Never thought I'd buy a Pachinko machine but then...

[campngolf]

Used to play pachinko back in the mid-70's at a friend's house. So I came across this machine and decided I couldn't pass it up. The gal who was selling it said it worked "pretty good" and the lights "came on sometimes". She had owned it since the mid-70's so I took it off her hands to help her downsize.

pachinko1.jpg pachinko2.jpg pachinko3.jpg pachinko4.jpg

So I knew nothing about how these things work until spending some time on the web. After tinkering with a few things in the back, replacing the wires to the battery and replacing the top bumper and the trigger stop bumper, I'd say she's 98% operational. The center tulip (jackpot) doesn't seem to pay out every time so I'll have to research possible fixes. And the holder for the "out of balls" light is broken but is staying in place. And it seems there is a "pop-up" by the ball loader that should come up for some reason but isn't. I'll do some more cleanup soon and get her nice and shiny.

The biggest kick is telling my kids that playing pachinko in the mid-70's was the equivalent of video gaming today. They got a hoot out of that.

Any advice or tips from the pros would be greatly appreciated. Great site and I believe I'll be hanging around here often. In fact, I just took a look at CL to see what else is out there and I know that can be a good thing or a very bad thing.

[MrGneiss]

WELCOME!!!

[hanabi]

Waving Hello and Welcome to PachiTalk!!

[Card Shark]

​Welcome to PachiTalk!

[Spyder138]

Welcome to Pachitalk. Thanks for posting photos of your machine. It looks like you got a good one for your entry into this obsession.

[Moparformances]

looks like ya have a ni ce model "A" machine.. congrats.. the drop flag can some times get bent behind the shooter tray.. or its just out of adjustment.. swing open the shooter tray and see that the wire tab is not bent out of place..

and of course

Welcome to Pachitalk

[grocco]

Welcome to the addiction! I started out with 1 and I currently have 6 and still check craigslist every day, lol...

[CarlW]

...
The center tulip (jackpot) doesn't seem to pay out every time so I'll have to research possible fixes... And it seems there is a "pop-up" by the ball loader that should come up for some reason but isn't...

The center tulip might be a pass through on the first hit - pachinko ball exits the bottom of the tulip. I'm guessing. A closer picture would help. But it is easy enough to observe... Open front window, drop ball in tulip and look for pachinko ball in the back. It does have to go somewhere.
I have also seen the ball get stuck INSIDE the tulip, and eventually fall out, thus not causing a ball jam.

The front flag is also easy to test when the machine is empty. Just move the lever attached to the flag, in the back, and see if it moves freely.

Doesn't really matter though if you are enjoying it "as is".

Thanks for sharing your excitement.

[mxfaiman]

to Pachitalk!

Nice 1971 Nishijin Model A (1200) Tokyo (King Nishijin) you found there. Let me explain what all I just said means now. The machine mechanics style we refer to as Model A style though some claim the style number is 1200. Tokyo is the factory it was made in, the other was in either Osaka or Kyoto (we haven't figured out which yet). And King Nishijin refers to the center feature in the middle.

Also when you get a chance can you update your location with which part of CA you are in, it is a big place.

If you have any questions ask us at any time and once again Welcome to PT.

-Max

[Drunkenclam]

Welcome Aboard
from me and the girls

Enjoy your new toy I'm more the modern machine type, But did have a vintage one once.

[campngolf]

Thanks for the warm welcome and tips on how to possibly fix the few glitches that remain. It's been fun playing but almost as fun to tinker and get it functioning better.

I know these basic machines aren't usually worth much but what's the ballpark price one could expect to pay for a machine like this that works? I've been looking around to see what else is available around here and prices vary widely. I'd like to pick up another machine or two but it appears parts can be scarce and pricey. And I'm not an "electronics" guy so less wiring is better. That's what I like about my machine. Lots of action that's all mechanical.

Thanks again and see ya around. I'm off to learn more....

[grocco]

The Craigslist listings in my area vary from $20 to $200 (some people think just because they're old that they MUST be worth a lot of money), but on average vintage machines are in the $40 range. I personally have never spent more than $45 on any one machine. You just have to be careful and only buy machines that are complete. Out of the five I've bought in the past few years, only one had an issue (a broken front tray), and parts are pretty much nonexistent, so you either get a good machine to start, or get crafty and make your own replacement parts.

I also personally avoid rusty machines. Usually if there's rust it's on the frame around the playing field. I've seen some people paint them when they're really bad, but I prefer the shiny chrome/polished look.

[campngolf]

The Craigslist listings in my area vary from $20 to $200 (some people think just because they're old that they MUST be worth a lot of money), but on average vintage machines are in the $40 range.

Thanks for the price advice. That's seems to be the price range around here too. And the same illogical reason for asking $200.

I got this one for $20, which was easy on the wallet and didn't PO the wifey too much. Now I just need to spend some time cleaning up things to make it purty.

[Moparformances]

if ya get in a jam im not far up the hill.. I like working on them more then playing..

nice looking machine but be careful these things have a tendency to populate when your not looking

[pachiwall]

Nice Model A! I LOVE mechanical things as well! This video made by SteveFury is AWESOME!!! http://www.pachitalk.com/forums/vint...animation.html Your machine will make SO much more sense! Looks great!

[campngolf]

I watched the SteveFury animation last night and it is amazing. Should be required viewing for all newbs.

Mopar, I may take you up on your offer some time since I'm learning these machines "multiply like rabbits".