UK BYOAC'ers

[shrunkenmaster]

Wondered if we could get a thread going for UK-based members? Just drop a comment here so us poor sods in the UK can find swap suppliers of things like CNC'ers, plastic merchants, laminate, etc.

Please include your location when posting...

[PL1]

One resource that many overlook is the Wiki entry for Vendors.


Scott

[shrunkenmaster]

Cheers Scott, but I'm looking at getting a list of UK members, who can also recommend services rather than just suppliers of. I'm sure a lot of members forget to look at the wiki, so thanks for that.

As I said, it's the stuff that we can't do ourselves, like CNC work, plastic cutting and sourcing materials like laminate sheet that all seem to be the obstacles for UK builders.

[bluemini17]

I tend to ramble about the country looking for all things arcade related so I will be sure to post my findings as and when I come across said items, large or small.

David,
Bangor
Northern Ireland

[EightBySix]

< raises hand, from chesterfield.

[robe_uk]

Another Northern Ireland hands-up here, up in the northwest Derry/Londonderry lol.
Am fortunate to have built my own cnc router so able to do the build myself, but that said it would be quicker doing it with hand tools as you have to factor in the CAD time.  There are loads of builds on here in which guys show how to do the builds in great detail with hand tools.
The only service I can recommend is Sign Express who printed my marquee and mounted it onto perspex which they supplied all for £20. bargain. (60x15cm) I supplied the artwork drawn up in photoshop.

Rob

[ark_ader]

The problem with a UK support group is that there are only a handful of places to get our gear.

The rest of it comes from the states.

Other than that the members here have enough knowledge to go around so why isolate it to one country?   

[dancawar]

another from chesterfield....

[shrunkenmaster]

The problem with a UK support group is that there are only a handful of places to get our gear.
The rest of it comes from the states.
Other than that the members here have enough knowledge to go around so why isolate it to one country?   

The fact there's only a handful of places is kind of the point, sir! I'm also talking about the stuff that's impractical to get from abroad, like laminate sheets, and services such as CNC cutting. I was aiming to get some member's names together in one place so we could see who's also in the UK, with the possibility of future group buys to bring down foreign shipping costs, etc.

I've already passed on details of a decent vinyl printer here in Brighton to other members, who've benefitted from this sort of collaborative method. Just trying to help out really.

[Jollywest]

Based in the UK aswell, North East area.

Cheers for thinking of your fellow UK-ians, it's a good idea for the big stuff.
I find the smaller deliverable items are a lot cheaper from the states though.

[Mr Wilson]

from the south east coast now who's gonna tell me where i can get some black laminate from in the UK? lol
Ross

[CpCaveman]

South Wales here only built one cab STILL applying vinyl (could make the next one blindfolded and a hell of a lot cheaper now i know what it involves ) well up for a UK section. speaking of in the UK anyone know where i can get a 1/16th slot cutter 1/4" shaft router bit without £30`s worth of postage only need it for half an hour  been meaning to drive to B&Q for 2 months now, just cant be arsed

and Mr Wilson the answers always eBay, bought everything bar the MDF off it

[markc74]

Hello from sunny Kent! Also interested in laminate for my next build...

[Mr Wilson]

South Wales here only built one cab STILL applying vinyl (could make the next one blindfolded and a hell of a lot cheaper now i know what it involves ) well up for a UK section. speaking of in the UK anyone know where i can get a 1/16th slot cutter 1/4" shaft router bit without £30`s worth of postage only need it for half an hour  been meaning to drive to B&Q for 2 months now, just cant be arsed

and Mr Wilson the answers always eBay, bought everything bar the MDF off it

yep just got mine from www.wealdentools.com £32 delivered the one on the site is out of stock but just phone up and they've got a different brand they were really helpful just say your making an arcade cabinet and he knew what i wanted 1/4 "arbor 1/16th(1.5mm)slot cutter and bearing and it was here the next day

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-x-1200-Sheet-of-Graphite-Black-Veneer-Formica-Laminate-0-5mm-thick-/261173550362?pt=UK_BOI_Building_Materials_Supplies_Carpentry_Woodwork_ET&hash=item3ccf281d1a

expensive and a small sized sheet

[shrunkenmaster]

rutlandsonline.com sell router bits - got mine from there. Not that cheap from what I remember but great quality.

