only 30 mins. Which is about my maximum queue patience limit, I must add. Actually, 30 mins is stretching it.

Got a pound of brisket to share between us, and some slaw, a beer and a soda. And a key lime pie. $38. They had a spare potato salad they gave us for $0.

I asked for 2/3 fatty brisket and 1/3 lean, which they did. The fatty stuff was very tasty, but it was pretty rich. Good BBQ flavour and smokeyness. No sauce required!

When it got down to the last two slices, they were a struggle. We have been walking around all afternoon doing BBQ burps. Haha!

Only about 20 more people made it in before the "sold out" signs went up.

rd

IMG_5099 (resized).JPGIMG_5099 (resized).JPG
IMG_5100 (resized).JPGIMG_5100 (resized).JPG
IMG_5104 (resized).JPGIMG_5104 (resized).JPG
IMG_5107 (resized).JPGIMG_5107 (resized).JPG
IMG_5108 (resized).JPGIMG_5108 (resized).JPG
IMG_5109 (resized).JPGIMG_5109 (resized).JPG

IMG_5101 (resized).JPGIMG_5101 (resized).JPG

#366 7 years ago

After Franklins, we headed to the State Capitol building. They give out free tours every 20 mins or so.

Cool building with sweet dome! I think they said it was 180ft high inside (it was very loud in there)

Plenty of Texas star motifs everywhere.

rd

IMG_5113 (resized).JPGIMG_5113 (resized).JPG

IMG_5134 (resized).JPGIMG_5134 (resized).JPG

IMG_5129 (resized).JPGIMG_5129 (resized).JPG

IMG_5136 (resized).JPGIMG_5136 (resized).JPG

IMG_5142 (resized).JPGIMG_5142 (resized).JPG

IMG_5139 (resized).JPGIMG_5139 (resized).JPG

IMG_5143 (resized).JPGIMG_5143 (resized).JPG

IMG_5146 (resized).JPGIMG_5146 (resized).JPG

#367 7 years ago

Then we checked out Dave and Busters.

Haven't been in one for a long time ... and was amazed at what I saw.

As soon as we walked in, Danni said "this looks like a casino!" ... Fiona was a few steps behind us, and she said "this place is just like a casino!!"

It looked, sounded and even sounded like a Las Vegas casino. For kids. It even had kids Slot machines.

Is it an illuminati scheme to get kids addicted to gambling? Hmmmmm ....

Compared to the cool arcades we have been to on the trip, D&B was a bust.

rd

IMG_5148 (resized).JPGIMG_5148 (resized).JPG

IMG_5149 (resized).JPGIMG_5149 (resized).JPG

IMG_5150 (resized).JPGIMG_5150 (resized).JPG

#368 7 years ago

Then we went to Austins famous "bat bridge" to watch the bats fly out at dusk.

They were taking their time tonight, but eventually they rocked out in the darkness. There was plenty of them, but they say this is a quieter time of the year for the bats, sometimes there is like 1,500,000 bats under the bridge.

Holy Bat attack, batman!!

rd

IMG_5154 (resized).JPGIMG_5154 (resized).JPG

IMG_5158 (resized).JPGIMG_5158 (resized).JPG

IMG_5155 (resized).JPGIMG_5155 (resized).JPG

#369 7 years ago

I think Dave and Busters is supposed to be an arcade for adults that's why they serve alcohol.

#370 7 years ago
Quoted from dmbjunky:

I think Dave and Busters is supposed to be an arcade for adults that's why they serve alcohol.

Yep, big bar in this one, and a huge restaurant too.

There were plenty of kids there today. And they offer kids birthday parties.

https://www.daveandbusters.com/kids-birthdays

Maybe the plan is to get the adults at the bar, and the kids go amuse themselves on the games while the folks get sozzled? Winner business plan!

rd

#371 7 years ago

IIRC casino lobbyists in Florida got a law passed to ban those redemption type machines, with the argument that they're gambling devices being operated without proper licensing. Also the fact that it's gambling that's legal for kids is sketchy too, but maybe that one's more of a moral gray area or something

I really can't stand Dave and Busters because that kind of stuff, but I guess it's necessary to keep a major arcade chain particularly profitable these days. That and the alcohol of course.

