Shows
For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 474 - Interview with Molly Baldridge, artist of DrainedDrained is the latest game from For Amusement Only Games, and released on Nov. 21, 2022. Molly Baldridge created all of the physical and digital artwork for Drained, and it was a lot of fun to be able to work together. Molly has been extremely supportive of my game development in the past, but committing to a project of this magnitude is something else entirely! We discuss the art direction and in what order she tackled the various pieces within the game. All images were created using an open source digital illustration program called Krita using a Huion Kamvas 22. To see the game...
2022-11-2214 min
For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastRanger In The Ruins, 3rd Party Development for the P3Ranger In The Ruins has been released! My first commercial pinball game is $150, and available through the Multimorphic online store: Ava and I discuss a bit about the game, and some streams available (warning: spoilers!) Buffalo Pinball Reveal Stream - https://youtu.be/M8g07kfWMto Gammagoat -- I also note that the game is part of the Pinside database - if you would be so kind, please rate/review the game, which will help with visibility for other P3 owners. Thank you for listening, and for your support of indie pinball! You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or...
2020-09-0829 min
For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 467 - CCR 2.0 and Internet Play, QFG, RF, MR updates, what we've been working on, 1959 Bally BallerinaWelcome back! - Ava new cohost - Cosmic Cart Racing 2.0 and Internet play - QFG development diary - last stream available at - Check out my other podcast Gamingonten for weekly updates of the process (and lots of video game talk). - A little about my next P3 game. - Robo-Frenzy artwork is in process. Ryan and I are working on it several times a week! - Multi-Races backglass artwork is in process from Joel de Guzman - can't wait to see it! - New segment: what we've been working on. - E.M Online Repair Clinic (pinside) (funwithpinball sign u...
2020-06-011h 02For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 466 - Heist P3 Game - Interview with Ava Baldridge 3-26-20Ava joins me to talk about the newest P3 game, Heist! This Week In Pinball had a writeup on the release day here: We are having a blast with the game, and we talk about the artwork, design, software, audio and how I can't get more than 5,000 points. ;-) For those interested, you can order from Multimorphic at Thanks to Ava for joining me and talking about her new favorite game!
2020-03-2731 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 465 - P3 Development, New Games Announced, 1935 Allied Amusement Barrel RollWelcome back! I have decided to slightly retool the show as most of my free time is being spent on developing a modern game for the P3 platform. Build Thread: Multimorphic announcement of CCR update and new Director of Sales and Marketing, Patrick Patla: New game speculation: Today's featured game is Allied Amusement Company of Los Angeles' Barrel Roll - what a cool game! You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me...
2020-03-1226 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 464 - Williams Deluxe Official Baseball Pitching UnitHad a follow-up call for the Williams Deluxe Official Baseball regarding the pitching motor. I discuss some of the unique properties of that unit along with the repair for a sticking pitching unit and the gameplay for the game itself.
2020-02-1013 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 463 - Correction, NIB Tahiti, 1937 Bally ClassicListener (and good friend) Ryan Claytor wrote in with a correction to episode 462. Next, there is a NIB Bally Tahiti on eBay... sort of: Today's featured game is Bally's 1937 Classic:
2020-01-1011 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 462 - Rest in Peace, Dan Ferguson, New Game Developments, 1967 Chicago Coin FestivalDan Ferguson, proprietor of the Lone Star Pinball Museum, passed away on December 14th, 2019. I was privileged to meet Dan and spend a few hours speaking with him and playing games in August. Rest in peace, Dan. The new game I discuss has had some new developments, including art, music, and voice acting: Today's featured game is 1967's Chicago Coin Festival:
2019-12-2708 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 461 - New game -- with flippers, 3D printed Bally clutch, 1969 Williams Seven UpAnother episode, another new game announcement - this one decidedly not EM, but interesting all the same. There is a potential new EM podcast coming - looking forward to it! The more EM content, the better! In other news, a Pinside user had an unobtainable part of the reset bank for Bally games 3D printed. I hope we see much more of this in the future, and prevent more games from being scrapped. Today's featured game is 1969's Seven Up by Williams. A very interesting layout with two sequences, multiple ball saving posts, and specials galore.
2019-12-1212 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 460 - Houston Arcade Expo, Acrylic Bingo, Williams Deluxe Official Baseball, Loof's Lite-A-LineI went to the Houston Arcade Expo and talk a bit about what sets the show apart, along with the debut of the Acrylic Bingo project! Shawn did an excellent job with fabricating a new cabinet and playfield for Golden Gate, one of the most complex and astounding bingo pinball machines, out of acrylic. It was great to meet new folks and old friends and teach some how to play. I worked on a Williams Deluxe Official Baseball, and talk a bit about the common fixes needed. Lastly, listener Gene wrote in with his experience at Loof's Lite-A-Line, a pinball g...
2019-11-2813 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 459 - Busy, Houston Arcade Expo, 1964 Williams RiverboatThings are really hectic right now, but hopefully they will get back on track soon. I'll be at the Houston Arcade Expo next week for the unveiling of the Acrylic Bingo (Golden Gate in a see-through package)! Today's featured game is 1964 Williams Riverboat. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you might enjoy Gaming...
2019-11-0707 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 458 - York Show 2019 Recap, Multi-Races complete, Coin-Op Carnival tour completeToday's episode is all about the York show! Bingo Row, Woodrail Row, good friends, and fun! I also discuss the end of the Coin-Op Carnival tour and the completion of Multi-Races, along with the first public showing for Multi-Races. Thanks to everyone that makes the York show such a fantastic show - Rich and all the staff, everyone that brings games (especially for Bingo Row), good friends that share in the fun at Bingo Row, and the public that comes to play and learn about all of the amazing games from times past. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail...
2019-10-2730 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 457 - Interview with Edward Trapunski 09-30-19Tonight I am joined by Edward Trapunski, author of "Special When Lit: A visual and anecdotal history of Pinball". We discuss the creation of the book, originally published in 1979, came out at a time of great change for pinball. The industry was moving from electro-mechanical games to solid state. The book touches on a broad history of the game, a description of the appeal from social, art, and gameplay aspects, and even a peek into the future (circa 1979), which turned out to be quite prescient! Special When Lit can be purchased here: The other books mentioned - Pinball! by Roger Sha...
2019-10-0457 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 456 - York Show Giveaway, Timer Unit Issues, King of Diamonds TroubleshootingThe York show is coming - October 11th and 12th, 2019! This year, I will be giving away custom tokens for those that can win on Multi-Races. I also note a common issue with new bingo owners/mechanics - the timer unit needs to be in proper working order or the game will not function properly. Lastly, I took a look at a King of Diamonds that had some replay issues. I found the problem for most of the replays, but the randomized replays based on the 0-9 unit position I could not resolve before I had to head home. Hopefully th...
