Hidden away in a nondescript location, akin to those strip warehouse districts I tend to buy my “gently used” electronics and fur coats, lies the last bastion of the analog days of yore. A place simply titled S&B Amusements.
As I stride into the joint through the swanky overhead garage door opening, I’m taken aback by the huge piles of wire, circuit boards, and a trove of disassembled machines that cram pack this diminutive shop space. I’m graciously greeted by owner Steve Bronson; no relation ,I asked. He is covered in what seems to be Pollack inspired camouflage from head to toe. He explains that he is the process of restoring a vintage Galaxy Fighter pinball machine for a client and it has gotten away from him a bit. You see, S&B is in the business of restoring and repairing vintage pinball machines.
Steve takes me on a quick stroll through the rows of machines either awaiting restoration or in need of a good home. He explains that each game has about a half mile of wire and over 100 moving parts. I see titles like Lectromania, Midnight Madness, Tales of the Arabian Nights, and PLAYBOY. Wuh wuh wuh what? PLAYBOY!
The poor thing sits on the floor, soldiered away like some lost artifact in between Seawitch and Wild West Shootout. Steve explains it’s one of his and he’ll get around to working on it…someday when he has the time.
I can only imagine if she were mine. There she would stand on a king size red velour rotating bed, All 6ft tall and an average 300 lbs of her. I can just see 1976 Playmate Patti McGuire and 1977 Playmate Sondra Theodore on the backglass staring me down as I approach her gleaming chromed cabinet. The twinkle in their diodes would immediately force my hand into to my pocket doggedly searching for what she was yearning for to bring her screaming to life. Ah-ha!
Screeeeeeech! Steve awakens me form my fantasy world and explains that he must get back to work. He has customers from all over awaiting their look back into their own past, to a time when gaming was a social event and not a solo retreat.
Is it hot in here?
So, this is to all you MMORPG’s and n00bs sitting around with your joystick in your hand. Get up, get out, and try and find one of these machines in the wild. It’ll be a whole nutha’ ride.
Does anyone have a smoke???
Words and photos by Dustin Downing