[Drnick]

Essex, and a supplier of laminate would be superb, I will not try "The Paint Job" ever again    
As for a slot cutter try firing these guys an email.  http://www.scosarg.com/
It looks like they have a bunch of different three wing slot cutters, But I couldn't work out what sizes were what on the site. 

[shrunkenmaster]

For those in the south-east, I found this supplier of laminate in Worthing, West Sussex:

http://www.topclasscarpentry.com/maker/Arpa%20UK

[CpCaveman]

Thanks for the info on the router bit guys, think its because i have never used a router before that I`m putting it off until the end(ish), but just had a check (again ) and I found a router bit and arbour shipped from the states for about £24 (new excuse as well for not buying it yet, dont know its its trustable, www.groovygamegear.com and its a long way to swim just to punch someone ) so why the hell cant we get them just as cheap here? just more reason for a UK based forum, and supplier support

End of the day i`ll probably just get to the point where theres nothing left to do on the cab and spend whats needed 

[Drnick]

Plenty of people here have used GGG so you should be fine :- )

[welshjpc]

Living just outside Swindon at the mo (work). Halfway through a Golden Tee 2005 to MAME conversion. Will name all helpers / suppliers when I have finished and create the "Finished Project" thread. If ever

[CpCaveman]

Plenty of people here have used GGG so you should be fine :- )

and an endowment mortgage SHOULD pay for the house and give you some extra cash, shoulda woulda and wish i didna jk btw and i am not saying in anyway groovygamegear isnt trustworthy its just I personally havent used them before and dont know any "real" (no offence) people who have, and i react the same way to all websites I havent used before, until I do, and if its good then I`m thier No.1 fan and will big them up repeatedly (play.com can ---display unending love for my bottom--- after they got taken over, WORST service EVER, eBay on the other hand can have my firstborn, no seriously take him.... here... HERE!! dammit TAKE HIM HES ANNOYING ME!! ,,,.,., mwhaha MWHAHAHA nuff said )

---display unending love for my bottom---  <--- now thats awesome and more poetic than I put it thanks magic overly sensitive editor

[PL1]

i am not saying in anyway groovygamegear isnt trustworthy its just I personally havent used them before and dont know any "real" (no offence) people who have

RandyT is the owner of GGG.

He is a regular around here and has been for years.

If he didn't provide acceptable customer service, you'd see people warning about him like they do with RAM Controls instead of giving him glowing reviews.

What's more likely?

1. RandyT is creating multiple accounts to make fake positive reviews including many in build threads?

2. RandyT provides great customer service and his customers endorse him whole-heartedly.  In the rare instances that there is something wrong with an order -- statistically inevitable given the sheer quantity of orders he handles -- he has fixed it.

My experience, multiple posts by multiple forum members, and occam's razor all point to option 2.


Scott

[Franco B]

UK here - Lincoln.

I bought from Randy/GGG a few times and the service was excellent on every occasion.

There is an old thread I started on UK laminate suppliers etc [here] if it helps.

I offer custom plastics and wiring work to the community. I'm a CNC machinist and should hopefully be able to offer wood/plastic CNC routing services by the end of the year.

[flashpc]

From not so sunny Surrey.  If you are after black laminate. I kinda know a place. Its a company called IDS International Decorative Surfaces.  My nearest depot is in Aylesford but they do deliver. The range is called "fundamentals"

I know this because I work for a timber merchant in Surrey called Champions

Good luck
Flash

[monkeychunkuk]

Raise hand, I'm in the south coast ten minutes from Worthing

[korbitz]

Live just north of Edinburgh, so having additional support/links is always helpfull

[philharris]

London. Anything I cut looks like I've used my feet rather than hands to operate the tools so interested in CNC!

[EssexMame]

Essex here, a relative newbie with too many questions and not enough building time.

For me, GremlinSolutions (also called Arcade World) were excellent - kept me informed of the order and arrived in a decent time.

[Connorsdad]

Staffordshire here, own a double glazing company so can offer glass services/advice.