Edit: Went back and read a bit about the Florida ban. Sounds like the law itself wasn't directly aimed at redemption games, but was actually made to hit internet cafes, however it could be interpreted against redemption arcades too, so they were starting to get sued. Pretty interesting stuff, worth reading in to - http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-disney-claw-machines-20150110-story.html

#372 7 years ago

Im glad you enjoyed Austin!!

Nice luck at Franklins!! Yum.

FACT: The Texas Capitol is taller than the US capitol! (yes everything is bigger im Texas)

Enjoy the rest of Texas
--Jeff

#373 7 years ago

We will!

Today in Austin, we went to a pet shop called Zookeeper Exotics that has a Sloth. And snakes and spiders and rats and things.

Now, Kiwis don't see stuff like this every day ...

The place is just a few doors down from Pinballz.

In the pics, you can see snakes, a tarantula, and the sloth hanging upside down eating a corn cob with his front hand. Not that you can see that in the photo. But he is, trust me.

rd

IMG_5190 (resized).JPGIMG_5190 (resized).JPG
IMG_5193 (resized).JPGIMG_5193 (resized).JPG
IMG_5191 (resized).JPGIMG_5191 (resized).JPG

#374 7 years ago

Then we went to the Multimorphic (P3 and Proc) world headquarters of domination. I think that's what they called it. Actually, that was me.

We got to spend some more time on Lexi Lightspeed which is very cool, and some head to head games on Heads Up which is 2x P3s linked together. Very simple, and very fun.

In the photos you see Gerry from Austin, and BJ from NZ who is a programmer on the P3. And the wizard blocks which was on a dolly.

rd

IMG_5194 (resized).JPGIMG_5194 (resized).JPG
IMG_5197 (resized).JPGIMG_5197 (resized).JPG
IMG_5196 (resized).JPGIMG_5196 (resized).JPG

#375 7 years ago

Today I played 3 P3 games. I played Heads Up (which I also played at TPF), Lexi Lightspeed (mode-based game), and then the demo Wizard training game.

Heads Up is my absolute favourite. It's a 2-player head-to-head showdown which I LOVE! I could have played it all day. Honestly. I just think the concept of it is fabulous, and it's just really fun to me. If you like the social side of pinball, and you like competition, then it is 100% for you. There's just a different sensation competing your friend at the same time. Y'all should play it and you will see what I mean.

Lexi is adorable, and the rules are super cool. The mode selection feature (where you use one of the 3 buttons on the side - not as complex as you would think) is super nifty. Totally for the regular tournament player.

Then I tried the Wizard game. It's way different to what y'all would consider pinball, as it isn't a 'game' per se, but it's bloody cool. I've thought about the concept previously, but never understood how you could execute it. P3 answered my thoughts and wishes! I can't really explain it, but basically it tracks your ball and it tests your accuracy and control [and etc, etc] in different modes. Although it's more of a demo, it was still super cool and definitely worth a look for people trying to test their different pinball playing skills! (NB: I was terrible at it hahaha I have like 0 skill but that's ok )

So yes. It was awesome to go and get a proper chance to play the P3 games. If y'all get a chance to play any, I'd highly reccomend it. If you can open your mind to something that is different, then I think you will enjoy the machine(s).

#376 7 years ago

Don't take that "yall" stuff back with you to NZ or people may think yous are related to yuns. Not a good thing!

#377 7 years ago
Quoted from Whysnow:

Don't take that "yall" stuff back with you to NZ or people may think yous are related to yuns. Not a good thing!

Haha too late. I've already used y'all in at least one email to 4/7 of my teachers. Plus, if the last time we were in Texas was any indicator, I will be speaking Texas lingo for about a year and a half after we leave.

#378 7 years ago

Bats!!

rd

IMG_5147 (resized).JPGIMG_5147 (resized).JPG

#379 7 years ago

San Antonio River Centre ... now I know where all that JPOP money went! He opened a store!!

rd

IMG_5202 (resized).JPGIMG_5202 (resized).JPG

#380 7 years ago

Welcome to SA. You would probably enjoy the riverwalk boat tour. There is also a County Line BarBQ along the Riverwalk if you aren't burned out on that, yet.

#381 7 years ago
Quoted from Alamo_Pin:

Welcome to SA. You would probably enjoy the riverwalk boat tour. There is also a County Line BarBQ along the Riverwalk if you aren't burned out on that, yet.

