Anybody own any Atari pins?

Schusler

Well-known member

Donor 2011
Joined
Jan 26, 2008
Messages
4,577
Reaction score
228
Location
Sycamore, Illinois
I'd love to own one of these someday. I've played so far a Superman and Airborne Avenger. Definitely digging the AA! Something about the cool 70's space artwork makes me want one! Also a shoutout to Atarians for also the cool artwork!

So does anybody have any of these or want one? Any pro or cons besides brother Lindsey saying they're a pain in the ass to work on?
 
I've got Super Man, Airborne Avenger and Middle Earth. They're cool pins but don't get a lot of love. One pro would be the price. They're usually available pretty cheap when you can find them but repairing them can be a bit of a pain, as I mentioned in another thread. There are 2 different hardware systems used in Atari pins. One in Super Man and Hercules and the other in all the rest.

Some interesting designs for the time. They definitely took some design chances like Middle Earth with the asymmetrical flipper layout.
http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=1590

Time 2000 is just crazy with 2 sets of flippers side by side.
http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=2567

Airborne Avenger was designed by Steve Ritchie.
http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=33

Space Riders is pretty much the only other Atari pin that I would want.
http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=2258

And then there's Hercules. The biggest pin ever.
http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=2258

Atari definitely played an interesting part in pinball history.
 
I've got a bunch of them. I think I have all of them except Hercules. I've never played any of mine. Just couldn't pass them up with the Atari name on them. The ones I have played at shows and what not, I was pretty impressed with.
 
I forgot to mention I did play a Hercules at Expo.....snooze!!!!

I tinkered with some Atari pins I haven't played via pinmame (yeah, I know, not the real thing, yada,yada...)

Atarians-Beautiful artwork but man what a bore to play! Not really anything to shoot for!

Time 2000-Double flipper action...reminds me of Gottlieb Rocky albeit weaker.
Again thought it was alright but same issue with Atarians...

Middle Earth- Very unique setup.. Offset flippers, some drops. and unique layout. Very good flow as well-love the loop! My only complaint was the artwork---kinda cheesy!

Space Riders--- Now I thought this was real cool! Lot of *captive* balls to shoot for behind the drops...Big plus for the artwork!

Road Runner---It's a real shame there are only *2* of these because I think this is the second best Atari pin behind Superman! This playfield has incredible flow via the layout....

Can't comment on 4x4---haven't played it....

So my order.... Superman, Road Runner, AA, Space Riders, Middle Earth, Time 2k, Atarians and Hercules---Did I miss any?

@Vectorman I sent you a pm.....
 
I got a Space Riders on a whim because it was cheap and local. It ended up being a great game and easy to repair (no batteries to hose things up on the board).

I like the artwork and gameplay on the machine, but like any other machine of the era you are limited to just a few different sounds.

I can't speak for any of the others Atari made, but if they are close to this one then they should be fun.

-JM
 
What was wrong with it?

It wouldn't power up except for the backlight and had been stored for years without the playfield glass in place.

We're near the water and have humidity in the 80-90% range for much of the year, so everything was oxidized or corroded at the connectors. Cleaned all of the connectors (several times) until everything worked.

I've since pulled the play field and restored it and put a new back glass in it, so it looks great.

I think I've got $225 in it including buying a new back glass and the rubber kit.

- JM
 
I just picked up a superman tonight, It doesnt work but I found that the tin/cardboard in the head has warped and shorted the board :(
 
Back
Top Bottom