[opt2not]

Shouts-out to all the arcade blokes across the pond; you're alright mates!   

[degenatrons]

Hey,

East Yorkshire here.   You should check out your local hackspace - if you have one.  They generally have a bunch of useful tools that can be borrowed (Lathe, soldering, 3d printer, cnc machine maybe, pcb fabrication) and you can learn the skills to use the tools.  Those places are full of enthusiastic geeks who want to help you out.   My nearest hackspace is Leeds.   List of UK hackspaces at : http://hackspace.org.uk/view/Main_Page

[Beaker]

Hi guys, from snowy Scotland! Good idea setting up a UK specific thread, nice touch!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[stigzler]

Near Lincoln here and just embarking on my first build. Well, I say embarking - more messing about with a dedicated PC and drawing up a plan.... then reading about something... then revising my plan... then reading about laminate... then revising my plan.... etc, etc...

Good to know things aint just stateside.

[Franco B]

Shouts-out to all the arcade blokes across the pond; you're alright mates!   

You ain't so bad your self chief

Near Lincoln here and just embarking on my first build. Well, I say embarking - more messing about with a dedicated PC and drawing up a plan.... then reading about something... then revising my plan... then reading about laminate... then revising my plan.... etc, etc...

Good to know things aint just stateside.

Small world Where abouts are you? I'm a Bracebridge Heathen.

[Worthing Gooners]

Worthing, West Sussex here.
I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult  :due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.
Can we call it the UK Mame therapy branch!!
I am a noob but desperate to learn and get things right.
Cheers People on Both sides of the pond.
Fantastic Connections on here.
Thanks all

[shrunkenmaster]

I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult  :due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.

Glad the thread has put you at ease! I'm in Brighton, but lived in Worthing through the 80's, spending a lot of time in the Connaught House amusement arcade in its heyday.

[jimmer]

Thanks for the hackspace link, degenatrons. Might be useful. The Bristol group have a 3d printer which is something that I've thought would be useful quite a bit recently. 

[EightBySix]

+1

Was not aware of them. Might find myself wandering over to the Nottingham hacker space one day

[Worthing Gooners]

I have found the sourcing of various parts a bit difficult  :due to the US influence on the site, but having fellow brits on here that is making me feel a tad more relaxed.

Glad the thread has put you at ease! I'm in Brighton, but lived in Worthing through the 80's, spending a lot of time in the Connaught House amusement arcade in its heyday.

Those days never leave you do they, hence why we are here!!

[DHTech]

Hi, My names Jezza from Kent, just deciding on what design I want to use before starting my own Cab Was going to buy a kit from Turnarcades but they never answered any of my emails or tweets, so unless I hear from them in the next week or so I'll build from scratch

[rockyrocket]

Bristol is home for me, and I now know I have a hackspace  only 2.5 miles away!.

[jimmer]

This thread is OK for saying hello, but how about creating an offshoot page on the wiki dedicated to UK suppliers?

[stigzler]

Ah great - a UK collective! Now - do we have a list of UK suppliers anywhere?

Franco - I'm from Gainsborough - but don't tell anyone

my build approaches..... still not certain what i'm doing yet, but if i don't start, I'll just keep going round in circles on forums!

Any reccs for uk suppliers of the art you put on CPs and cab sides ("Vinyl decals" - that right?)

cheers

steve

[DHTech]

Can we get a sticky topic for UK people please mods

[stigzler]

One resource that many overlook is the Wiki entry for Vendors.


Scott

Well look at that - one of the vendors is in my home town! Now - do I have any use for acrylic or polycarbonate?? You menna put these on yer CPs?

[welshjpc]

I've had my control panel covered with light grey tinted 3mm acrylic from trent plastics - I sent them the panel and it came back covered with all of the holes cut out. Nice job.

My completed cab is at http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,131509.0.html and does include a list of people / places that I found helpful.

[welshjpc]

Any reccs for uk suppliers of the art you put on CPs and cab sides ("Vinyl decals" - that right?)

If you want off the shelf old vinyl stickers then ebay is as good as anywhere. However if you fancy a more bespoke design then there is a way of getting one done - for free? I got lucky and think anyone should be able to with a little charm and tact...