2019-09-2111 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 455 - Pyprocgame issue, York Show Excitement, 1939 Bally HeadlinerRan into an issue with pyprocgame (or USB) that caused a crash every time I tried to enter a game in Multi-Races. I detail the solution. The York Show is coming very soon! Come see Bingo Row and check out the Coin-Op Carnival booth - October 12th and 13th, 2019! Today's featured game is Bally's Headliner from 1939.
2019-09-0611 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 454 - Yacht Club Selector Lock, Roger Sharpe Recordings, Multi-Races Progress, 1939 Gottlieb Keen-A-BallFirst, a call on the Bingo Line - Len calls with a question about the Selector Lock on Yacht Club. Next, Nate Shivers from Coast 2 Coast podcast has started releasing a new series - Roger Sharpe recorded interviews with numerous folks from the EM era for his book Pinball, and this series begins with an interview with Harry Williams. Check it out at Next, some woodworking for Multi-Races - it's starting to look like a real game! Finally, today's featured game is Gottlieb's "Keen-A-Ball" from 1939: You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You c...
2019-08-2210 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 453 - Houston and Roanoke Tour Stops, Multi-Races and Multi-Bingo getting ready for YorkShort episode - Our Houston tour stop for Coin-Op Carnival was changed from the original venue and from one stop to two. It was great to meet folks at Bedrock City Comics and the Game Preserve NASA! Thank you to everyone that came out. This weekend, August 11th, I will be giving a presentation and book signing at the Roanoke Pinball Museum in Roanoke, VA. Come see me and say hello! Multi-Races is coming along - I'm getting it ready for the York show, along with the Multi-Bingo and Universal's 5-Star. It should be a great show. You can reach me at...
2019-08-0911 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 452 - Universal 5 Star, Multi-Races at York, Junior in Ottawa, Genco Golden Nugget, 1939 Daval GemsUniversal's 5 Star is back in action thanks to Sophie. 5 Star, the Multi-Bingo and Multi-Races will be at York this year as part of Bingo Row! Come out and play these neat games! It will be the public debut of Multi-Races. Junior and Caravan have moved to new homes. Junior will be part of the prewar booth at the Ottawa Pinball and Gameroom Show Sept. 21st and 22nd, 2019. Genco's Golden Nugget is fixed, and I detail the fix. Today's featured game is 1939's Daval Mfg. Co "Gems": Ryan and I will be at the Burke Baker Planetarium for a Coin-Op Carnival tour...
2019-07-2528 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 451 - Multi-Races, Super Star, Coin-Op Carnival Tour Update, 1938 Genco KlickI've been programming like a mad person, and there are now several games with full animation and gameplay support available in Multi-Races! I just received a Williams "Super Star" for an upcoming project. Coin-Op Carnival will be at San Diego Comic-Con, with Ryan hosting a presentation on Friday the 17th. Brent and Whitney of the Brokentoken Classic Arcade and Pinball Podcast will have several copies available for purchase at the Southern Fried Gameroom Expo in Atlanta this weekend. Today's featured game is Genco's "Klick" from 1938. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You c...
2019-07-1110 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastInterview with Gerry Stellenberg 6-26-19Gerry Stellenberg of Multimorphic () joins me to discuss his history with control systems, development of the revolutionary products the P-ROC, P3-ROC, and the P3, and custom pinball development on the P3. I use and enjoy many of the products produced by his company, and his boardset allowed me to complete the Multi-Bingo in a very short amount of time. I have used his boards in every project since and never hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a control system. The P3 is a modular pinball machine which allows for custom development. It has many unique features, from th...
2019-06-271h 20For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 449 - Fake Nick Baldridge's Triumphant ReturnPerambulate with FNB while he pontificates on the far flung ancestors of modern pinball! Listen in on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, Google Play, and more. You can email the real Nick at Instagram and Twitter @bingopodcast Call the phone-a-saurus at 724-BINGOS-1 Purchase Coin-Op Carnival at Thanks very much for listening, and I'll... talk to you next time!
2019-06-0606 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 448 - Auto-Bell Super Circus, Robo-Frenzy progress, 5 Star Progress, 1939 Genco BangNew game! Auto-Bell Super Circus arrived in the gameroom and Ava is going to help restore. Robo-Frenzy progress - one of the more difficult tasks has been completed. 5 Star progress - Sophie and I turned it on this week! Today's featured game is Genco's "Bang" from 1939. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you might enj...
2019-05-2311 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 447 - Coin-Op Carnival NPR Interview, 5 Star Progress, Service Calls, 1935 Bally 3 In LINERyan and I were interviewed by Michigan NPR about Coin-Op Carnival! (Scroll down for the interview) Sophie has continued work on the 5 Star - it's looking good now, next to polish the metal parts inside the game! An interesting service call on a Bally Circus Queen (I love that game) and a Bally Dude Ranch. Today's featured game is 1935's Bally 3 In LINE. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Inst...
2019-05-0915 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 446 - Coin-Op Carnival Tour Stops, Bally Circus, Robo-Frenzy Wiring, 1959 Gottlieb Hi-DiverRyan's tour stop at Abrams Planetarium was excellent! Read the writeup at There are two tour stops happening this weekend! Pinball at the Zoo and the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (S.P.A.C.E.). See for more details. I worked on a Bally Circus this past week that needed more than a little help, and I've been wiring Robo-Frenzy - just a little more left! Sophie has removed everything from the playfield and cleaned the 5 Star! Today's featured game is 1959's Gottlieb "Hi-Diver": You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS...
2019-04-2511 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 445 - Service Calls, Coin-Op Carnival Shipping, Universal 5-Star, 1952 Gottlieb CoronationI've been digging myself out of my backlog on local service calls since my return from Texas. I talk about one interesting EM call I had recently. Coin-Op Carnival's reception has been fantastic! Come see Ryan at the second tour stop for the book at the MSU Abram's Planetarium, Sunday, April 14th at 6PM. This is a free event! Following Ryan's presentation (a 360 degree video of Wayne Neyens demonstrating his "Spirit of '76" and his office with pinball memorabilia), there will be a book signing and an array of great games designed by Wayne Neyens or featured in Coin-Op Carnival #1. More...
