This is a build update. Some may find it useful, others may not.
Once the pinball kit is finished and play starts, from time to time a builder might experience ball launching and ball escape. There are two main areas which a ball could launch and escape the playing area. First being the steep center ramp. If the flipper throws the ball hard and fast enough the ramp can launch the ball skyward. In my case I do not have the circus themed top head piece which could be a backstop. The second area is on the left side ramp, if the ball off the flipper strikes the end of that ramp rail it can make the ball bounce up and allow escapement as well.
The solutions, develop guards that help prevent ball escapement.
Found these small wooden Chinese cloud ornaments.
The center ramp cloud has been painted and mounted with a slight lean-in orientation.
The left side ramp, willl get the 3D figure mounted as a guard and will get a painted cloud installed in front of the figure to allow the ball to roll back down into the play area. An additional pointed cloud will also be installed on the left side to prevent ball entrapment under the purple ramp. Not sure yet if the third cloud needs to be installed behind the figure. That decision will come down the road during more play time.
On a completely different note, here is my newest finished oil painting. Yes, I did need help from my oil painting class teacher on the motorcycle in the center of road on how best to construct it within the painting.
Cheers to all builders out there, enjoy your builds.
Your creativity always amazes us! The cloud guards are such a beautiful idea, both elegant and practical.
It feels like you’ve blended traditional artistry with modern craftsmanship so effortlessly. That’s real builder magic.
Such a great update, @Joe-K! Your ideas to keep the ball from escaping are super clever, and I love how you’re customizing the pinball. And that oil painting… absolutely stunning!
@Jerry_Boswijk I bet yours looks fine. The fact that you successfully built is a win within itself! and… it is yours. Seeing others just gives me ideas to build on. I am not good at starting things out just off my mind. I need to see ideas and then I can move forward. After seeing Joes I know mine would not look that good but it would be my accomplishment
This is a great tip, i would love to see a video of the pinball in use. Have you posted one previously by any chance that i maybe missed or wasnt here for yet to see?
you painting is absolutely stunning