Well folks, a busy day yesterday delayed my initial comments on this great pin but it�s here, and I can now attest and state without any hesitation that yes, I am now the proud owner of a Firepower!

The big initial headache before the pin got to my place was: where the hell would I put it?  Found a spot, right in the middle of the room next to the Eliptical machine.  eheh, motivation to exercise before play?  Anyway, it's the only spot that allows me to have access on the right of it (if I need to access the head).  In the future, I can probably move it to an area with a lower ceiling, where I could put one more pin beside it, but that would have to be later, when my wife has recovered from this latest evidence of my gaming addiction.

Many thanks to Tinyrodent who braved the harsh weather conditions  and traveled countless km�s to not only deliver but help setup the pin.  Also appreciated was a good tutorial on how to change and adjust a few things.

Setup went well, we had a few issues that required a look in the backbox but everything was easily solvable, she works fine. The only weird thing was the left outlane kickback save, where the little plunger would keep popping out.  A nice and ingenious solution was found by Brett and it now works well, but has anyone experienced this before? Is there a trick to popping it back in?  We noticed the little plunger has a groove going through the entire length but it didn�t seem to lock in any way.  Anyway, it was too loose, so adding something to tighten it resolved the issue.  I just thought of this, under the apron, can I assume there�s some kind of little screw which maybe fastens it to the plunger control?

So anyway, I�m very impressed with the shape of this pin. Yeah, there�s a few marks here and there on the cab itself, the colors on the head doesn�t quite match with the cab so it must have been replaced at some point.  Big deal, what counts in my opinion is the playfield and plastics which is what you really look at and directly affects the playability.  In this case, I can give it a huge �thumbs up�. The game is just awesome, Tinyrodent changed all the rubbers and thus, the balls are extremely �alive�, which I just love, you can�t replicate that feeling of randomness in any PC pinball simulator!

Aesthetically speaking, the plastics and playfield are IMHO in excellent shape. Yes, there are two spots near the two rows of targets that show some wear but it�s very minimal and I�ll state clearly I was expecting much worse. It naturally helps that Tinyrodent gave it a good cleaning and wax job before delivery, the game not only looks great but is fast as it should be.  His work on the cupped inserts also resolved the issue sufficiently. IE: if you cup a ball it can sort of rest against it, but if you let go, it does fall back down onto the flipper, before it did not.  It�s something I can work on but to be perfectly honest, it�s hardly noticeable.

The only two areas I could see myself seek improvement are the backglass itself, which Tinyrodent pointed out in his restoration thread shows visible signs of age with a lot of knicks and scratches, etc.; and also the playfield top glass itself which has a few scratches, etc.  So if anyone comes across either of these, let me know.  The backglass may be dependant on how much $$$ it is, I�m basically tapped out for a while, but I understand the playfield top glass shouldn�t be that much.  So keep an eye out, it�s appreciated.

Tinyrodent and I played for a while, I have lot�s to relearn as far as this game.  Finally got a multiball going, a few more times last night.  She really plays great, and she�s vicious too, I�ve gone from a game in 200k to some embarrassing scores like 40k for a 5 ball game.  But I am learning the all-important �nudging� spots where if you don�t, it�s either SDTM or the right outlane burps away!

We also got a chance to play some old 2 player classics on the mame cab. Wow, I�d forgotten how much fun Mario Bros plays when you try and play cooperatively.

So huge thanks to Tinyrodent, he�s elevated WAY past �great guy status� in my book. Much appreciated and it�s awesome to finally say I�m a pin owner!

Game on!

Loaf

p.s.  before anyone says it, I�m out of cash and almost out of space so NO ROOM FOR ANOTHER FOR NOW!     If I did, I'd pick up that great Flash that's available!

I miss it

Sell that air hockey thing already!  

You have a loooot of space in that basement!!!!!!

Air hockey: might come to that in the future .  If I got rid of the pool table, I'd have lots of space, but doubt that will happen. May not use it much but it's nice to have.  I'll have to create a thread in the "gameroom" section for all to see.