2019-04-1123 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 444 - Texas Pinball Festival Recap, Coin-Op Carnival Tour, Woodrail vs Metal Rail GamesMy experience at Texas Pinball Festival as part of Coin-Op Carnival. An unforgettable weekend! Some photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8hNHQvpxRTJqoFPM8 Ryan is doing a solo presentation for the next tour stop - the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. Aside from a 360-degree video of Wayne Neyens and his "Spirit of '76", there will be a selection of Neyens' games available on free play! Be sure to follow the for a tour stop near you. A listener writes in asking about the difference between wood rail and metal rail games. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via...
2019-03-3024 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 443 - Coin-Op Carnival with Ryan Claytor Recorded 3-6-19Ryan Claytor joins me to discuss our new joint venture - Coin-Op Carnival: Electrifying Tales of Mechanical Contraptions! Coin-Op Carnival Issue #1 is a 64-page, fully illustrated, full color publication. Coin-Op Carnival will release March 22nd at Texas Pinball Festival. Pinball historian Gordon Hasse will be joining Ryan and I onstage during the Coin-Op Carnival Seminar March 22nd at 8PM. If you are not heading to TPF, you can find information and place your order at beginning March 22nd. You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTune...
2019-03-1334 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 442 - Multi-Races Playable, Robo-Frenzy Fixes, 1942 Keeney TowersMulti-Races works! I finished the wiring after last episode, fired it up, and can play games on it. There are no graphics currently, but still a major victory. Robo-Frenzy has also had a few victories over the past weekend - the score motor turns, score reels and reset function properly, and the short was found. Today's game is 1942's Keeney Towers: https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=5095 You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingo...
2019-02-2816 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 441 - Multi-Races Wiring, 1959 Gottlieb Straight ShooterI'm just about ready to turn on Multi-Races for the first time. Exciting time for any project. I talk about wiring the coils and motors in the game, and some of the challenges. Today's game is 1959's Gottlieb Straight Shooter () You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you might enjoy Gaming on Ten Minutes a Week...
2019-02-1423 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 440 - Robo-Frenzy To-do, Multi-Races wiring and changes, 1959 Williams Golden BellsRobo-Frenzy has had a small advancement, but more time is needed to test everything. Multi-Races, I am having some second thoughts about how I will construct parts of the game. Discussion awaits! Today's game is the 1959 Williams "Golden Bells" - https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=1045 You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you might...
2019-01-3122 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 439 - Multi-Bingo Fine Tuning, Multi-Races Playfield Wiring, 1958 Bally Skill ParadeThe Multi-Bingo is getting a nice bit of polish ahead of the Texas Pinball Festival. I look forward to meeting new people and seeing their reaction to the game! Multi-Races progress continues - I've wired the playfield and placed it within the game. Soon I'll be testing the games! Today's featured game is 1958's Bally Skill Parade: You can reach me at foramusementonlypodcast@gmail.com or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is f...
2019-01-1719 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 438 - Multi-Races Continues, Robo-Frenzy Testing, 1957 Gottlieb Ace HighI'm continuing to program Multi-Races, and am working backwards chronologically. I've arrived at the first game Bally produced post-war, 1946's Victory Derby and Victory Special. I speak a bit about the large changes in portioning that these earlier games have from the later (Don Hooker designed) games. Robo-Frenzy has been tested, and I have found a flaw in the 30V line which will require a bit of rewiring (once I find the problem). I will be at the Texas Pinball Festival, 2019 in Frisco, TX - with Multi-Bingo in tow! Come say "Hi", and try to win a prize. Today's game is...
2019-01-0227 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 437 - Multi-Races Programming, Robo-Frenzy Units, 1950 Williams DreamyI've almost finished programming the first game for Multi-Races. Bally's Turf King is one of the last one ball horserace games, and therefore one of the most complex. Once I've finished it, I should have no trouble with other games. I talk about the interesting parts of portioning, as well as some of the features of the game. Robo-Frenzy is coming along quite nicely. Two units remain to be wired into the game, and I have a plan on how to do it. Today's featured game is Williams "Dreamy" from 1950. You can reach me at or via the bingos line at 724-B...
2018-12-2040 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 436 - Robo-Frenzy Wiring, Multi-Races progress, Chicago Coin Soundstage Unboxing, 1948 Gottlieb Alice in WonderlandRobo-Frenzy is about 70% wired! Multi-Races now has a computer and I've begun thinking about laying out the new electronic and mechanical features. A Chicago Coin Soundstage was unboxed recently. The video (on Facebook) can be viewed here: Today's featured game is a really neat one - Gottlieb's 1948 Alice in Wonderland. You can reach me at or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you mig...
2018-12-0713 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 435 - Happy Thanksgiving, Robo-Frenzy Wiring, Adding Progressive Jackpot to a Bingo PinballA short episode today, wherein I discuss wiring Robo-Frenzy (approx 50% done), and a listener question about adding progressive jackpots to a bingo pinball machine. I put on my best tech hat and respond. Thank you, as always, for listening! You can reach me at or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter (bingopodcast) or follow me on Instagram (also bingopodcast). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com If you like video games, you might enjoy Gaming on Ten Minutes a Week at Thank you very...
2018-11-2207 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastAudio Issues, Robo-Frenzy Wiring, Contest Reminder, 1952 Gottlieb QuartetteRobo-Frenzy is taking shape, the wiring has begun in earnest. I talk a bit about how I am prototyping the light board, how the wiring is going and the basic functions that are wired. A reminder that I'm running a contest! Anyone that can send me evidence of a current/new 5 in a line on a game will receive a free Bingo Row print! The illustration by Ryan Claytor of Elephant Eater Comics () is amazing. Non-bingo-owners can get in touch if they would like a copy. Today's game is 1952's Gottlieb "Quartette" - Thank you, as always, for listening! You can...
2018-11-0823 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 433 - The York Show, A Contest, and Upcoming ProjectsThis year's White Rose Gameroom Show was incredible! I speak a bit about each game in Bingo Row, and do a recap of the happenings day-by-day. JeffC's amazing unboxing video is in this thread: Tons of pictures in that thread, and lots of information. I discuss the unknowns listed on the sign in front of the game individually and the answers to our burning bingo questions. And - a contest! Anyone that can send me evidence of a current/new 5 in a line on a game will receive a free Bingo Row print! The illustration by Ryan Claytor of Elephant Eat...
2018-10-2551 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 432 - Pinball Magazine Number 5 Review, 1952 United Steeple ChaseI'm headed to the York show - Friday Oct 12th and Saturday Oct 13th, 2018. Come see me, play all the bingos in Bingo Row, and compete for a chance to win a beautiful limited edition Bingo Row print! Today's main topic is a review of Pinball Magazine #5 - I strongly encourage all folks with any interest in EMs to pick up a copy and read about Wayne Neyens, his amazing career and life, an interview with Steve Young, and much more. Hats off to Jonathan Joosten - this interview and retrospective is very thorough, and has been a joy to...