Contact your nearest University that is running a Graphic Design course, explain to the lecturer (or whatever they call themselves nowadays) that you are building an arcade cabinet and you would like to give someone the opportunity to create the designs for the side art and the marquee. Whoever takes the job on is happy as it's a more interesting task than some of the dross they usually do and it looks good on any portfolio.

Basically that's what I have done, got a lad finishing off his first draft in the next few days but is always really enthusiastic about the project. I have found a place that will print off the design when it is ready, I will keep you informed as to how that's going if you're interested.

I know that it will be a unique design that will fit my cab as I sent him the dimensions at the start, it will fit in with the colour scheme of the cab and won't have characters from games that I don't like. I'm struggling to find a downside here.

If the design isn't suitable then whats the worst that has happened? Not much, just say "no thanks" and try again...

[johnnygal2]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

[johnnygal2]

Staffordshire here, own a double glazing company so can offer glass services/advice.

Hi,

Do you know any places local to Stockport or Chester that can supply a sheet of tempered glass for the top of a cocktail table? Or can you supply this yourself? I'm looking for a piece 700mm x 550mm , about 5mm thick.

Cheers,
John

[chucklepie]

Based in the UK aswell, North East area.

Same here, mackem contingent checking in

Regarding the comment about parts, the wiki has gremlinsolutions, they are now http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/

I bought almost all my parts from there and the bloke is a top man and helps with any questions you have.

When I priced up a slotted bit and the T-molding I found it was cheaper to buy it from groovy game gear in America than it did from in the UK. Note though, that I only did this because none of the suppliers over here sold the t-molding I wanted (black with a chrome infill).

My progress is charted here:
http://negnegneg.blogspot.com

[thefox]

Down here in Dorset. Ordered my slot cutter from the brilliant GGG last week. It arrived 4 days later ! I didn't know that was possible !

Will post any suppliers etc as and when I discover them.

[degenatrons]

I've been ordering clear acrylic, cut to size, from livsupplies.co.uk  I order online and then collect from their shop in Hull to save on the delivery cost.

Info at:
http://www.livsupplies.co.uk/product_list_poly.php?id=20

[chucklepie]

Another place for acrylic/polycarbonate is theplasticpeople.co.uk - I think I'm going to go for polycarbonate as it seems easier to cut without splitting (unless someone can tell me different...) and is the same price.

I went to the one quoted by degenatrons and the price seemed half what I was quoted from theplasticpeople. But when I got to the checkout it didn't include VAT and including delivery that £5 for a 660x330 polycarbonate sheet went to £18. At theplasticpeople it was more for the plastic but ended up £17 so I guess they're both about the same.

the plastic people have stores in newcastle, hull and leeds.

[jimmer]

when I was looking for polycarbonate and acrylic I found somewhere really cheap (but then I didn't go with plastic sheet), I think it was screwfix, but the site is down for maintenacne at the moment.

[chucklepie]

Screwfix want a minimum 20 sheet order. However, if all you want is 2mm, then Homebase do the cheapest. They even have 20cm ones for £6.99 (ideal for marquees)

[chucklepie]

Hello,
My artwork has arrived today and it's beautiful quality. The marquee was £15 on special back-lit paper and the rest (about 6 foot by 3foot) was £25 on sticky vinyl. This was from www.printed.com (just search near the bottom of the page for the links to backlit and sticky vinyl)

You can see pictures if you wish at http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122792.msg1356937.html#msg1356937

Neil.

[nintendoid]

based near bristol

[thefox]

Thanks for the recommendation, Neil. I got my marquee printed on photographic paper at staples. The light doesn't quite show through as well as I hoped. Might give these guys a try.

[chucklepie]

the backlit paper is lovely, here's mine, it cost £15. My side-art was £25.

[stigzler]

Welshjpc - brilliant idea. Would love to see how this progresses. Would love to give some stewdent free license(ish) on a brief. My current thinking is one piece of vinyl covering both sides - saving painting etc. More research to do now about vinyl thicknesses etc... blimey why did I start this!?

Cheers to others for your vinyl related stuff.

Cheers Ukaders

Steve

[piginapoke]

Hi all,

Looking forward to building my own MAME cabinet, probably a desktop one.
Going to Revival to pick up bits and get advice.

