"Tomcat Arcade" build thread. "Anytime, Baby!"

[docrings]

I was lucky to fly in the F-14 Tomcat for four years from '97 to '01.  So, I thought having a "Tomcat Arcade" theme would be a nice tribute to the Tomcat and the Navy squadrons that flew this great jet fighter. 

Build thread is on my blog:

http://mattisageek.blogspot.com/2012/05/arcade-build-first-weekend.html

Graphics and details to follow, and I'll update this thread for new posts.  The Navy is still my full-time Mon-Fri gig, so construction only happens on the weekends.

Once this is built, I'll have the plans available on PDF, with a supply and materials list.

Cheers,
 Matt "Doc" Rings

VF-101 Grim Reapers

[Ond]

Welcome docrings!  There's quite a few military folk on these boards with various builds going on.  You might want to consider posting the images from your blog in here as well, as not everyone checks blog links.  Are you sticking with the X Arcade controller? With your construction skills you could easily make up a custom CP to go with that nice clean build.  Either way, I'll be watching your progress keenly.

 

Ond

[docrings]

Here's a few pics from my blog...  but more are on there.




So far, the Tank Stick is "good"... but I wish it had a few more buttons labeled for exit, enter, favorites, etc, without having to program combo-keys, or make up a cheat sheet for guests.  I will probably end up making a custom CP with labeled buttons in the future with the same dimensions, so it's a 'drop-in' like it is now.

I've been lurking here for years, dreaming and scheming on my first build... glad the time has finally arrived!

Cheers,
  Doc

 

[docrings]

[swaffar]

How's it going?  Air Force guy here... F15 and A10 avionics specialist.  I'm working on a project myself.  It's a digital pinball machine, but that's beside the point.  I wanted to point you toward the F-14 Tomcat artwork.  If you're not planning on making original artwork, this would look great.  It even matches the Xarcade stick.



Hell, there's even a thread on here for the machine.  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41868.0

[PL1]

Doc,

If you like swaffar's idea for the art, you can download it here.

Scott

[docrings]

Thanks, guys!  That is pretty awesome and will be using that for sure!

Will also incorporate a couple other design elements which will give tribute to my old squadron "The Grim Reapers", and the "Anytime, Baby!" theme (cartoon cat with six-gun & holster).

[SNAAKE]

thats a badass flyer lol..never seen it before