first pin

[Deadly]

They generally have less mechanical systems. I don't mean that the DMD display decides the reliability but a general rule of thumb is that a DMD machine has more toys, and the more moving parts the more there is to keep running. A System 11 game usually has ramps and target but not a million toys. Just something to think about not a true deciding factor unless you have no clue on a pinball.

I think a lot of the new Sterns (DMD) are the same if not slightly less complicated than the older B/W games. Whirlwind is a prime example of a SYS11 that has drop targets, spinners, 2 VUKS, saucer, a ramp that opens and closes and a diverter. Funhouse is also fairly complicated with the dummy head and other items. I think my LOTR is less complicated in comparison.
I don;t mean to sit here and split hairs, but I'd much rather work on a new machine verses an "old" one any day. In fact I'd rather not work on any if I don;t have to

 

[Lindsey]

Beyond simple problems that are going to be the same across all pinball systems I would agree that the older the system the easier it will be to repair. Everything beyond the logic is pretty much all the same crap across the board (coils, lamps, etc...) so the game will dictate the mechanical complexity. Even at the logic level it's pretty much all the same crap when you look at the core concepts that make a pinball machine work. Something like Haunted House could be more complicated mechanically than a new Stern game but the system running it is rudimentary by comparison. Which will be more difficult really depends on the nature of the problem.

The most important consideration is the price of the game. As long as you don't overpay for whatever game you decide to buy you should always be able to get your money back. I would be much happier buying a game the I turned out to dislike that I could get my money back or make a profit on than a game that I really liked but would surely lose money on. The ultimate goal is to get a game that you like for a good price. Obviously

 

[ironworker]

My first and only one is a Williams Funhouse, made in 1990.
You will want to get this book
Pinball Machine Care and Maintenance
by Bernard Kamoroff
To help you in your search use this.
http://www.ipdb.org/lists.cgi?puid=26145&list=top300
http://www.searchtempest.com/
http://www.xmission.com/~daina/classified/index.html

 

[SterlingRush]

All I can say is, be careful. My first pin led to my first two pins in a matter of hours. Which actually turned out well, both came from Denver, one is a stop and go play where the other has flow to it. Best of both worlds. Be patient in your search and try outs, you'll find what suits you best. Which ever one you get, take the time to level it out and set the approriate angle for the playfield. That will make a world of difference on game play.

And Geese is right, you can't have just one, as he knows that's what I ran into while obtaining my first I was fortunate and both of my pins were in good/great condition, minimal maitinence thus far(knock on wood), and look/play beautifully.

Even though I'm out of room, one day I'd still like to get:
-Back to the Future
-Funhouse
-Goldeneye
-Taxi
-Addams Family(if they ever drop below $2000-$4000)
-Star Wars Data East

 

[WadeLanham]

Pins are a lot like cars, for the most part the newer they are the more reliable and less work they'll need. Games from the 80's have all sorts of age problems, most 90's games are fairly reliable if not beat to death, 2000+ games are still just babies. If you don't know much about repair and want less trouble, buy a Williams/Bally from the 90's or a newer Stern.

Wade

 

[Spbeyond]

im sure your right but really all I have room for is one pin thats it and I will be maxed out.....

You will sell your arcades (if you have any) and furniture to get more pins. Just wait.

 

[GameyMcGame]

Its an addiction 1 million times worse than the arcade games.

I started with one...Said "yeah, gameroom has to have ONE pin to make it feel right". I now have 3 and have begun moving games into storage room. It gets bad AND expensive quickly.

 

[pinbotler]

Addiction

+1 here Pins get lonely fast. Started with a non-working Cheetah, and had two more before I had it up and running (cure time on clear coat you know). Working on arcades now. Still restoring my Atari Football.

 

[SeanMcL]

I have had one pin for over 2 years now. All the games I started with I still have, none have been sold to pay for a pin. If you stay off of RGP you'll be fine.

As for what title to get, my advice is to go play a few and then get the one you like. Try Pirates of the Caribbean. You can find nice, slightly used ones for $3K ish. Plenty of parts available, and techs to work on them.

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