Sierra Madre vending machine

Sierra Madre vending machines are pre-War devices created by the Big MT Research and Development Center that are capable of manufacturing goods out of raw materials in the form of Sierra Madre chips. They are found exclusively at the Sierra Madre, though Elder Elijah managed to salvage one and set it up in the abandoned Brotherhood of Steel bunker in the Mojave.

Though named a vending machine, it is a tremendously versatile crafting device capable of providing necessary survival amenities. The vending machines are fully self-contained assembly stations, tied into the systems of the Villa and the Casino. They can construct items from templates loaded into their data banks (some restricted by security codes, only to be use in case of emergencies). Sierra Madre chips are used both as batteries and resources: Alloys and raw material embedded in the shell are recombined into the desired item. Notably, the vending machine is also capable of taking certain items and breaking them down into Sierra Madre chips. Selection is made through a holographic interface that displays the item being purchased, with the machine rapidly assembling it on the spot.

History
The vending machines are a revolutionary piece of technology, originating from the Y-0 research center of Big MT. A generous research grant from Frederick Sinclair enabled their development, as the pre-War tycoon wanted to provide the Madre with total self-sufficiency, relying only on its own tech, with no outside interference. Sinclair was quite explicit in his instructions: Only the revolutionary Sierra Madre vending machines could be installed – all other devices, no matter how common or popular, were banned. All conveniences and necessary supplies were to be supplied by machines tied to the casino. Redundant engineering and meticulous attention to detail ensured that the system would continue to function even in the event of an apocalyptic event, providing a stable food supply and all the necessary supplies in the case of a national catastrophe. A secondary benefit was that this self-sufficient business model gave him total control over the economy of the Madre, such as it were. To maintain control and keep a stock of the chips available, Villa employees only received a modest amount of chips with each paycheck.

The versatility of the vending machines is notable. Their ability to take common and fissionable elements, and use them to construct not just conveniences, but also tools, perfectly edible foodstuffs and drink, and even medicinal products in the case of an emergency indicates that the United States was on the verge of achieving a sustainable economy and resolving the resources crisis once and for all. Unfortunately, the technology never really gained traction outside the occasional Worlds Fair, most likely due to the power requirements and cost. and, of course, the Sierra Madre. In fact, Sinclair very nearly bankrupted himself bankrolling the development of the technologies necessary to build the Casino.

Nonetheless, it was this prospective prosperity that, in part, drew Father Elijah to the Sierra Madre centuries after the Great War froze it in time. As potentially unlimited sources of "food, supplies, medical assistance, ammo... even currency," Elijah saw that the Sierra Madre "can kill nations and build them" if its Cloud, holograms and vending machines were applied in the correct manner. While the Cloud wipes the slate clean, collars ensure cooperation, holograms provide defense and the vending machines provide everything else.

Characteristics
At the beginning, the vending machines only offer the standard array of items available to every Sierra Madre guest: Snacks, drinks, cigarettes, and doctor's bags. However, with the right emergency codes, their offer expands significantly and allows for manufacturing ammunition, drugs, medical supplies, and even weapon upgrades.

The machines are programmed as crafting benches and will increase the crafted items counter by one with each use.

Food

 * The codes for making alcohol do not work on vending machines outside of the casino area.

Misc

 * The Sierra Madre vending machine will not accept returns of sexy sleepwear, Pre-War bonnets and baseball caps, or pre-War businesswear.

Locations

 * Villa: East of Father Elijah's fountain.
 * Villa: West of Father Elijah's fountain.
 * Villa: Southwest of the entrance to Salida del Sol South.
 * Salida del Sol South: South end of the area.
 * Residential District: Turn right (or west) upon entering.
 * Residential District: Go up the staircase in front (or south) of you, climb down the stairs on the other side, and climb another staircase adjacent to it. Walk around the wooden balcony overlooking the cloudy area. The vending machine is left (or east) of the staircase on the other side of the building.
 * Puesta del Sol North: Turn right (or head north) immediately after entering from Villa.
 * Puesta del Sol South: Entering from eastern entrance (near Ruined Store), go southwest and turn north after the arch. Or, entering from Western Entrance (near the Ruined Cafe), head south, and turn east after the arch.
 * Sierra Madre Lobby: East of the entrance, on the second floor.
 * Sierra Madre Casino: Entering from the double door entrance of the Sierra Madre Lobby, walk around the stairs. This particular vending machine is special and is the only one in the game the player can buy alcohol from, provided they have the codes.
 * The Tampico: North of the inaccessible double doors.
 * In the Abandoned Brotherhood of Steel Bunker, in Father Elijah's room.

Behind the scenes

 * There are records of two other basic items being planned as vending machine choices: the police pistol and Rebound. The exchange recipe for Rebound is completed, and could be activated if the associated note were placed, but there is no associated recipe for the police pistol.


 * There remains in the GECK for recipes associated with the SM vending machines called "surprise" recipes that would've allowed for the random generation of a food, drink, chem, card, aid and crafting items. However, due to the limitations of the Gamebryo engine, all recipes would just cause a game crash when used. Notably, the surprise recipe would've allowed the player to obtain all the Sierra Madre playing cards, but due to time, the surprise recipes couldn't be finished and were cut.

Bugs

 * Returning any pre-War outfit while wearing it will give you a permanent Agility bonus. The bonus can be stacked far beyond 10 Agility and though it stops increasing related skills and AP, weapon draw/holster and reload speed will continue to increase. While running some guns may glitch during the holster animation due to the speed of the animation causing the gun to glitch inside the player usually leaving the gun sticking out of the player's shoulder. The gun will return to normal if you draw and holster again while staying still or if you reequip the weapon.
 * Even though the glitch will increase the Agility to max, the Agility stats will remain the same in SPECIAL due to clothes that are wear items giving that extra bonus of skill. This attribute is not working as an implant.

Appearances
The Sierra Madre vending machine appears only in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on, Dead Money.