Atari Video Pinball Prototype Upright Machine

[Jars28]

Hello; I have an Atari Video Pinball arcade machine with the serial number "VP-001" stamped on it's label. It also has "proto-type" stamped on it's label. The machine isn't in good shape at all, but the marquee and the mainboard are still in good condition as well as some other boards, the monitor may still work, but the transformer on the monitor board is shot. The side art on one side isn't damaged at all. My first question is: Is it important to have a good machine to house the mainboard to give it good value, or is it just the mainboard that's valuable? I have the capabilities to restore the machine to it's perfect original condition if it will increase the value. (I was an electronics major for two years before deciding I wanted to major in video game design.)

 

I really have no idea of the value of this machine. I know it was 1/1500 produced, and the first one ever produced. The boards seem to be the only thing that are different from later models when compared to the specs of the machine found in the pdf document on KLOV. Also, if I were to restore this machine, I would use only original parts in a better condition than the parts I have for it. If someone could help me out with the value, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

As for the boards: There are two circled spots on the bottom of the mainboard where you can tell the board's traces are fixed with solder. This is significant to someone in the electronics field because it shows part of the manufacturing process. Also, the words "PRE PROD #4" are written in sharpie. The printed serial number "ATARI © '78 A030845" is followed by a handwritten "-01" The RF Sheild board has "VP 1" written on it. Also, another board that I've been able to extract, the "LED DISPLAY BD" "A033268-01", has "Pre Prod #5" and "LEDS OK T.W." written on it in sharpie. All three boards have "ATARI © '78" printed on them in solder.

 

Any replies can be posted in here, and anyone requesting to buy this machine can e-mail me @ [email protected]

[Lost Monkey]

Only a few more forums to go and you'll have spammed the whole place!

[Jars28]

I just need help. I was hoping that placing the message in a few areas would get more of a variety of users to see my post.

[sku_u]

I just need help. I was hoping that placing the message in a few areas would get more of a variety of users to see my post.

 

That usually turns people away in most of the forums I've visited.

 

People are more incluned to take an interest in this if you fill them in as to who you are (ebay ID, past trading history, etc...) and post detail pictures at no more than 600DPI at the longest side.

 

As for value, if you want to sell it, post it on Ebay with a starting price of 0.01 and see where it goes from there and point it out on some arcade game sites. That holds true for just about anything anyone may have they think is of value. :wink:

 

I never understood why so many people want to know so badly how much something they have is worth if all they want to do is sell it. Sell it and see what it sells for.

[Jars28]

I'm not sure if I want to keep it or sell it; If it's not worth much, I would rather restore it and keep it.

[sku_u]

I'm not sure if I want to keep it or sell it; If it's not worth much, I would rather restore it and keep it.

 

Something like this is next to impossible to assign an accurate value to. If I were in your shoes, I'd restore it to pristine condition and keep it since you'll probably never see something like that again.

[Zonie]

how about posting some photos...

[Stingray]

I'd like to see some pictures too.

 

If it were mine I'm pretty sure I'd keep it.

 

-S

[That80sGuy]

Yeah if this is legit, then post some pics. Whats the name of the game? The only video/pin game I can recall was Pac Jr, and that wasn't atari. So lets see this supposed prototype.

[Stingray]

Yeah if this is legit, then post some pics. Whats the name of the game? The only video/pin game I can recall was Pac Jr, and that wasn't atari.  So lets see this supposed prototype.

 

Video Pinball is definitely a real game:

 

http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter...V&game_id=10313

 

but it's not a combo video/pinball like Baby Pac Man. The intriguing thing about this particular one is the 001 serial number and the fact that it may be a prototype.

 

-S

[That80sGuy]

hmmm Well I apologize for doubting the existance of the game. Next time I'll check KLOV before opening my big mouth.

 

I still think this is a hoax though (prototype)or else the guy would have posted pics by now.

[Stingray]

Most likely he already sold it and lost interest in this thread.

 

-S