Particularly fond of Sega AM2 games and the Gradius/Nemesis series.

See you around

Robin

[stigzler]

Welcome Piginapoke,

btw.... you snook this one in...  "Ex ZZAP!64/Crash journalist from the retro years. Still mad for video games."

O.O

I've just been setting up my commy 64 set > Zzapp was my first regular mag subscription!! Just remember 4 fellas writing that ("Gazza" or something?) + cartoon drawing of them!

Cheers

[stigzler]

Any available in the UK?

Like this one:

http://emdkay.net/catalog/happ-marquee-retainer-piece-inch-length-p-1084.html

but in the UK!

Be nice if we had stuff in the UK!

Looked at Gremlin, but couldn't see any. They do marquees though!

Cheers,

Steve (in the UK)

[chucklepie]

I used 18mm aluminium L shaped quadrants from B&Q, about £15 for 2.4m. Spray them black - it'll look better than plastic too. Find them somewhere on my blog http://negnegneg.blogspot.com. For the visible side I stuck them on using contact adhesive and for the non-visible and side requiring removal I drilled a hole and put a screw through.

[stigzler]

thanks chuckle - that's certainly one idea.

[spystyle]

(oops, I am in the USA, wrong thread!)

[Termin8tor]

Liverpool calling. Well it is Eurovision tonight. 

[2Incher]

Manchestoh here, anyone local?

[2Incher]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

Hi mate, do you know anything about the firm near homebase/morrisons at Bradbury? They claim to supply arcade machines and parts, but have no contact information on the signage.

[DHTech]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

Geez diginate.com these guys are expensive, try www.pixartprinting.co.uk as they come recommended.

[johnnygal2]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

Geez diginate.com these guys are expensive, try www.pixartprinting.co.uk as they come recommended.

mmm, about the same price for the self-adhesive stickers I was after 2 off 40cmx15cm = £15. I searched a good while before choosing diginate and was attracted by their online image builder allowing you to make adjustments before ordering. I don't recall checking pixart before but then I looked at so many.
Perhaps pixart are cheaper for regular posters?

[johnnygal2]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

Hi mate, do you know anything about the firm near homebase/morrisons at Bradbury? They claim to supply arcade machines and parts, but have no contact information on the signage.

No, can't say I have noticed them before. I will keep an eye out next time I pass. Do you recall their name?

[DHTech]

Hi there,

I'm based in Stockport. I recently had some custom stickers made by diginate.com. I can recommend them as they were great and the support received by them prior to ordering was good.

I'm shortly about to embark on building a small coffee table style cabinet for my nephew, who was hooked the moment he saw mine! This will be based on a Raspberry Pi, mainly for the size/power advantages.

Cheers.

Geez diginate.com these guys are expensive, try www.pixartprinting.co.uk as they come recommended.

mmm, about the same price for the self-adhesive stickers I was after 2 off 40cmx15cm = £15. I searched a good while before choosing diginate and was attracted by their online image builder allowing you to make adjustments before ordering. I don't recall checking pixart before but then I looked at so many.
Perhaps pixart are cheaper for regular posters?

www.printed.com look reasonable, anybody used them?

[chucklepie]

yes me, look at my photos on the current and previous days (which contains pictures of what arrived).

http://negnegneg.blogspot.com/

[DHTech]

yes me, look at my photos on the current and previous days (which contains pictures of what arrived).

http://negnegneg.blogspot.com/

Looks goods, Think I'll be using them.

Your artwork is on one sheet, did they pre cut around the outlines or is this something you had to do, or are they on backing paper and you supplied artwork with transparent background?

Cheers, Jeremy (DHTech)

[Corbo]

Another UK member here, based in Dorset, hi all.

[thefox]

Just had some artwork printed by www.diginate.com based in the UK.

I was impressed by the speed of service and quality of the finished product, so wrote and told them.

I also managed to arrange a 15% discount especially for users of this forum.

Just enter the code BYOAC15 at the checkout.

Turns out the guy in charge (Clive) is a fan of 'Streets of Rage' and liked the whole idea of BYOAC a lot.

