So I am looking at getting some pricey parts out of the states. So in order to ensure I get all the stuff I need it's got to be robbed off a donor game. Now I am thinking Ok ship Fedex air and take a chance I get all the bits and pieces I need.

OR

Fly down there and pick the stuff up. Now this may sound crazy but....

Checked Expedia and:

If I book two weeks from now airfare is $265. Hour and a half flight, hmmm. watch a movie.
One night overnight in a hotel (nothing fancy just place to crash) $100 maybe less, like I say not fancy.
Rental compact car $36 + taxes. Mileage isn't far.

Now deduct the Fedex air charge because the stuff is going in luggage.

Is this nuts? lol

It's nuts -- but the most interesting events in our lives are when we are going things that are "nuts" -- go for it! At least you will have a story.

Duane

Better still, try to bring the bits in carry on luggage (or in your shoes)... now THAT would make for a life story.... (unless a TASER is involved).  

If you're honestly considering the flight option......  Didn't you say not to long ago in another post here that most times it's better to buy a nice example of a game instead of a project?  I think this might fall into your own category!

D

Hey, Necro.

You should check on Southwest.com, you drive to Buffalo and fly out of there, but it's probably worth it when you figure it all out. I fly out of there all the time, the parking is cheap, and the prices can't be beat. I flew to Baltimore MD last summer for 59 RETURN. Sick!

I don't think it's crazy if Pinball is all you think about.

Dan

If you are trying to rationalize the decision, then it is not the idea that is nuts, you are...! It is not just a dollar and cents thing...what about your time...if you can "afford" the time, and it's a difference of a couple hundred bucks, then go for it...! You will see stuff and meet people = stories to tell, which is what we are all after in the end...just be prepared for: waiting a few extra weeks before you get your parts, lost luggage (take insurance), flight delays, getting lost, etc.

Quoted from Menace

If you're honestly considering the flight option......  Didn't you say not to long ago in another post here that most times it's better to buy a nice example of a game instead of a project?  I think this might fall into your own category!

D

Ok so who is going to sell you a sample CV with virtually no plays. Hmmm.

We are not talking straight CV here. This from my standpoint is the creme de la creme of CV's. That's why.

you're asking us if you're nuts ?


c'mon, that's too easy !  

Quoted from necro_nemesis

Ok so who is going to sell you a sample CV with virtually no plays. Hmmm.

We are not talking straight CV here. This from my standpoint is the creme de la creme of CV's. That's why.

And a sample CV is better because?

Some cases, I prefer the final production when they fixed any potential issues with a game (ie extra town square post in TZ, fatter ringmaster head to prevent stuck balls on CV) and improved the look of the game (ie. BSD production slings, TZ colour clock face).  And in other cases, sometimes parts are not interchangeable with regular production parts (ie. NGG).  There are exceptions like Scared Stiff or ES.


I guess if you are looking for bragging rights, then a sample/proto game is the one to get.

You should run it on the 1st rev. roms too.

And play it with the glass off so you can easily get all the balls that will get stuck with the skinny Ring Master   Sorry couldn't resist...

Glen

Send Neo (the guy who restores playfields now - nwojedi on RGP) an email as he recently listed a sample CV with the skinny head and made some modification bracket to prevent ball traps. Could be a complete wash but doesn't hurt to see if he'll tell you what he did and you can test it out.

Just a thought
ME

The regular head is readily available. This one is not. In fact just search RGP for the number of guys trying to obtain one. If it's a matter of play then yes throw in the standard one.... but then again owning the skinny one is unique.

Gee, I might lose some revenue on it for a trapped ball when I put it in Joe's truck stop.....

Quoted from necro_nemesis

Ok so who is going to sell you a sample CV with virtually no plays. Hmmm.

We are not talking straight CV here. This from my standpoint is the creme de la creme of CV's. That's why.

So what is it??  Sample CV or sample CV parts???  

If it's just the parts then ship'em...  It's not like you're gonna end up with a sample CV..  You'll have a regular CV with sample parts (from a collector's point of vue).  Sort of like buying the building kit for ES..  Doesn't make it a sample game...

If it's the full game then go see it.  Don't expect the game to make it on your flight though..  They ship large items when they can fit them in - sometimes takes a while.

Mike

Quoted from MrMikeman

So what is it??  Sample CV or sample CV parts???  

The game he picked up last week is a sample CV, but it's missing a bunch of parts to make it 100% functional.  (hence the reason he's gone off the deepend, and considering flying around the continent to pilfer parts from doner games)

Too bad Necro didn't have Santa's phone #, he could have asked to borrow his sleigh!

D.

Basically the parts that I can get by robbing the donor will offset some of a Marco order. The one key part is just that key.

It's 6 of 1 half dozen of the other. Basically I am ok with getting what I can get NOS as well. It's the one part that is crucial that makes me think of going. It will fit into luggage no problem at all.

I think the trade off again becomes my time, but it being a hobby who considers time really?

The other factor to consider is my wife thinking I made need to get a psychological analysis for even thinking of flying down for pinball parts. I think that is probably the biggest obstacle. Convincing her I have not lost all my marbles.