Editing Spimmy


'''Spimmy''' is a type of custom [[paintball marker]] created by combining a [[Spyder]] body with the internal components and operating system of a [[Bob Long]] Intimidator. The name is a combination of ''Spyder'' and ''Timmy'', the commonly used nickname for the Intimidator.[1]

Spimmy conversions became popular among paintball equipment enthusiasts during the mid-2000s. Unlike a standard electronically triggered Spyder, a Spimmy uses an electropneumatic ram-operated system derived from the Intimidator.[1][2]

Spimmy is a name for a type of custom conversion rather than a factory-produced marker model.

== History ==

The Spimmy emerged from the paintball marker modification community during the early 2000s.

Kingman Spyder markers were relatively inexpensive and widely available, making them a popular starting point for custom equipment projects.

The [[Bob Long]] Intimidator, introduced around 2000, used a more sophisticated electropneumatic operating system associated with professional tournament paintball.

Enthusiasts began adapting Intimidator components to fit Spyder bodies, creating markers that retained the external appearance of a Spyder while using the Intimidator's firing mechanism.

A discussion published on Automags.org on 14 November 2004 documents enthusiasts planning these conversions and discussing suitable Spyder models, component costs and technical difficulties.[2]

Similar projects appeared on paintball forums during 2005.

On 31 May 2006, a PbNation user known as electraman7 published an illustrated guide titled ''Comprehensive Spimmy Tutorial (with pics)''. The guide documented a conversion using a modified Spyder Xtra body and Intimidator components.[1]

The tutorial acknowledged that earlier conversion guides already existed, establishing that the modification was known within the enthusiast community before its publication.

== Design ==

A Spimmy generally retains the receiver of a Spyder marker while replacing much of its original operating system with Intimidator components.

Typical conversions incorporate:

* Spyder receiver and feedneck.
* Intimidator pneumatic ram and ram sleeve.
* Electronic control board and trigger frame.
* Electropneumatic solenoid.
* Low-pressure regulator.
* Intimidator-derived bolt and valve components.
* Pneumatic hoses and associated fittings.
* Electronic anti-chop eyes, where fitted.

The conversion requires substantial modification to accommodate components originally designed for a different marker.

Because Spimmys are individually built, their exact components and configurations vary.

== Operating system ==

The principal difference between a Spimmy and a conventional Spyder is the firing mechanism.

The original Spyder uses a stacked-tube blowback design in which a spring-driven striker opens the valve. Gas pressure subsequently recocks the mechanism.

Electronic Spyder models retain this basic operating system while replacing the mechanical trigger linkage with an electronically activated sear.

A Spimmy instead uses an electropneumatic solenoid to control a pneumatic ram, following the operating principles of the Bob Long Intimidator.[1]

The conversion therefore changes the marker's underlying firing mechanism rather than simply adding electronic trigger controls or aftermarket accessories.

== Custom marker culture ==

Spimmy conversions formed part of a broader period of paintball equipment customisation during the early and mid-2000s.

Enthusiasts modified inexpensive markers using components originally developed for higher-end tournament equipment.

The projects required mechanical and pneumatic knowledge, and the cost of acquiring individual Intimidator parts could approach the price of a complete used tournament marker.

Contemporary forum discussions document the expense and complexity of these conversions, with some builders questioning whether the projects were economically worthwhile.[2][3]

Spimmys remained a subject of interest among collectors and paintball equipment enthusiasts after the original conversion guides were published.

== See also ==

* [[Spyder]]
* [[Bob Long]]
* [[Bob Long Technologies]]
* [[Paintball marker]]
* [[History of paintball markers]]

== References ==

# [https://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=1571636 PbNation, electraman7, "Comprehensive Spimmy Tutorial (with pics)", 31 May 2006. Contemporary illustrated guide documenting the Spyder-to-Intimidator conversion.]
# [https://www.automags.org/forums/forum/automag-owners-forums/paintball-talk/74422-i-think-i-m-gonna-do-it-spimmy Automags.org, "I Think I'm Gonna Do It! (Spimmy)", 14 November 2004. Contemporary discussion of conversion components, costs and suitable Spyder models.]
# [https://www.paintballforum.com/threads/spyder-timmy-conversion.107642/ PaintballForum.com, "Spyder / Timmy Conversion", April 2005. Contemporary discussion distinguishing a complete Intimidator conversion from ordinary Spyder upgrades.]

== External links ==

* [https://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=1571636 Comprehensive Spimmy Tutorial, PbNation, 2006]

[[Category:Paintball markers]]