I will post this over in the artwork section too. Hope it helps someone out.

[shrunkenmaster]

Just had some artwork printed by www.diginate.com based in the UK.

What did you get printed? Any pics?

[thefox]

Nothing very imaginative, but a nice replica of Williams multigame art for my bartop (with help from JDfan on this forum).

I will post some pics soon. 

[Chris John Hunter]

Alright lads. Vince aka CJ Hunter. London.

Arcadeworlduk.com is bloody great for joys , decent buttons they even do flat packs. I am looking at one now.

[Chris John Hunter]

Nice On Foxy    Ill check that out

[Chris John Hunter]

Nothing very imaginative, but a nice replica of Williams multigame art for my bartop (with help from JDfan on this forum).

I will post some pics soon. 

It looks fab. Thanks to JDFan I am using that for my side panels. 

[stigzler]

Anyone had any luck sourcing Happ trackball mounts in the UK?

Can't find any except with $50 shipping from the states anywhere!

[ev3rlast]

I'm based in Ards, northern ireland.

[UFO]

*subscribed

Yaaay!

Another here from Lancashire!

[stigzler]

There must be a few of us building cabs up and down Blighty! UKade convention?

[thefox]

There must be a few of us building cabs up and down Blighty! UKade convention?

That sounds like a great idea. Would take a fair bit of organising, though. Who's gonna volunteer?...

By the way, does anyone know of any old-school arcade machines still in public use or on public display in the UK ??

[grantspain]

There must be a few of us building cabs up and down Blighty! UKade convention?

That sounds like a great idea. Would take a fair bit of organising, though. Who's gonna volunteer?...

By the way, does anyone know of any old-school arcade machines still in public use or on public display in the UK ??

there are a few arcades/games centres with original machines.One opened in north london recently,another in Southend.

[UFO]

There must be a few of us building cabs up and down Blighty! UKade convention?

That sounds like a great idea. Would take a fair bit of organising, though. Who's gonna volunteer?...

By the way, does anyone know of any old-school arcade machines still in public use or on public display in the UK ??

there are a few arcades/games centres with original machines.One opened in north london recently,another in Southend.

Is it possible to get a list together?

I live 15 minutes from Blackpool and went there today when I hear a whisper that there was a back street arcade with some classics. Turned out there were absolutely none.

Tried a few other places, but nothing ... The sad fact is that as far as Blackpool goes 95% of all the arcades are slot machines (OAB), and nothing else. It's very disappointing!

I do a bit of travelling, and at least if there was a list of known arcades we could stop off on-route!

Thoughts?

[thefox]

A few months back, disguised as a shopping trip with the wife, I went on a pilgrimage to a small arcade in Tottenham court road, London, where I heard there was still an old 1942 cab in use. I got there to find the place closed & gutted due to a refurb, which no doubt includes sale or disposal of 1942.

The oldest machine I know is an outrun 2 in Swanage, dorset. Used to be a 4 player set. Now down to two, one with a rather burnt looking CRT. That's about all I've seen.

[bertthedefender]

Hey everyone, I'm in South Manchester, been "converting" a jamma cab to Mame for about 5 years now, still not finished and still doesn't work! 

[rockyrocket]

Arcade reports on jamma+ has all the UK arcade info you need guys.

[jimmy2x2x]

Devon here, 10 miles away from where http://www.arcadebarn.co.uk/ used to be - I never did make it 

[UFO]

Arcade reports on jamma+ has all the UK arcade info you need guys.

That's a great link - will spend some time looking through it...

[BleedinFingers]

Completely new here in Berkshire.  Just finished my coffee table build, hope you like it 

[UFO]

Sweet... welcome to the family...

[thefox]

Completely new here in Berkshire.  Just finished my coffee table build, hope you like it 

Ooh nice work !

[philharris]

there are a few arcades/games centres with original machines.One opened in north london recently,another in Southend.

I think there are now 2 in Southend - Lucky 777s (haven't been there but looks like a good haul) and there is one on the front that has a couple of old machines including TMNT and a Space Invaders (buried at the back out of the way so as not to interefere with the redemptions...)

[Runadumb]

N.Ireland yin here, Belfast.