We just saw that there is a Tony Roma's here and Fiona did some cartwheels down the Mall. She loves Romas ribs ...

rd

#382 7 years ago

The Apron of Destiny visited the Alamo today. We tagged along.

The Alamo is an historic Mission where the battle of the Alamo took place in the 1830s. Unfortunately, Missions do not make ideal forts, and the Texans got taken out by the Mexicans.

Also infamous for the fact that in 1982 Ozzy Osbourne took a piss on the Alamo statue and got arrested and subsequently banned from San Antonio for life. Haha! Ten years later Ozzy made a $10k donation and they let him come back.

This place is beautifully preserved and landscaped.

(I can't believe they had scissor lifts back in the 1830s, pretty cool!!).

rd

IMG_5221 (resized).JPGIMG_5221 (resized).JPG
IMG_5220 (resized).JPGIMG_5220 (resized).JPG
IMG_5205 (resized).JPGIMG_5205 (resized).JPG
IMG_5222 (resized).JPGIMG_5222 (resized).JPG
IMG_5225 (resized).JPGIMG_5225 (resized).JPG

#383 7 years ago

No more leg kicks? That's okay: Someone is going to pull their hamstring pretty soon.

#384 7 years ago

Downtown San Antonio is one of the nicest areas I have seen in a US city. The historic buildings down Houston Street are all very cool. Not many people around though....

Then we walked along the Riverwalk, which is also very cool, and nicely done. Lots of people down here, eating and drinking in the restaurants and bars.

Again, a very cool place to be.

And another HRC glass for the Bogan Wall of Shame!

rd

IMG_5238 (resized).JPGIMG_5238 (resized).JPG

IMG_5240 (resized).JPGIMG_5240 (resized).JPG

IMG_5242 (resized).JPGIMG_5242 (resized).JPG

IMG_5244 (resized).JPGIMG_5244 (resized).JPG

IMG_5246 (resized).JPGIMG_5246 (resized).JPG

IMG_5251 (resized).JPGIMG_5251 (resized).JPG

IMG_5249 (resized).JPGIMG_5249 (resized).JPG

10
#385 7 years ago
Quoted from hlaj78:

No more leg kicks? That's okay: Someone is going to pull their hamstring pretty soon.

Just for you.

rd

IMG_5215 (resized).JPGIMG_5215 (resized).JPG

#386 7 years ago

Everything is bigger in Texas ....

rd

IMG_5254 (resized).JPGIMG_5254 (resized).JPG

IMG_5261 (resized).JPGIMG_5261 (resized).JPG

#387 7 years ago

Is that a margarita or a jacuzzi??

#388 7 years ago
Quoted from chadderack:

Is that a margarita or a jacuzzi??

It could be used as both. Users option.

rd

#389 7 years ago

Public Service Announcement:

When in San Antonio, beware the Crazy Maracas Lady. She is a danger to the community.

rd

IMG_5265 (resized).JPGIMG_5265 (resized).JPG

IMG_5264 (resized).JPGIMG_5264 (resized).JPG

#390 7 years ago

Downtown San Antonio looks like a beautiful place. Really pretty from the pics.

It looks like you are all having a blast. Maybe one day I might get the chance to get there. But until then, thanks for letting us live vicariously through your travel adventure.

#391 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

Public Service Announcement:
When in San Antonio, beware the Crazy Maracas Lady. She is a danger to the community.
rd

Looks like the Margarita is still in full effects! LOL!

#392 7 years ago

Surprised you haven't taken in a few rollercoasters yet Dave,

https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

#393 7 years ago
Quoted from Alamo_Pin:

Welcome to SA. You would probably enjoy the riverwalk boat tour. There is also a County Line BarBQ along the Riverwalk if you aren't burned out on that, yet.

BBQ UPDATE!!

We took your advice and hit up County Line on the Riverwalk. We can have Roma's when we are in SoCal next time.

Got the 5 meat platter to share between us. $25. Oh boy! Can't walk now. 1x beef rib (Fred flintstone size) Pork ribs, sausage, turkey and brisket.

As good as any BBQ I have had. Very smokey flavour in everything, probably the smokeyest BBQ I have had.

