PACIFIC PINBALL EXPOSITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, contact Michael Schiess 510-205-9793
World’s First See-Through Pinball Machine Announced!Alameda, CA, August 23, 2007. The world’s first totally see-through pinball machine was announced today by its developer, Michael Schiess of the Neptune Beach Amusement Museum (NBAM). The “Visible Pinball” as it is called, is the centerpiece of a new “Pinball Science” museum exhibit that NBAM is developing. The game will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Pacific Pinball Exposition that is being held at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, California on October 5 to 7.
“The purpose of the Visible Pinball is to teach kids about electricity and physics in a really fun way,” Michael said. “It’s also a blast to play!” he added.
The Visible Pinball is based on a 1976 “electro mechanical” pinball machine called “Surf Champ”. All of the wooden parts of the game and its backglass have been replaced with clear Plexiglas so that the mechanisms that drive the machine are visible to the player. Pop bumpers, drop targets, roll-over switches and other pinball mechanisms can be viewed as they operate. Pinball games made prior to 1977 did not use electronic components or computers so all of the functions are based on mechanical and electro-mechanical parts.
Based in Alameda, California, NBAM is dedicated to teaching art, history, and science through pinball. “I originally got interested in pinball because of the way pinball art is a reflection of our culture through time. Once I learned how pinball machines work, I realized it was an excellent – and fun – way to teach kids and adults about science and technology.” Michael said. When he is not working on his own projects, Michael works on exhibits for other museums including the Exploratorium. Michael is also the proprietor of the “Lucky Ju Ju”, a part of NBAM that is a combination art gallery and pinball arcadium that is open Friday and Saturday nights in Alameda.