I regrettable won't be building any cabinets anytime soon as I just don't have the space but I have found this forum handy for other things. 
Anyone in the UK doing those Namco arcade gun Aimtrak mods? I'm loving the look of them

[bluemini17]

Runadumb and ev3rlast, we should get a game on some time, im in Bangor.

[BleedinFingers]

Completely new here in Berkshire.  Just finished my coffee table build, hope you like it 

Ooh nice work !

Wow, thanks a lot

Amazing what can be done with 1/2 an old laptop, a pack of 2x2, a few bits of 6x1, glass being thrown out by a neighbour and controls from ultracabs.  Have a 2nd set of legs for it too to bring it up to dining table height, ideal for BBQs

[Runadumb]

Runadumb and ev3rlast, we should get a game on some time, im in Bangor.

Haha yeah I'm certainly close enough.  Screw this UK thread, we should start a N.Ireland thread 

[stigzler]

Bleedin Fingers - Bleedin' nice build! Love seeing peoples' finished projects - reminds me their's an end to mine!

N.Ireland yin here, Belfast.

I regrettable won't be building any cabinets anytime soon as I just don't have the space but I have found this forum handy for other things. 
Anyone in the UK doing those Namco arcade gun Aimtrak mods? I'm loving the look of them

Haven't done a Namco Mod, nor one with the recoil, but did do a couple of guns with foot pedal and numerous buttons. Worked out cheap too. How-to here:

https://sites.google.com/site/alienarcade74/sub-projects/lightguns-build

[Runadumb]

Aye cheers I actually seen that post in my research believe it or not.  Think I'll just go with 2 Aimtraks and see what happens.

[stigzler]

Apologies to revive an old thread, but the topic still seems relevant.

Felt in this thread that UK builders very keen to share knowledge about their builds and also UK resources (which can be like hunting for rocking horse s**t!!).

I've knocked something together which may be useful to UK builders... If people have anything to add to the map/database - please feel free to add!! The UK map at the moment:



Link to the page here:

https://sites.google.com/site/alienarcade74/Arcadia

Cheers!

[yotsuya]

Where's the TARDIS on your map? 

[stigzler]

It's been decommissioned by the government. It was costing a whopping £2.78 per month to maintain.

[ark_ader]

There must be a few of us building cabs up and down Blighty! UKade convention?

That sounds like a great idea. Would take a fair bit of organising, though. Who's gonna volunteer?...

By the way, does anyone know of any old-school arcade machines still in public use or on public display in the UK ??

there are a few arcades/games centres with original machines.One opened in north london recently,another in Southend.

Is it possible to get a list together?

I live 15 minutes from Blackpool and went there today when I hear a whisper that there was a back street arcade with some classics. Turned out there were absolutely none.

Tried a few other places, but nothing ... The sad fact is that as far as Blackpool goes 95% of all the arcades are slot machines (OAB), and nothing else. It's very disappointing!

I do a bit of travelling, and at least if there was a list of known arcades we could stop off on-route!

Thoughts?

Take a tram ride to Fleetwood Ferry.  There are some classics in there.  Also try South Pier and the arcade just north of the Pleasure Beach.

But you are right, most of the oldies are replaced with gamblers.

[stigzler]

Take a tram ride to Fleetwood Ferry.  There are some classics in there.  Also try South Pier and the arcade just north of the Pleasure Beach.
But you are right, most of the oldies are replaced with gamblers.

Fancy putting those on the map, ark_ader? Be good to know which arcade in Fleetwood Ferry

[ark_ader]

Take a tram ride to Fleetwood Ferry.  There are some classics in there.  Also try South Pier and the arcade just north of the Pleasure Beach.
But you are right, most of the oldies are replaced with gamblers.

Fancy putting those on the map, ark_ader? Be good to know which arcade in Fleetwood Ferry

There is only one arcade in Fleeteood (gamblers aside) which is run by the Stafani family who owned the pier which recently burnt down.  Approximately eleven miles north of Blackpool.  The tram terminus is across the street from the arcade.  Lots of neat games in there.

[stigzler]

<Stigzler abides....

[johnnygal2]

Take a tram ride to Fleetwood Ferry.  There are some classics in there.  Also try South Pier and the arcade just north of the Pleasure Beach.
But you are right, most of the oldies are replaced with gamblers.

