Recent posts

#31

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by RRocket - Nov 24, 2025, 10:37 PM

As a kid, family friends of ours had a proper arcade pinball machine in their basement and I used to look forward to visiting them a couple times a year so we could play it, theirs was Jurassic Park themed. I guess it kinda stuck with me and I've always kinda wanted one, but never had the space at our old place, nor could I justify the $, but I still would poke around on marketplace once and awhile. This showed up the other day, and it was only about 10 minutes from me, and a very good price, so I decided to grab it.
It's a 1987 'Special Force' model made by Bally Midway. In great working order, the cabinet could use a little love (which I'll do), but for nearly 40 years old it's in remarkable shape. These are highly collectable, though this one (or more so units from this era) is on the lower end of the desirability scale, it's still a lot of fun to play.

Childhood goal achieved

I love pinball machines as this was what largely was "video games" when I was younger.

I still love them!

#32

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by Firm - Nov 24, 2025, 06:23 PM

As a kid, family friends of ours had a proper arcade pinball machine in their basement and I used to look forward to visiting them a couple times a year so we could play it, theirs was Jurassic Park themed. I guess it kinda stuck with me and I've always kinda wanted one, but never had the space at our old place, nor could I justify the $, but I still would poke around on marketplace once and awhile. This showed up the other day, and it was only about 10 minutes from me, and a very good price, so I decided to grab it.
It's a 1987 'Special Force' model made by Bally Midway. In great working order, the cabinet could use a little love (which I'll do), but for nearly 40 years old it's in remarkable shape. These are highly collectable, though this one (or more so units from this era) is on the lower end of the desirability scale, it's still a lot of fun to play.

Childhood goal achieved

Very nice, and am I wrong for thinking they that pin ball machines are more reliable and less of a pain to keep functional than old school arcade video games?

Thanks, no idea on arcade games honestly. Pinball machines are pretty complicated, this one has two big control boards, and then each 'feature' on the play deck has it's own mechanism, usually mechanical and electronic, so there's LOT to go wrong. That said, it's nearly 40 years old and works great, so pretty robust I think.

#33

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by Firm - Nov 24, 2025, 06:21 PM

When I was a kid, we used to visit my Dad's cousin, and they had one in their basement.  It was a ton of fun. 

On a lesser note, I just gave notice.  What a terrible feeling that is.

Yep, I feel that. Giving notice at CTC after 15 years was one of the toughest things I've done - top 3 for sure.

Bundling in a move to a new country with your whole family in tow would probably make that doubly or triply more terrifying.  At least I get to stay snug in our house.

For sure, it was worth it though, as I am sure your move will be. Sometimes we let ourselves get too complacent with life and miss opportunities, and I don't want to do that, but it  certainly makes for some tough decisions.

#34

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by Johnnymac - Nov 24, 2025, 05:05 PM

As a kid, family friends of ours had a proper arcade pinball machine in their basement and I used to look forward to visiting them a couple times a year so we could play it, theirs was Jurassic Park themed. I guess it kinda stuck with me and I've always kinda wanted one, but never had the space at our old place, nor could I justify the $, but I still would poke around on marketplace once and awhile. This showed up the other day, and it was only about 10 minutes from me, and a very good price, so I decided to grab it.
It's a 1987 'Special Force' model made by Bally Midway. In great working order, the cabinet could use a little love (which I'll do), but for nearly 40 years old it's in remarkable shape. These are highly collectable, though this one (or more so units from this era) is on the lower end of the desirability scale, it's still a lot of fun to play.

Childhood goal achieved

Very nice, and am I wrong for thinking they that pin ball machines are more reliable and less of a pain to keep functional than old school arcade video games? 

#35

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by GreatBigAbyss - Nov 24, 2025, 03:29 PM

When I was a kid, we used to visit my Dad's cousin, and they had one in their basement.  It was a ton of fun. 

On a lesser note, I just gave notice.  What a terrible feeling that is.

Yep, I feel that. Giving notice at CTC after 15 years was one of the toughest things I've done - top 3 for sure.

Bundling in a move to a new country with your whole family in tow would probably make that doubly or triply more terrifying.  At least I get to stay snug in our house. 

#36

Moan and Whine / Re: Audi Glove Box Removal. SI...

Last post by Tortoise - Nov 24, 2025, 02:24 PM

I haven't looked into their known issues. I imagine you either get one that is solid, or one that's a nightmare.

It's a shame though, I really like them and think they'd be great family hauler / ski mobile.

#37

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by Firm - Nov 24, 2025, 01:27 PM

When I was a kid, we used to visit my Dad's cousin, and they had one in their basement.  It was a ton of fun. 

On a lesser note, I just gave notice.  What a terrible feeling that is.

Yep, I feel that. Giving notice at CTC after 15 years was one of the toughest things I've done - top 3 for sure.

#38

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by GreatBigAbyss - Nov 24, 2025, 01:14 PM

When I was a kid, we used to visit my Dad's cousin, and they had one in their basement.  It was a ton of fun. 

On a lesser note, I just gave notice.  What a terrible feeling that is. 

#39

Moan and Whine / Re: Audi Glove Box Removal. SI...

Last post by Gurgie - Nov 24, 2025, 11:29 AM

Every time I think I want to replace the Highlander with a used Q7, I picture Ron's disapproving face and the feeling passes.

I looked at Q7's... only way I'd touch one is with a serious CPO warranty

#40

Off-Topic / Re: Little things that make yo...

Last post by Oliver - Nov 24, 2025, 10:42 AM

That's great!