2018-10-1128 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 431 - York Show Update, Multi-Bingo Finished, 1938 Genco Gay TimeThe York show (White Rose Gameroom Show) will be here before we know it! Come to the show and hang out with us in Bingo Row Beautiful new giveaways, a brand new bingo unboxing, extremely rare games on free play, and a lot of fun! The Multi-Bingo is complete! I've finished all the various programming bits and this is the final programming episode of the podcast for the Multi-Bingo (I promise). Today's game is 1938's Genco "Gay Time". It has a mechanism that kicks the ball into various pockets and increments your score. The final pocket will kick down and back...
2018-09-2733 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 430 - Multi-Bingo almost finished, Pingames and Gambling, 1932 Piracy Case, Ottawa Pinball Show, 1950 Genco CanastaThe Multi-Bingo is about to make its yearly showing at the York show! That means I have the typical final tweaks and touches to complete. The Multi Manual is available here: I was also co-author on an article published on Pinball News about gambling pingames: https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2018/08/23/gambling-pingames-manufacturer-perspectives/ Check it out and let me know what you think. Listener Cait brings a very interesting article from Automatic Age regarding the first pinball piracy case - Who's Goofy vs. Bally Goofy! The Ottawa Pinball Show (Sept. 22 and 23rd) will have both games on display, with Goofy playable as par...
2018-09-1319 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 429 - Multi-Bingo Animations and 1932 Northwest Coin Machine Company Fan-TanThis episode, I start off with a few technical details about how the animations function within the Multi for the mechanical backbox number movements. Today's game is the 1932 Northwest Coin Machine Company Fan-Tan. An interesting roulette game with a playing card theme. Thank you, as always, for listening! You can reach me at or via the bingos line at 724-BINGOS-1 You can listen to the show on iTunes, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Spotify, Facebook, Twitter () or follow me on Instagram (also ). The show's website is foramusementonly.libsyn.com Thank you very much for listening, and I'll talk to you ne...
2018-08-2920 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 428 - York Show Big Announcements and an Interview with Sophia Baldridge 8-15-18The York show is coming! October 12th and 13th, 2018, please join us in Bingo Row for several special spectacles. - A group of bingo pinball machines free to play all weekend - The Multi-Bingo, featuring all 142 domestically produced bingo pinball machines - A brand NEW Silver Sails, still sealed in the box, to be publicly unboxed on the show floor Friday. If it is playable, it will be available for play! - Giveaways for any four or five in a row on any machine at Bingo Row - limited edition posters of the Bingo Row illustration by Ryan Claytor! - And some...
2018-08-1617 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 427 - Happy 100th Birthday, Wayne Neyens & a Visit with Dennis DodelI am back from a very special vacation - Dennis Dodel was willing to open his gameroom to a few of us traveling to Wayne Neyens' 100th birthday celebration! I had an excellent time and discuss some of the games and what makes them special. Thank you Dennis! Next, I traveled to Wayne's home to help him ring in his 100th year and discuss some of what made that special event so extremely special to me. Thank you Wayne, for being such an amazing man - you are an inspiration, and I am so honored and humbled to have been o...
2018-08-0230 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 426 - Multi-Bingo Animation Update, Jones Plug Issues, 1949 Gottlieb Double-ShuffleUnited's coin flash animations are in process - I discuss the mechanical differences between Bally and United games from the perspective of coin flash, then give some simple updates on Robo-Frenzy and Multi Races. Jones Plugs are fantastic for allowing simple connection/disconnection of the head of a game or a coin door from the cabinet body, but it's important to double check these plugs when your game is having problems, especially if a new (to you) game, or a game that has recently been moved. Lastly, the game for today is Gottlieb's "Double-Shuffle" from 1949. Twin scoring, similar to Twin B...
2018-07-1926 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 425 - Multi Races annoucement, Multi-Bingo status, Robo-Frenzy status, Ballerina fixedThe biggest news for today's episode: the announcement of the Multi Races project. Thanks to Dennis Dodel for the name! The plan is to make another Multi-type game that will allow you to play all 49 of the one-ball horse race games. Very excited to get started. I've made a thread here: The Multi-Bingo still needs some animations written for a handful of Bally games and almost all of the United games. Robo-Frenzy - I decided a while ago upon a design for the timer unit - I had previously stacked too much on that one unit. I'm moving certain circuits to tr...
2018-07-0422 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastInterview with Ryan Claytor 6-14-18Ryan Claytor () joins me for a discussion of all things vacation: Fixes for - 1) Williams "Penny Pitch" 2) Gottlieb "Paul Bunyan" () 3) Bally "Sheba" () 4) Chicago Coin "Fox Hunt" () 5) United "Thunderbird" Talk about 1) Williams "Rag Mop" () 2) Bally Ballerina () (After the show was recorded, I was able to go fix up Ballerina, and work through the playfield of Rag Mop. ) Discussion about Coos' backglass foils - beautiful work! For the final "Year of Flipperless" game, we go over Genco's 1940 masterpiece, "Metro". Multiple sequences, extremely challenging play, and my daughter's new favorite game. Russ Jensen's writeup is here: and is a great read on the rule...
2018-06-211h 28For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 423 - Big Time in school, Pinside bingo activity, RMPS bingos, 1932 Amusement Corp of America Ski-Doo 23A great story from Graham TerMarsch - three donated Bally Big Times were used to teach kids at his son's school about reverse engineering and they ended up restoring one of the games - congratulations everyone! This week I also wanted to highlight a couple of interesting notes on the Pinside forum regarding bingos: One person has trouble with their left and right buttons in a Magic Screen game, with a simple, but easy to overlook fix: And second, another owner converts his beautiful Bally "Bikini" to have wooden rails - an interesting modification: The Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown is...
2018-06-0715 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 422 - Canada Pincon, Backbox Lamp Troubleshooting, 1935 Rockola TNTI just came across an announcement that the Canada Pincon is going to have a history of pinball booth with: 1932 Bally Goofy 1935 Bally Bumper 1932 Bally Ballyhoo 1939 Keeney Thriller and a 1954 Bally Surf Club! If you're in the area, check out the show at - and let me know how you enjoy the history of pinball games! Getting back to my roots a bit, thought I would talk a little about how to narrow down a backbox illumination problem in a Gottlieb woodrail, as a question came up on Pinside recently. Lastly, we're headed towards the end of the Year of F...
