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you want to start a game room. This has
become a popular hobby in recent years and
can be a lot of fun! With the right advice
and a little homework and planning, getting
started is probably more affordable and
attainable than you think. Ask yourself
what areas of collecting interest you? Do
you like vintage items, fairly new pieces
or a combination of nostalgic feel and modern
functionality? Do you want to create a theme
such as an authentic vintage soda fountain,
diner, saloon, arcade or combination with
a specific emphasis on the days of your
youth? There are many great ways to incorporate
"Americana" and "pop culture"
items into virtually any themed game room.
How do you go about finding the items you
want? Where do you begin and how do you
know what this stuff is really worth? Well,
we asked Jimmy Rosen, veteran collector
and proprietor of the Old Sled Works in
Duncannon, PA and here are a few tips he
suggests to help get you started. |
I recommend subscribing to GameRoom Magazine.
(1 YR $34 / 2YR $62 Phone: 813-996-1840). This
monthly magazine encompasses many aspects of the
hobby as the title suggests. You will find people
from all over the country who advertise in GameRoom,
plus articles written by experts in their fields.
And you will see pictures of people's collections
that may give you ideas. You can also find collector
books and price guides for sale to gain more knowledge
before a hasty purchase is made.
Local newspaper classifieds
can be a good place to find items, but be sure
you understand what you are buying first! Coin-op
items are sometimes listed under the antique/collectibles
or miscellaneous headings. Usually the items in
your newspaper are close by which is good for
two reasons: you can readily go see the stuff
and the transportation cost (if you make the purchase)
isn't as big of a factor. An item 3000 miles away
is hard to inspect and can be costly to ship.
You can also place a classified wanted ad. These
have worked out for some. Be patient and run it
often because it takes the right person to see
it and respond.
Check the yellow pages for a
local amusement operator. If there is a long time,
reputable operator in your area, chances are he
may have some older items for sale. Look at the
overall condition of his games and shop. Chances
are, if his machines appear to be well kept and
the shop is organized, the used equipment you
purchase will probably be more reliable than machines
from vendors who are less particular with their
equipment! Also, be sure to ask about a home warranty,
if applicable, and costs and availability for
service down the road. Many vendors will provide
home service, but often offer preferential service
to repeat customers who have bought from them
as they know the history of the machine and also
the customer who may be a potential source for
repeat business.
If you want to see a concentration of merchandise
in one place and you have the money to spend,
go to one of the Chicago Coin-op Shows. Held each
fall and spring, these are the premier shows for
collectors and dealers where you can find all
sorts of items. From Jukes to Arcade to Slots
to Advertising. If it's not there, there is probably
a dealer there who can find it for you. Plus there
are usually transportation companies there to
help deliver your new purchases should you not
have the ability yourself.
If you like the online world, go to www.gameroomantiques.com.
Ken Durham has a very informative site where you
can locate all kinds of information.
Ebay is another great source.
I love eBay. I was on it in its infancy when you
could practically search the whole site in a few
hours. Now it's impossible just to search the
coin-op section. Ebay has broken down its coin-op
listing into sub-categories making it easier to
search. It is a lot of fun searching if you have
a fast Internet connection. Otherwise, it can
be tedious. Best of all, you can do it when the
wife and kids are asleep!
Great items are still out there
and you can find them. Your gameroom could take
months or years to evolve. But that's OK because
this is fun stuff. It's not really work. Though
you may end up like many of us who have become
addicted and are always looking for that last
item and then just one more….and one more…and….OK…one
more.
Jimmy Rosen is the proprietor and
manager of "Jimmy's Old Time Penny Arcade
and Soda Fountain" inside the Old Sled Works
Antique & Craft Market in Duncannon, PA, just
outside of Harrisburg. Jimmy is a confessed "coin-op
addict" as featured in Gameroom Magazine's
April 2002 edition, as well as being showcased
in many articles in various trade publications
over the years. He offers a great, authentic old
time soda fountain and functional vintage arcade
featuring many great games and memories from the
1930s through the decades. Jimmy's is open to
the public and certainly worth the trip! A stroll
through Jimmy's will bring you back to simpler
days where lunch and a few hours in the arcade
could be enjoyed for pocket change! His decor
consists of an interesting and eclectic mix of
original advertising, old photographs, soda fountain
& arcade machines and a great collection of
original Philco Predicta televisions where you
can enjoy vintage broadcasts while you eat, reminisce
and play the games! In addition, the Old Sled
Works is housed in an authentic sled factory featuring
antiques, crafts and a museum area dedicated solely
to the history and evolution of Lightning Guider
sleds.
Visit
Jimmy's at:
Old Sled Works Antique & Craft Market
722 N. Market Street, Duncannon PA 17020
717-834-9333
http://www.sledworks.com
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