Episode 5 - Beginner Series - EM Pinball Terminology
This is the second episode in my beginner series. Non beginners may enjoy this episode as well. In this episode, I talk about EM pinball terminology and anatomy. These terms are not exclusive to EM...
Highlights
- Modern pinball machines typically use flippers that are three inches in length, which first appeared in the EM era in the late 1960s and has been the most common flipper length since the early 1970s
- Pinball machines were made with metal rails starting in 1960, which were more durable, easier to maintain, gave a more modern look, and reduced labor costs compared to wood rails
- The transition from wood to metal legs started in the 1950s
- Five-inch flippers were used on two pinball games in 1970: Chicago Coin's Big Flipper and Cowboy, and players disliked the size
- The match feature in early EM era used a single-digit number (0-9), and changed to two digits once scores became increments of 10 or more
Notable quotes
“When I first got into the hobby, I quickly realized there is a lot of pinball lingo. It was nice to eventually comprehend and communicate better with my pinball friends.”
“Calling it a pinball machine is my preference, and I believe that I'm among the majority on that one.”
“Knowing how hard to influence the game by nudging without tilting is an acquired skill that comes with a lot of intentional practice.”
“They were Chicago Coin's Big Flipper and Cowboy. The flyer for cowboy called them new Texas size flippers. Players disliked the size and declared the five inch flippers as bigger is not always better.”
Entities
- Bally· company
- Chicago Coin· company
- Gottlieb· company
- Adirondack Pinball· organization
- EM Pinball Journeys· organization
- Internet Pinball Database· organization
- David Rick Morgan· person
- Harry Williams· person
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