2018-05-2316 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 421 - Allentown Recap, Planned Changes, 1946 United Sea BreezeAllentown Pinfest was last weekend and it was a lot of fun. Thank you to friends new and old that made it a huge success for the Multi and for me. The Multi played well at Allentown, despite a pretty bone-headed mistake I made in coding before the show... lots of compliments and lots of help forthcoming or received at the show. I did sneak away and play the beautiful custom "Nightmare Before Christmas" machine ) - and the creator also learned about bingos in turn. I'm looking forward to York now, and how I will implement the improvements planned (and ma...
2018-05-1030 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 420 - Multi at Allentown, Development changes, 1938 Bally ArcadeAllentown is coming next week - 5/3-5/5/18. I will be there with the Multi on Saturday only 5/5! Come say hello and try the game. I look forward to seeing everyone there. I talk about some of the development challenges in getting the game ready to show the new animations, including the small touches like flashing the insert lamps on coin flash. Today's Year of Flipperless is 1938's Bally "Arcade". http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=3650
2018-04-2520 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastMulti Animations and 1938 Chicago Coin SwingDiscussion of some of the difficulties with animating the coin flash for each game. Some discussion of outstanding bugs. Today's Year of Flipperless game is 1938's Chicago Coin "Swing". I love games with mechanical diverters as well as the captive ball feature. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=2481
2018-04-1113 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastRobo-Frenzy Progress, Multi-Bingo Coin Flash, 1939 Exhibit AvalonRobo-Frenzy is coming along, awaiting some new parts. I discuss a bit about how difficult it is for me to wire up a stepper from scratch. The Multi is progressing on several fronts, and I'm working on adding coin flash for every game. Our Year of Flipperless game is 1939's Exhibit Avalon. A very beautiful and interesting looking game, with uniquely shaped bumpers. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=117&picno=5616
2018-03-2929 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastSing Along playfield tear down, Robo-Frenzy build progress, Bally Shoot-a-Line and Dixieland, Williams Skylab, 1946 Bally Double BarrelSing Along tear down started - and that playfield is really rough. I located a different used playfield that should clean up ok. Very excited to rebuild this game. Robo-Frenzy wiring continues, albeit slowly. I speak about some repairs, including Shoot-A-Line and a Dixieland that just would not stay fixed, ending it with a Williams Skylab. Finally, the Year of Flipperless has a new entry: 1946's Bally Double Barrel. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=708
2018-03-1444 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 416 - Robo-Frenzy, Multi Horse Race, Sing Along, 1941 Bally FairmontAs usual, lots going on - I've begun work in depth in wiring Robo-Frenzy. All coils have power, but switches and steppers between still need to be wired. I also need to install a light board and wire lamps. Much of the game is driven by illuminated elements, so testing will not be much fun until I can see what I'm doing! I've also taken the first step to making a Multi Horse Race game. These predecessors to the bingo pinballs are fascinating in their own right. I also picked up a game that's been on my want list for many y...
2018-02-2228 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 415 - Interview with Jeff Frick 2-7-18Jeff is an avid collector of pre-war pinball (games produced prior to WWII), coordinates the History of Pinball booth at the Texas Pinball Festival, and helps reproduce rare and unique parts for games where reproductions do not already exist. The History of Pinball booth typically includes 15 playable machines from many pre-war collectors. This year's booth will be set up on March 16th-18th, 2018, at the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. ( for details). You can see some of these beautiful games and the reproduction parts, as well as contact Jeff at
2018-02-0859 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 414 - Williams Line Drive, Robo-Frenzy Wiring, 1935 Pamco Roto LiteI finished working on a '72 Williams "Line Drive". Well, enough to play, but the crowd doesn't go wild! Next, I talk a little bit about what I've been working on on Robo-Frenzy. Lots more to come. Finally, I go over 1935's Pamco "Roto Lite". This is an excellent example of how forward-thinking Don Hooker was, and how he was already making his mark on the industry in the 1930s! Thank you to Dennis for the suggestion!
2018-01-2423 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 413 - 1940 Chicago Coin Fox Hunt, Shoot-A-Line, Dixieland, Royal Flush, Doozie, Line DriveFox Hunt is done! Ryan came down and picked it up on a whirlwind trip. I filmed a short video of gameplay/features: Also, I wrote up a Pinside thread with lots of photos! Aside from this, I've been doing some repairs around town again, and had the pleasure to work on an original Shoot-A-Line. This particular one had some operator changes that contributed to its downfall, but will hopefully be scoring again soon. Thank you, as always, for listening!
2018-01-1127 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 412 - Fox Hunt Almost Done, Serenade Working and 1939 Genco AirportThe 1940 Chicago Coin Fox Hunt is just about finished. Two shorted 'coils in a can' are taken apart and rewound. I have a trip relay coil to replace, as well as two springs that are not doing their job, and a shorted lamp socket. Otherwise, things are working pretty darn well. Serenade was picked up by Bingo Butch and his son, Mike, and Mike already has it up and running. Great finish to the year in bingos the pinball community just learned of its existence at the beginning of the year! Today's Year of Flipperless game is Genco's 1939 Airport. A beau...
2017-12-2743 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 411 - New Meter Day, Kings and Queens, Demagnetizer Tool and 1935 Rockola ScreamoA friend of mine asked me to pick any meter I wanted to, to replace my really poor DMM that I've been fighting forever (thanks Ryan!). A Sanwa SP-21 is what I chose: Good balance of price and features. Has a continuity test, despite being an analog meter, as well as a diode test. Both are basically resistance tests, but nice to have. Uses two double-A batteries, which is convenient. I talk a bit about my first service call using the meter, as well as some challenges specific to the game. Next, a listener writes to discuss an alternative method of d...
2017-12-1418 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 410 - Fox Hunt on Fire, 1934 Exhibit Lightning 36I hope all my American listeners had a great Thanksgiving. I am very thankful for all of you. Today is a cautionary tale. Managed to set the game I was working on on fire... sleep is necessary, but so is remembering to remove a jumper before stopping for the night. Today's Year of Flipperless - Exhibit's 1934 Lightning '36. Compared to PAMCO's Contact: http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=3029&picno=23059&zoom=1
2017-11-3022 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpsode 409 - Fox Hunt Refurb, 1934 Chicago Coin Show BoatSome discussion of a pre-war game I'm working on currently, and the Year of Flipperless game, Chicago Coin's 1934 Show Boat. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=2136&picno=16947
2017-11-1629 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpsode 408 - Interview with Scott Gullicks 10-18-2017Scott Gullicks is part of Riot Pinball, LLC, who are best known for their creation "Wrath of Olympus", a full-size DMD-style pinball machine. This year at Expo, Scott unveiled a new project, focused on portability and competition: "Dead Man's Hand", which is based heavily on the layout of the card-themed bingos. Scott joins me to discuss his experience with bingos and the motivation behind the creation of "Dead Man's Hand". Shortly after our interview, Riot Pinball announced a partnership with VPCabs to produce the game. It is available now at
2017-11-0118 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 407 - Interview with Bingo Butch Glauda 10-01-2017Bingo Butch Glauda is an operator and serious bingo collector. He owns one of each Bally bingo pinball machine and needs only three more United games to complete his collection. Butch tells many great stories about operating, which games made the most money, and his fascinating history with these great machines. He was extremely generous with his time, and I am pleased to have spent time with him after York this year.