Fancy putting those on the map, ark_ader? Be good to know which arcade in Fleetwood Ferry

There is only one arcade in Fleeteood (gamblers aside) which is run by the Stafani family who owned the pier which recently burnt down.  Approximately eleven miles north of Blackpool.  The tram terminus is across the street from the arcade.  Lots of neat games in there.

Oooh, that sounds interesting. Do you know if they have a Battlezone cab there? Would love to treat my brother-in-law to a trip there as remember playing this over and over on holidays in the early '80s.
Tried searching for info on t'internet but couldn't find any details.

cheers

[ark_ader]

Take a tram ride to Fleetwood Ferry.  There are some classics in there.  Also try South Pier and the arcade just north of the Pleasure Beach.
But you are right, most of the oldies are replaced with gamblers.

Fancy putting those on the map, ark_ader? Be good to know which arcade in Fleetwood Ferry

There is only one arcade in Fleeteood (gamblers aside) which is run by the Stafani family who owned the pier which recently burnt down.  Approximately eleven miles north of Blackpool.  The tram terminus is across the street from the arcade.  Lots of neat games in there.

Oooh, that sounds interesting. Do you know if they have a Battlezone cab there? Would love to treat my brother-in-law to a trip there as remember playing this over and over on holidays in the early '80s.
Tried searching for info on t'internet but couldn't find any details.

cheers

Nothing that exotic I'm afraid.  They have vids but 1990+ They had a nice Space Invaders last time I was there.  It's been a while since I visited.  Nice day out though!

[Enverex]

I had a few questions for the UK group but this thread seems dead and there doesn't appear to be one that has superseded it. Anyone still around?

[EssexMame]

I'm still here.

[shrunkenmaster]

I'm still here too...

[Drnick]

I'm here  What are your other 2 wishes? 

[stigzler]

Check.

[Thestoney]

I'm still active down in sunny Devon

[UFO]

Me too...

Meant to update you guys about this - may have already been done.

Check out the Arcade Club here: http://www.arcade-club.com/

Meet weekly in Haslingdon, and although its only half an hour away from me, I haven't been yet. They are also on Facebook if you want to look them up..

[stigzler]

As good a time as any to re-plug an old project... why not put yourselves on the UK map?

https://sites.google.com/site/alienarcade74/Arcadia

Wondering how all the UK builds are going + weather anyone's found a way yet to get coin doors as cheaply in the states?

[Enverex]

Oh cool. In that case, does anyone know anywhere (or anyone) that makes custom cabs still? I'm looking for a bartop suitable for an X-Arcade but I'm having zero luck in the UK finding anyone. Full thread is here - http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=143587.0

[UFO]

... + weather anyone's found a way yet to get coin doors as cheaply in the states?

Erm, that would be no.

I once found an absolute battered coin door - was so poor that I would probably end-up replacing everything, but he wanted like £35 for it, and wouldn't budge.

Pathetic.

[Thestoney]

Enverex I own a small cnc 6040 if you can design one to fit within those dimensions I could certainly help

[stigzler]

Oooo- a CNC'er - can that cut full size cabs?

[Thestoney]

Sadly not that's my next project the cutting area is enough for a smaller bartop

[stigzler]

Aw nemmind. Good work on the (I'm guessing) home made cnc though!

[Franco B]

I had a few questions for the UK group but this thread seems dead and there doesn't appear to be one that has superseded it. Anyone still around?

I've been away from here but still heavily involved in the scene for the last few years. I've been meaning to get more involved over here again and I plan on doing so.

Hopefully extending the house in the next few months and should have a decent games room. I'm thinking of adding a nice vPin to my lineup so I'll make sure I document it here 

[stigzler]

  Gamesroom!? Pictures for vicarious awe, please.... 
 

[Enverex]

Enverex I own a small cnc 6040 if you can design one to fit within those dimensions I could certainly help

Hrm, maybe. There are places online I can send the plans for them to cut out the parts though (I think it may be too large for your router).

I'm trying to minimise the DIY aspect of this as much as possible as I'm 95% sure I'd balls it up.