THE PINMATION STATION
Repair, restoration and modification of a Williams Funhouse & Road Show pinball machine!
DVD coming soon (2007)
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PROJECT BLOG UPDATED: 02/05/2007
READ PROJECT BLOG:
http://pinmation.livejournal.com/
In 1990 Williams released a pinball machine that was destined to become a classic, Funhouse. A game that introduced a new invention and concept called PinMation. The game took on a life of its own as this invention allowed Rudy, the talking dummy head on the playfield, to taunt you with his words, follow your ball with his eyes, and show no mercy when it came to you running through his Funhouse. Combine this with excellent playfield flow and some unique modes, and you have a collector favorite.
Fast forward to 1994. Williams released the Road Show pinball machine. Designed by the same team, RS was (what is often called) the sequel to Funhouse. However, RS expands on this invention by adding two new heads into the mix, Red and Ted, as well as many other exciting features. Many people call Road Show the "kitchen sink game" because it features a wide-array of pinball goodies including a widebody playfield, shaker motor, two plungers, DCS sound, dot matrix screen and much more.
Mix the two together and you have the making of the PinMation Station (working title).
The PinMation Station will cover the repair, restoration and modification of a Williams' Funhouse and Road Show pinball machine. However, you don't need to be a fan of either game to enjoy the video as it will also be stuffed with goodies related to pinball in all facets of the sport. Included in this 1 hour+ presentation will be pinball repair checklists, game setup and diagnostic tests, disassembly, cleaning, and more all related to these two PinMation classics.
There will also be an extensive PinMation concept section beneficial to anyone looking to find out what makes the heads "tick." These segments will show the disconnecting and removal of the heads from the playfield (including the dreaded and feared removal of Road Show's Ted and his dozer), descriptions of the inner parts and how they work including eye-lid and eye movements
along with the jaw and mouth. Blast diagrams in the manual will be discussed as well as how the parts are assembled and the various interchangeable items between the Road Show heads and Rudy from Funhouse will be listed. You will also see the correct way PinMation should perform as well as the re-assembly and insertion back onto the playfield.
Think that's all? Heck no! Other items to be covered include:
- Adjustment and proper functioning of the Funhouse Trap Door
- Adjustment and proper functioning of the Funhouse "lock" half-moon
- Adjustment and proper functioning of the Road Show Eddy Sensors
- Softening of and details on the Road Show shaker motor
- Side-rail removal and replacement
- Minor playfield touch-up tips
- Minor scoop hole repair and rebuilding tips
- Common Funhouse and Road Show problems and repair tips
- Demonstration of the "Magic Erasor" on Funhouse ball-swirls
- Mini-shop job guide and techniques
- Adding new paint or newly painting the Road Show legs
- Adding repro parts to Funhouse including new ramps
- Modifying Road Show with backboard decals and boombox, side-rail and lockdown painting
- Stripping, repainting, and re-decalling the Road Show apron
- Stripping and replacing head decals
- Mini-mylar removal and replacement
- Adding protectors to ramps and scoops
.........and much much more!!
Here are some shots from the "raw" shooting footage unedited (click for larger view):
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Are you a Funhouse or Road Show owner? Are you thinking of adding one or both to your collection? Are you interested in the PinMation concept? Are you a solid-state pinball collector interested in various WPC and Williams goodies? Are you interested in watching me make an idiot of myself as I pretend to know what I'm talking about? If you answered yes to any or all of these........then this video is for you! ;)
This project is for educational purposes only. My methods may not be the correct or best way to do................well..........anything to be honest. So use the tips at your own risk.
Check this page for updated progress and more information. If you’d like to be on the project mailing list, send an e-mail to the address below and I will forward video progress reports.
Thanks to everyone for their support of my project including those who have donated parts and information. It won’t be award winning. Hell, it might not even be “holds up the coffee table leg” worthy. But, I hope you all enjoy it and thanks! I have some little goodies planned for the final DVD release as well (commentary, extra footage, more).
Sincerely yours,
Chris Bucci