2017-10-191h 35For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 406 - York show recap and 1939 Baker TwinkleI recap the details from the York show! I had a lot of fun talking to everyone and watching them play the Multi-Bingo over three days! Thank you for coming out and giving the games a shot in the Bingo Row! The Multi had over 8000 Red/Yellow button presses over the weekend. That equates to roughly 400+ games. I'm thrilled with that number. Thank you to everyone that brought games and shared with the public. Today's 'Year of Flipperless' game is Baker's "Twinkle". Backglass animation, multiple ways to win, and a unique playfield mechanism make this game extremely fun and challenging to p...
2017-10-041h 02For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastCome Play the Multi-Bingo, Bingo Row Giveaways, and 1934 Bally SkyscraperThe Multi-Bingo will be available for you to play on September 29th and 30th, 2017! Come play it, say hello, and compete on any of the bingo pinball machines in the 3rd annual Bingo Row. Win a 4 or 5 in a row, come show me, and you'll receive this year's prize: beautifully illustrated key fobs by Ryan Claytor of Elephant Eater Comics. See if you can name all the bingo card styles represented! Today's game is the beautiful Bally Skyscraper - one of the first games with illumination. A skill score is added to your eventual total, to award a maximum of 45 repl...
2017-09-2123 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 404 - Multi-Bingo Playtesting and 1947 Williams AmberI had some folks over to playtest the game - outsiders tend to play the game differently than I do, so it's valuable to see if anything new breaks. Out of many many games played and discussed, only one new bug appeared. I have figured out how to mitigate it. I've also been working really hard to put the polish on the game. It looks great, plays great, and I'm trying to make it as good as it can be before York. Speaking of York - come to the Bingo Row at the White Rose Gameroom Show Sept. 29th and 30th...
2017-09-0716 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 403 - Multi-Bingo Bugfixing and 1934 Exhibit Golden GateThe Multi-Bingo is really taking shape. I discuss some of the difficulty in introducing bugs that are unexpected when thinking about the reset sequence of the EM games vs. a solid state. Today's year of flipperless game is 1934's Exhibit Golden Gate. Golden Gate has an interesting middle playfield feature that allows for high scoring if you land balls in the 'open gate' hole. You can also return 'Out' balls to play by hitting a different hole. Fun looking machine with an interesting gimmick. http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=1048
2017-08-2426 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 402 - Multi-Bingo Backglass and 1933 Genco 42nd StreetI talk about the process for installing the backglass in the Multi-Bingo. Check out the podcast Facebook page or the Pinside thread to see some photos of this beautiful artwork! I also discuss some of the other improvements in progress or complete. Today's featured game is 1933's Genco 42nd Street, a pure mechanical game with metal diverters and cool 3d artwork integrated with the painted playfield artwork. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=923
2017-08-1036 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastMulti-Bingo Progress - Prep for Bingo Row 2017 at York - Robo-Frenzy Progress - 1973 Chicago Coin Baseball Champ and 1934 Automatic ActionHappy 99th birthday to Wayne Neyens, fantastic pinball designer for Gottlieb! Bingo Row 2017 prep is underway! I am working to make the Multi-Bingo a great game to play. Robo-Frenzy cabinet has been put together, and I am working out installing the mechanics now. I recently worked on a Chicago Coin Baseball Champ, and I talk about some service notes and playability notes. Great game! Today's 'Year of Flipperless' game is 1934's Automatic 'Action'. http://ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=17&picno=14
2017-07-2732 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 400 - Multi-Bingo Progress - Programming Complete - Robo-Frenzy Progress - 1938 Exhibit Coney IslandThe Multi-Bingo programming, a labor of love for 70 weeks, is complete! Yep, 138 games later, and this thing has shaped up very well. I talk about next steps (briefly, gotta have some surprises), and my next project.... Robo-Frenzy! I've already discussed it a lot on the show, but now I'm starting work on it in earnest. Today's game for the Year of Flipperless is 1938's Exhibit Coney Island. It has some unique features, but unfortunately, no images of the game nor video exist. Please send information to the IPDB if you happen to own or come across this beautiful piece of Ame...
2017-07-1227 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 399 - Multi-Bingo Progress - The Special Games - Robo-Frenzy Progress - Service Call on Wall Street Special - 1937 Genco ArcherThe Multi-Bingo marches on! Only 9 games left to implement. Pretty exciting to be down to the single digits. I discuss some of the 'special' games included with the hybrid solid state 1960s bingos. Then, some slow, but important progress on Robo-Frenzy. Next, a service call that had several interesting components! Was it a machine that doesn't have any photos on the IPDB? Today's featured game is 1937's Genco Archer - a beautiful game with a great theme. http://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=4526
2017-06-2928 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 398 - Multi-Bingo Progress - all 25 holes done - Magic Pockets - Flippers Arcade - Robo-Frenzy Cabinet - Bingo Questions - 1938 Exhibit RegattaAll 25 hole games are complete in the Multi! I'm down to 20 games left to implement. In this episode, I discuss the method I am using to prevent damage to the Magic Pockets unit, and special thanks to Michael Ocean for a second opinion on the code I had written. Ryan Claytor and I spent some time discussing the Robo-Frenzy cabinet and some time at the Flippers arcade at Grandy, NC. Some great questions came from a user on Pinside regarding the bingos I've implemented thus far. Some pretty interesting tech stuff, so I thought I'd put some in the podcast. To...
2017-06-1549 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 397 - Multi-Bingo Progress, Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown, 1951 Universal 5 StarThe Multi-Bingo is coming along! New parts, new machines, new playfields - great! Phil Bogema is bringing a beautifully restored Parade and a Show-Time to the Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown! Check out those great (and unusual in the case of Parade) games. June 9-11th in Denver, CO - Universal 5 Star is a bingo pinball-style machine made before the first widely accepted bingo pinball machine! Check out the pics on the right side. Weird, attractive game that looks very challenging.
