Streetfighter cab - graphics applied, color explosion

[wol-nz]

I've had a couple of days to work on this project [due to the New Zealand Christchurch earthquakes - since our big 7.1 magnitude quake we have had a few thousand aftershocks (I kid you not) and some have been pretty large last week two more over 6!]

Street fighter is quite simply classic. One of my all time top favorite games and was even pretty good as a youngster. (not so now)

I hope to utilize as many materials as possible from one sheet of MDF.

My graphics are available freely for download in the artwork section - use them as you see fit. Just leave a thanks if you can upload a pic.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=110850.0




****PLEASE NOTE**** you will notice this build won't conform to any exacting standards/best practice/original design...

I won't be creating a back-lite marquee
This cab is going to have a JAMMA board installed (sorry no MAME in this one)

I've added some sketchup models to give you an idea of the concept.

[wol-nz]

I've chosen a 16mm MDF board - this stuff is tough and easily worked with.

First thing first ALWAYS use safety gear - I've equipped myself with...
Safety glasses - Dust mask (ventilator) - ear muffs (hearing protection) when using tools and working with dust (especially MDF dust)


I've used the graphics as a template to trace out the basic design of the sides then cut it out with a jig saw.
Then smoothed the curves and straightened the side by sanding them - (ensuring i get a perfect curve and straight lines with out gouging the sides too far)

Then with all the off-cuts: make 100mm lengths - these are going to be cut to the desired lengths and glued and screwed to the sides to form the bracing for all the center pieces.

[wol-nz]

Now its time to start measuring the lengths needed for the center pieces.

I simply cut a large length of MDF to 600mm (this is the width of all the center pieces so i want them all the same to ensure it stays square) then it is time to cut each piece to the exact length (eg picture shows the control panel lower part this is 600mm wide and 200mm long [then routered as i want t-moulding on this part])

Once i have a few center pieces i can start putting it together to give me an idea of what it is going to look like (and me like)

NOTICE the saw bench! - I didn't have one so I convinced my wife that if I can use our dining table then I will buy another new table for her. The table has saved me hours of work. I simply bolted my circular saw to the bottom and cut the blade through the top. Now i just clamp a straight edge to the table and start cutting. 

[wol-nz]

Then i started the control panel - i used my art work as the template and traced the control panel on a piece of MDF then cut it with the jig saw and sanded it to a fine curve (beautiful)

Once i was happy with the curve it needed a router slot cut (this router bit is a 2mm slot cutter (perfect for t-molding.com purple molding)

Then I tested its position on the frame to see how it feels (feels good) - the control panel will be hinged at the front to give access. The top of the control panel will butt up to the glass front i will use to shield the monitor.

[wol-nz]

So that is where i'm up to - i have many more things to do.
I'm happy with the concept, the artwork and the general feel of the cab.


Comments and critiques welcome.

[Donkbaca]

Looks nice so far!  Though it looks more Taito cab inspired then Dynamo, which is what I associate SFII with.

What type of monitor are you putting in it?  Are you going to paint it or laminate it?

[wol-nz]

Being in New Zealand (we are in the middle of no-where) arcade monitors are just not found here easily.
So.. I'm putting in a 24inch LED screen. (i'm not much of an enthusiast or realist to worry about arcade scanlines and CRT monitors. PLUS they are very heavy and simply won't fit in my thin cab)

The graphics have been printed on vinyl - so these will be attached once two coats of black latex paint has dried. The remaining showing sides will have a carbon fiber overlay (black - but kinda looks dark grey with some light reflection). This stuff looks pretty cool so the cab will have a full body wrap on it.
 

[Meph]

Looks great.  I was huge into Street Fighter from SFII through SSFII Turbo.  I would like to do a dedicated fighter cab for SF and Mortal Kombat at some point but I might end up using an Xbox inside since the new SF/MKs have been so cool.  Your slim cab looks great.

[Woodshop Flunky]

Very nice!  I really like the lines on this one... seems well balanced. 

I'm interested to see how the black wrap ends up.

[wol-nz]

Had a day or two up my sleeve - managed to get painted two coats of matt black.

Applied the vinyl graphics to the control panel and inserted the t-moulding. Was a simple case of tap tap tapping with a rubber mallet.

Starting to think those stars are really popping out - 3D awesome

[wol-nz]

Side art was a  this is not a job for one person. Extra care had to be taken to ensure no wrinkles were being left and making sure the art was straight and square took some doing. But got there in the end and the result was great.

I'm using a carbon fibre overlay for the remaining exposed sides - looks pretty good so very happy with the look.

[wol-nz]

Here's the cabinet as it stands with all SF graphics on - I have the carbon fibre yet to be placed on the inside sides, kick plate and speaker panel.

[jmike]

I loved that artwork but seeing it on the cab well.......    


 

[Nephasth]

This looks great! Love the carbon fiber look!

[Woodshop Flunky]

+1 on the carbon fiber! 

[thatitalian]

WOW!

It looked good on the render - it looks even better in reality! Great job!

[ChurchOfSolipsism]

Looks very professional, well done man! Now if you close the gap between the control panel and the bezel you have a winner on your hands...

[SNAAKE]