Summer is in full swing. Fireworks, watermelon, the smell of hot dogs on the grill and steel drum music on the radio; summer time brings a specific set of opportunities and challenges to the arcade / pinball collector and enthusiast. On one hand, we might be inclined to escape from the summer heat for some indoor game-type. On the other hand, many of us in this hobby have games in Garages, sheds, storage and additions that may not have the luxury of A/C.
About 3 years ago, I found myself running dryer hose/ductwork through my basement and out the door, attached to a repurposed, craigslist-acquired marine a/c unit. The things we do in this hobby!
Events
Fortunately the summer has been fruitful with pinball and arcade activity-opportunities. Earlier this summer, we enjoyed the epic hospitality, food and fellowship with Charlie and Tami Rose who opened up their awesome collection for us to play. They wined us, dined us and gave out gifts AND we get to play pinball too!
Then had a great time at Southern Fried Gameroom Expo. If you are interested, I recently posted some of my pictures, video and highlights here:
http://arcadeshenanigans.com/blog/2016/7/9/southern-fried-gameroom-expo-2016
On Saturday, July 16th, 2016, Josh is organizing the 2016 South Louisiana Summer Pinball Tournament in Houma, LA.
$20 entry free with prized for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. IFPA Points tournament, Double elimination.
(BYOB) Josh is a cool and fun guy and has great taste in pinball, this is sure to be a fun event, so make it if you can!
Event details and ical / gcal details:
http://www.gulfcoastpinballandarcade.com/events/2016/7/16/2016-south-louisiana-summer-pinball-tournament
Facebook link for event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/712246522248540/?active_tab=posts
On Saturday, July 30th, 2016 join us in Spanish Fort for some Pinball and Arcade casual play and hangout time. Food, fun and friends, silver ball and arcade time.
Event details and ical / gcal details:
http://www.gulfcoastpinballandarcade.com/events/2016/7/30/july-pinball-arcade-and-cookout-bills
Facebook link for event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1143544325686659/
Group Activity
As a reminder we have a website w/ blogging platform, located here: www.gulfcoastpinballandarcade.com
We cross-post this information between the site and Facebook. Contributors Wanted!
If you are interested in contributing to the blogging platform, writing posts - reach out to bill.dodd@graffitilogic.com
We have a group shared google doc where you can post your buy / sell / trade info:
https://goo.gl/H6DJKS
We are going to begin collection Pinball and Arcade location information in order to update the Games Maps area, which originally branched off from "Pensacola Pinball Tour".
The map can be seen here:
http://www.gulfcoastpinballandarcade.com/games-maps/
and here: https://goo.gl/HXopaZ
If you know where games are located in the area and would be interested in helping to keep the map up to date, reach out to me for an invite for map editing access.
Games for Sale or Wanted
Jim is selling his Stern / Star Trek Pro. It is immaculate, has a play field protector, super-bands and a shaker motor. - $4300
Allen and Lorie are selling an Avatar. It is HUO, super clean - with LED's, shaker motor, 3D translite and other mods. - $3900
I am selling a Stern, Indiana Jones. It is undocumented HUO, has a shaker, LEDs and cabinet protectors. - $4500
Also, I wrote something up a few weeks ago around the topic of buying pinball machines, hopefully you will find it useful: http://arcadeshenanigans.com/blog/2016/4/24/buying-pinball-machines
Well, that's all I have for this post. Hope everyone is having a great summer and that you can make some of the upcoming events. As always, if you have ideas or suggestions for events and outings or other ways to grow the group in the right ways.. keep em' coming!