2017-06-0131 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 396 - Sharpe Cincinnati Court Case - Multi-Bingo Progress - Hobby Burn-out (and redemption) - 1960 Keeney Eleven BellesLots of interesting topics this episode - unfortunately, I have a head cold that is making me sound odd. Sorry about that. IFPA posts an interesting document from a law firm representing the Amusement Devices Association to legalize pinball in Cincinnati. https://www.facebook.com/ifpapinball/photos/a.670610496321546.1073741827.208963032486297/1343263932389529/?type=3 The Multi-Bingo continues to progress - three more games are complete - in my cold-filled stupor I forgot to name the third or really any information about them. I also have other news on the Multi front. Something to look forward to for next episode? Hobby Burn-out - I had a serie...
2017-05-1817 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 395 - Multi-Bingo Progress - New Plastics - Shows - 1935 PEO All American FootballI've been making my own harnesses and wiring up some new playfields in the Multi. 1) Shoot-A-Line 2) Gayety 3) Double-Up Double-Up is only about 1/3 complete, but this will allow me to add another 20 games into the Multi, bringing me much closer to 100%. In other news, shows everywhere this weekend! The VFW show including one of the lost playfield designs of Harry Williams (built by Duncan Brown) and the EM world championships, and Allentown are both this weekend. I hope everyone has a great time, and I hope to hear how the lost Williams game plays! Ryan Claytor has produced another 3 sets of repr...
2017-05-0425 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 394 - Multi-Bingo Progress - Art is FinishedMy stencil has been sprayed and it looks pretty good! See the Facebook page or the Pinside thread for pics. I detail some of the mistakes made, and the good parts too. I'm in the process of building the drawer wiring, now that the drawer is physically installed in the game. So satisfying to see the cosmetics start to come together.
2017-04-2027 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 393 - Multi-Bingo Progress - ARTThe Multi is progressing. I get over my existential art crisis and finish the stencil graphics and cut my stencils. I discuss some of the things I have left to do and some that has already been done! Big thanks (this two weeks) to Ryan Claytor for help with coloration consistency (elephanteater.com) Steve Smith (woodworker extraordinaire) Phil Hooper (bingo documentarian and technician - bingo.cdyn.com) Thank you for listening!
2017-04-0623 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 392 - Interview with Wayne Neyens 01-18-2017Wayne Neyens was a very prolific pinball designer, most famous for his time at Gottlieb. We discuss everything from his time at Western Equipment and Supply to his career at Gottlieb and a bit beyond. He is almost 99 years old, and as such, has seen a LOT of interesting happenings in coin op since he started at Western. Wayne was incredibly generous with his time and willingness to discuss some of these items of curiosity. Thank you again, Wayne!
2017-03-232h 46For Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 391 - Chicago Coin Thing Refurb, Parade Info, Cheating and BingosChicago Coin's 'Thing' is up and running in my home! I go over some of the challenges and gloss over some others. The game has several fairly fragile-looking components. Odd and unique relay ladders, and tons and tons of relays under the playfield. Great game, and I'm happy it's done! Almost every shot earns at least 10,000 points, and the two passive bumpers at the bottom earn 100,000 at certain times. In this game, increase in score will open the ball save gate sooner, allowing a ball to drain, so it is in your best interest to make accurate shots. I also got...
2017-03-0927 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 390 - Pinball Hall of Fame, Flipperspiel Underground, Baker Big TimeSome interesting fun things happened this past weekend, and I discuss a few standout games I played at the Pinball Hall of Fame and Flipperspiel Underground. I also thought it wise to cover a game again! Today's game is Baker Big Time. This game has 8 different ways to win, multiple sequences, and a neat playfield design that reminds me of the horse race games. You can win up to 60 replays on this game! http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=282
2017-02-2332 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 389 - Solid State Williams Drop Target Design - Blech - Troubleshooting a Short Circuit - Paint Removal - Nicovolta's Cross Country RepairI dislike the construction of Williams solid state drop targets - I give some reasons why and discuss the mechanical problems of a steel ball hitting plastic affixed to metal with more plastic... I also discuss a short circuit troubleshooting session from a recent repair. Lack of heat shrink in my travel toolbox caused me to improvise. I picked up a Chicago Coin 'Thing' and have been removing the multiple coats of white latex paint from the cabinet - I give a breakdown of some techniques used to remove on this cabinet in particular. Lastly, there is a person from T...
2017-02-1036 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 388 - The Hold Feature, Robo-Frenzy, Dead Rubber, New Reproduction 50s PlasticsI've been working on graphics for the Multi cabinet, and had a coding weekend to take my mind off of artwork... The Hold feature allows you to return some or all of the balls during a normal game. Pretty cool feature! Used on only three games, Palm Springs, Surf Club and Ice Frolics. I also describe the gameplay and some of the features of Robo-Frenzy, the new EM arcade game being made by myself and Ryan Claytor. Speaking of Ryan, he has started working with Pinball Resource to produce new plastic sets for 1950s games. He began with Score-Board, and his...
2017-01-2613 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 387 - Multi Progress, New Bingo Discovered, Coin Lockout Buzzing, Bounty Backglass Reproduction and New EM Game AnnouncementMulti Progress: 105 out of 107 games that utilize the standard 25 hole playfield (with no additional coils) are complete! One of those two remaining games was just discovered this week! United's Serenade appeared out of nowhere. I assume it was a prototype game that never made it into full production. A listener asks how to deal with a noisy coin lockout relay. Steve Smith is putting together a list of folks interested in a reproduction Bally Bounty backglass - currently impossible to find in the US. Please contact me or see this thread: Another very interesting development: Ryan Claytor and I have team...
2017-01-1221 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 386 - The Trial of the BountyMy first attempt at a courtroom audio drama. This one involves a court case between the City of Baltimore, MD and Bally Bounty - yes, the pinball machine! Special thanks to Ryan Claytor (elephanteater.com) for providing some of the voices in the drama. Just a silly, fun, educational thing to get you started in the New Year. Happy New Year, everyone!
2016-12-2916 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 385 - All the Miss Americas, 83 Games, Next StepsMiss America - all four of these games have been implemented. In fact, I'm up to 83 games implemented! I talk about some of how the games changed over the years, my favorite games, features of all the Miss America games, and how I've implemented the moving numbers within Miss America. Hey! You like podcasts, you like pinball - friend of the show Ryan Claytor has illustrated another podcast masterpiece. Pre-order a poster or t-shirt here: (Especially a poster - I want it to be produced.)
2016-12-1525 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 384 - 70 Games in the Multi-Bingo, Reflex PositioningTalk about the way United games work and portion, and lots of interesting news: 70 games in the Multi-Bingo! Ryan Claytor has illustrated artwork for The Pinball Podcast's 100th episode! Check out Robert Medl has put together a fantastic document about reflex adjustment: Check it out!