Thumbs up!

rd

IMG_5268 (resized).JPGIMG_5268 (resized).JPG

IMG_5267 (resized).JPGIMG_5267 (resized).JPG

#394 7 years ago
Quoted from rotordave:

BBQ UPDATE!!
We took your advice and hit up County Line on the Riverwalk. We can have Roma's when we are in SoCal next time.
Got the 5 meat platter to share between us. $25. Oh boy! Can't walk now. 1x beef rib (Fred flintstone size) Pork ribs, sausage, turkey and brisket.
As good as any BBQ I have had. Very smokey flavour in everything, probably the smokeyest BBQ I have had.
Thumbs up!
rd

Wow that looks good!

#395 7 years ago

It's been a full day in San Antonio.

The best "tourist" day we have had since we have been here.

We spent nearly 8 hours down at the Riverwalk area, walking around, shopping, drinking and BBQing.

After that, we drove over to the Japanese Gardens which is near the zoo.

This was built inside an abandoned limestone quarry around 1920. The original quarry building is still out the front.

When Pearl Harbor happened, the name was changed to the Chinese Gardens as the locals started attacking the gardens. In the 1980s, they changed it back to Japanese again.

Cool little place!

rd

IMG_5270 (resized).JPGIMG_5270 (resized).JPG

IMG_5285 (resized).JPGIMG_5285 (resized).JPG

IMG_5271 (resized).JPGIMG_5271 (resized).JPG

IMG_5291 (resized).JPGIMG_5291 (resized).JPG

#396 7 years ago
Quoted from o-din:

Surprised you haven't taken in a few rollercoasters yet Dave,
https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

"Stay tuned".

rd

#397 6 years ago

You should hit the AF bases in San Antonio...I spent too many months there.

#398 6 years ago

I knew it! You can smell Six Flags from miles away.

Season Pass!!

#399 6 years ago

Questions regarding Danni and her schooling.
Is she home schooled or is her school in NZ on break,
did you need permission to take her out of school for
this extended 5 week tour of the states,
Does she do her lessons online to stay caught up?
Certainly this USA trip is an education onto itself.
Just curious.

13
#400 6 years ago
Quoted from pinwiztom:

Questions regarding Danni and her schooling.
Is she home schooled or is her school in NZ on break

Danni is a year ahead of her schooling. She actually finishes 7th form (the last year) in the middle of next year, she will have just turned 16.

Her teachers give her the work to do while she is away. She's been doing it as we travel. It's easy in these days of email and stuff on line.

Because of her competing in the Woman's Pinball World Champs and PAPA, the teachers are happy for her to go. If it was just lying on a beach for 5 weeks, they might be singing a different tune.

rd

Promoted items from the Pinside Marketplace
$ 44.99
Cabinet - Shooter Rods
Pinball Shark
Shooter rods
$ 29.99
Eproms
Matt's Basement Arcade
Eproms
$ 54.99
Cabinet - Shooter Rods
Lighted Pinball Mods
Shooter rods
$ 54.99
Cabinet - Shooter Rods
Lighted Pinball Mods
Shooter rods
$ 95.00
Cabinet - Sound/Speakers
Pinball Mod Co.
Sound/Speakers
$ 15.00
Cabinet - Sound/Speakers
Gweem's Mods
Sound/Speakers
$ 18.95
Eproms
Pinballrom
Eproms
$ 27.95
Eproms
Pinballrom
Eproms
$ 12.50
Lighting - Led
RoyGBev Pinball
Led
$ 19.99
Eproms
Matt's Basement Arcade
Eproms
$ 54.99
Cabinet - Shooter Rods
Lighted Pinball Mods
Shooter rods
$ 22.50
Magazines/books
Pinball Magazine
Magazines/books
$ 54.99
Cabinet - Shooter Rods
Lighted Pinball Mods
Shooter rods
Great pinball charity
Pinball Edu
There are 594 posts in this topic. You are on page 8 of 12.

Reply

Wanna join the discussion? Please sign in to reply to this topic.

Hey there! Welcome to Pinside!

Donate to Pinside

Great to see you're enjoying Pinside! Did you know Pinside is able to run without any 3rd-party banners or ads, thanks to the support from our visitors? Please consider a donation to Pinside and get anext to your username to show for it! Or better yet, subscribe to Pinside+!


This page was printed from https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/yet-another-rotordave-usa-travel-odyssey-thread/page/8?hl=sulakd and we tried optimising it for printing. Some page elements may have been deliberately hidden.

Scan the QR code on the left to jump to the URL this document was printed from.