I miss it too! But at least know where I can go play...

Also I can confirm that there is lots of room in that basement for pinball machines to multiply! The only use for a pool table is to pile up pinball parts on top of it!!

Funny enough, I have cab parts over the pool table from Xmas till just a few weeks ago eheh.  Who knows, but yeah, if I get rid of the pool table, I guess I could put 8 pins in that area.

You can play anytime friend, ANYTIME!  If you need a break from house building, you know where yo go.  

Hmmm, 8 pins... divorce... 8 pins... divorce.  Tough call!

Ok, get this, the wife (Jackie) was playing a game of firepower this evening and even though she wasn't super good, it looked like she was having fun.  Anyway, she says "you'll have to put another pin right here" as she points to the eliptical machine that's beside Firepower.  I said "what about the machine?".  She says, "no one is using it, so sell it and get another pin".

  Holy Allelujah!  I wonder if anyone is feeling the need to buy an semi-commercial eliptical trainer or would you trade for a pin nice?  I think we paid about $2000 for it, had no choice since I was somewhat large and cheapies would have broken down .

Man GET THE THING OUT WHILE SHE'S HOT !!!

Put it at a friend's place, whatever fits but grab this opportunity  

Yeah, but I have to sell it first, no cash right now even if I wanted a pin right now.  Seriously considering this though, we paid $3000 for the thing, I doubt I can get anything near value but we'll see.  Have to pass it by the two youngsters first, they hardly use it but we like to include them in decisions like this.  Wish me luck!

The machine looks topnotch, my friend! Will have to pop by and check it out. And remember, I get first dibs!

If I had the cash I would've jumped at Mr. Hide's Xenon machine, dang!

/-/ound...

you still can

... I have played that Xenon and it is SWEET. Fantastic condition. Hey Loaf... Xenon kinda fits in the whole space-sci-fi theme along with Firepower, your MAME and other hobby...  

Quoted from The Loafer

The only weird thing was the left outlane kickback save, where the little plunger would keep popping out.  A nice and ingenious solution was found by Brett and it now works well, but has anyone experienced this before? Is there a trick to popping it back in?  We noticed the little plunger has a groove going through the entire length but it didn�t seem to lock in any way.  Anyway, it was too loose, so adding something to tighten it resolved the issue.  I just thought of this, under the apron, can I assume there�s some kind of little screw which maybe fastens it to the plunger control?

I'm not certain if I'm thinking what you're describing, but it sounds to me like the built in stop on the end of the Plunger Assembly (Part No. A-6306-2) is missing (or the spring that pulls it back out of the coil (solenoid) after it fires, is missing?  Or the plastic plunger tip is no longer firmly attached to the plunger body (and needs to be fixed back in or replaced).  Happ Controls sells these for $8.05 so I assume that you can likely get them from all the usual suspects.  

You can take off the apron to take a look, but the plunger on the Drainlane Kicker Assemby, has a plastic tip that goes into a metal cylinder (which is pulled electromechanically into the coil) and on the end of that is a larger round "stop" attached, which keeps the plunger from being shot out onto the playfield.

If the plunger is firing but sticking and not returning, then either the spring is too weak or you need to change the coil sleeve (but I don't think that's what you're describing).

Am I describing your problem correctly?


P.S. I admire your "other" hobby too, I had to give up my Meade LX-90, turns out I was too much a "fair weather" astronomer and lugging that thing was getting frustrating (not to mention the ever increasing light pollution in my once "darkish" town.

Hey Websherpa, nice to hear someone else likes stargazing.  I've done a lot of astronomy pics, don't have a webpage set up though, I'll have to get to work on that or post a few here if there's any interest.  BTW, that's one awesome thing about astro photography, it resolves any light pollution issues.  Some of the best pics taken by a Canadian are taken right from good old downtown Ottawa.

