Lego Soccer Pinball Machine
I built a full-sized, fully functioning, soccer-themed Lego Pinball Machine. The build took me six months and countless hours to complete. It is built from over 7000 Lego pieces and is 100% Lego aside from rubber bands, springs, and balls. It functions just like a real pinball machine with working flippers, plunger, mechanized ball return, and playfield obstacles.
See the different aspects of the build in more detail below.
Design
First, I created a rough 3D model of the pinball machine in the Lego computer aided design software, BrinkLink Studio. The digital model helped me visualize the build and determine piece usage.
Mechanisms
I engineered three mechanisms for my Lego pinball machine, the flippers, plunger, and ball return, to ensure my Lego pinball machine would function just like a real pinball machine.
Flippers
The flippers function by the player pressing in on the side buttons which extend underneath the playfield to axles attached vertically to the flippers. Springs ensure the flippers return to their resting position after activation.
Plunger
The plunger is a simple spring loaded pull back mechanism to send the ball the length of the playfield and into play.
Ball return
The ball return works by feeding balls that are out of play onto a tread that is placed at a sharp angle to be lifted back up to the plunger from the power of a geared down remote controlled motor.
Playfield
The playfield is 49“ long and 25.5” wide and where the action happens. The base of the playfield is green with all of the white lines of a real soccer field. Two goals are raised off the field, one on either side of the playfield. There are several other fun obstacles to interact with throughout the playfield. When playing the game you defend your goal while trying to score on your opponent’s, just like in soccer!
Pinball Cabinet
The pinball cabinet is 57” long and 27” wide and is the structure that all of the previously mentioned components are contained in. The side art of the pinball cabinet includes the images of a soccer ball and long white stripes running the length and height of the cabinet. The backboard is meant to represent the stands of a soccer game with dozens of spectators and the word “GOAL!!!”.
Presentation
In March of 2024 I had the great experience of bringing my build to Bricks Cascade Lego Fan Expo. I let dozens of people play with my build and received an honorable mention award. I was also interviewed by the highly acclaimed Lego YouTube channel, Beyond the Brick, about my build.