2016-12-0119 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 383 - Interview with Phil Bogema 11-06-16Phil makes a special 'in-person' appearance on the podcast! We went over the codebase for a Magic Screen game and I explained how and why each of the functions work the way that they do within the program. Phil provided me with a good clue as to why the machines seemed too 'tight' - my mixers were able to move between 1 and 23 positions with each spin. In reality, they only move a small subset. Speaking of code, I've pushed up a very large amount of code, for the first 50 games to the public repository:
2016-11-1716 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 382 - Email Interview with Keith Nickalo 10-22-16My interview today is with bingo collector/repair person/player Keith Nickalo. Keith has a fascinating website with information about some of the machines he has repaired, as well as documentation on various oddities: The heavily modified Lotta Fun that Keith mentions is here: Some documentation on the Belgian games Keith converted are here:
2016-11-0213 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 381 - Magic Screen searches, Unproduced Williams games, PPE, 1947 Williams TorchyThere's no shortcutting the implementation of these games in the Multi-Bingo. Duncan Brown's Expo seminar on the unproduced games of Harry Williams is an amazing story: It's the biggest EM news in many years. Well worth the read! The Pacific Pinball Expo is happening on Nov 10-13 in Alameda, CA. Attend and play some of the great woodrail and EM games (and some bingos, too!): The featured game is 1947's Williams Torchy: http://ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=2596
2016-10-2016 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 380 - York and Second Annual Bingo Row Wrap-Up 2016This year's York show wrap-up! I discuss how the Bingo Row went, some feedback from players of the Multi, a short interview with my friend Ryan Claytor, and lots and lots of 'thank yous'. The thread on the Multi-Bingo that Ryan mentions is here: and Ryan and I each wrote some wrap-up posts on the 'row here: Thank you to all the bingo folks (new and old), especially: Chad, Len, Ed Jeffrey Robert and Sal Jim Steve Butch and Mike Ryan Vic Dennis Phil H Phil B ...and all the players. It was great getting to meet so many new pla...
2016-10-0854 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 367 - Artwork, 1950 Bally Turf King, Interview with Ava Baldridge, MD Bingos for SaleI'm working on the artwork and integration of the artwork with the code for Coney Island. Special thanks to Chris Dade and Ryan Claytor for all the help!
This episode is all about the 1950 Bally Turf King. I picked up this game back in January, and decided to have my eldest daughter do all the renovation/restoration on the game. Ava did a fantastic job, and unbelievably, she was interested every step of the way! The game is complete, and the only thing that really needs to be done one day is to polish the shooter rod housing and coin acc...
2016-04-0744 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 341 - Nantucket Nickel - The Miriam Cobblebottom InterviewROMANCE!
Another holiday visit from Fake Nick Baldridge, this time with a very special guest. Miriam Cobblebottom, widow of the Nantucket Nickel company figurehead, Eustacious Cobblebottom, provides some revelatory insight into the little-known pingame manufacturer’s company history.
Thanks, FNB!
2016-02-1530 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 310 - Turf King Learning Pt 2 with Ava Baldridge 1-14-16Ava and I spent the evening together - I taught her some of the basic schematic symbols, along with some very basic troubleshooting, like checking continuity. We recap the info from tonight.
Her impressions and reactions to this new information - we're in the home stretch of the Turf King.
T-Shirts -
These will be available to pre-order only until 1/18/16.
For listeners in the US - shipping $4.50:
Sizes
XS $18.00 USD
S $18.00 USD
M $18.00 USD
L $18.00 USD
XL $18.00 USD
2XL $19.80 USD
3XL $21.60 USD
For International Listeners - shipping $15:
Sizes
XS $18.00 USD
S $18.00 USD
M $18.00 USD
L $18.00 USD
XL $18.00 USD
2XL $19.80 USD
3XL $21...
2016-01-1509 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 304 - Turf King Learning with Ava Baldridge 1-6-15Ava has been learning how to fix EM machines. She has been a very good student and has learned how to clean steppers, test bulbs, solder, and more!
Hear Ava's thoughts about the work and Turf King's artwork.
T-Shirts?!?
Yes, it's true. They are still available.
These will be available to pre-order only until 1/18/16.
For listeners in the US - shipping $4.50:
Sizes
XS $18.00 USD
S $18.00 USD
M $18.00 USD
L $18.00 USD
XL $18.00 USD
2XL $19.80 USD
3XL $21.60 USD
For International Listeners - shipping $15:
Sizes
XS $18.00 USD
S $18.00 USD
M $18.00 USD
L $18.00 USD
XL $18.00 USD
2XL $19.80 USD
3XL $21.60 USD
2016-01-0920 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 303 - Turf King Reaction with Clifton "Tub" Baldridge - 1-1-16My grandfather has been a 'picker' for most of his life, trading various items for others - mostly antiques, though he has dabbled occasionally with coin-op.
He was very interested to see the new game, so I captured his reaction and his pinball on location story from years ago.
The game he references in the beginning of the recording is a mechanical horse race game - as near as I can tell a trade stimulator. These games with mechanical animation are both interesting and valuable.
T-Shirts!
These will be available to pre-order only until 1/18/16.
For listeners in the US - shi...
2016-01-0805 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 290 - Nantucket Nickel's Second EffortA special holiday episode with repeat guest host, Fake Nick Baldridge, who once again joins the For Amusement Only podcast to discuss esoteric pingame manufacturer, Nantucket Nickel, and their second production release. Thanks, FNB!
2015-12-2609 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 270 - Nantucket NickelSpecial guest host, Fake Nick Baldridge, returns to the For Amusement Only airwaves to discuss a little known pingame manufacturer and their first release. Thanks again, FNB!
2015-12-0611 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 153 - Jubilee is the ShizzySpecial guest host Fake Nick Baldridge joins us for a walkthrough of the 1973 Jubilee that he owns.
FNB does an excellent job describing the features and gameplay on his game.
Hopefully FNB comes back for an episode in the future - thanks FNB!
2015-08-1109 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 117 - Interview with Molly Baldridge 7-2-15Molly is my wife, and I finally talk with her about her thoughts on pinball in general, her favorite machines, and bingos.
Molly holds the high score for Twinky, one of the toughest, fastest, most difficult machines that I own.
Molly enjoys the social aspects of the hobby, but mostly does not play, so I was curious to record her perspective on the games.
2015-07-0623 minFor Amusement Only EM and Bingo Pinball PodcastEpisode 70 - Interview with Sophia Baldridge 5-19-15Mini episode! Interview with my shy younger daughter.
2015-05-2002 min