Thanks for the heads up on the problem we're having. Yeah, the plunger is firing ok, it looks like maybe it doesn't have that round "stop" attached that keeps it in place.  We were able to just add a little something to keep it firmly in the metal cylinder and now it doesn't pop out anymore, so for now, I'd say it's not an issue, though if this reoccurs, I'll have to perhaps order the part you describe.

Loaf

Quoted from The Loafer

Hey Websherpa, nice to hear someone else likes stargazing.  I've done a lot of astronomy pics, don't have a webpage set up though, I'll have to get to work on that or post a few here if there's any interest.  BTW, that's one awesome thing about astro photography, it resolves any light pollution issues.  Some of the best pics taken by a Canadian are taken right from good old downtown Ottawa.

Thanks for the heads up on the problem we're having. Yeah, the plunger is firing ok, it looks like maybe it doesn't have that round "stop" attached that keeps it in place.  We were able to just add a little something to keep it firmly in the metal cylinder and now it doesn't pop out anymore, so for now, I'd say it's not an issue, though if this reoccurs, I'll have to perhaps order the part you describe.

Loaf

How's the viewing from your area (Embrun)?  I may have to go to your place with my stuff   I have yet to take a decent picture with my Meade Deep Sky Imager II....

For the plunger, if the fix works for now then cool, but you have to watch those "unconventional" AKA "Mc Guyver" fixes.  They will take the value of the machine down.

Mike

Good point, eheh McGuyver fixes

Most of my pics were taken with the Meade DSI-II-C, love it.  It's not the most sensitive camera but it's easy to use and it was good "bang for the buck" when I bought it.  The viewing is pretty good, though Embrun's population is growing so in essence the light pollution is getting worse.  I also live in Embrun, not on some farm, so it's a typical neighborhood with all samey houses.  I usually set up on my deck in the back, and control everything from my kitchen table. The light pollutiojn as I said before is not as much of a problem for astrophotography though I will admit it can take a beating for visual observation sessions.  Typically, towards West / North West, that's Ottawa, so the sky glow isn't so good.  Also, Embrun is not the best for sky transparency, it's a constant battle.  But if you or anyone else ever wants to pop by, not a problem it would be my pleasure.

Incidentally, I haven't taken her out in over 6 months and tonight, I believe the ISS is passing in front of the moon, visible locally. I promised myself I'd try and see if I can image it.

Clear sky clock looks "ok" but not great, seeing is not too good, which means there's a good possibility the craters would be waving constantly:
http://cleardarksky.com/c/EmbrunOnkey.html?1

Let's see on the ISS from my homebase:  http://www.calsky.com.  Nope, I'd have to travel about 10km, and the event is occuring at 6:20pm, wouldn't have the time to go home, get the equipment, travel, get setup, etc.  Too bad, but there's always next time .

Update:  Had a "home gaming" day yesterday.  One of my buddy and is two boys (11-13) LOVED Firepower, I couldn't believe how much the boys really "dug" it, very surprised.  I also managed to have my best game to date, a half decent high score that would no doubt make you all laugh but an achievement for me .

Ian:  The "Loafer's Arcade" cabinet went over REAL well too, great success with the boys, who found some of the old classics very fun to play. Nice to see the younger generation actually show good taste .  Of course, we also played 4 player Rock Band for 2 hours.  

Quoted from The Loafer

Ian:  The "Loafer's Arcade" cabinet went over REAL well too, great success with the boys, who found some of the old classics very fun to play. Nice to see the younger generation actually show good taste .

...Yes, oh grand master... I have collected yet again another soul!!!

Quoted from The Loafer

One of my buddy and is two boys (11-13) LOVED Firepower, I couldn't believe how much the boys really "dug" it, very surprised.

A couple of months ago, a friend visited with her two boys aged around 6 and 8. They loved Firepower too, especially commenting on the sound effects and the knocker. The younger one mostly chimped but the older one quickly caught on and played fairly well. Pinball may be mostly a boy thing (my granddaughters showed little interest) but it seems to appeal to all generations.