Newbie needing inspiration for Moon Patrol MAME CP layout.

[Dungeonsdeep]

Hi everyone!

I have recently aquired Final Fight cabinet for free... But there is a twist! It was originally a Moon Patrol cabinet! Same ancient monitor and all.

Unfortunately, they painted over the lovely Moon Patrol side art with black paint (badly), and turned the CP into swiss cheese by adding more buttons.

My idea, is to salvage the cab as much as possible, possibly attempting to strip the paint down to the original MP graphics (I don't mind a rustic look), and build on a new control panel that will be better suited to a MAME build.

All I want is 6 buttons per player (in addition to 1P 2P start) Is this possible in the confines of the original MP CP area? (I can provide dimensions later if needed) I figured many of you have experience with this, or similar cabinets.

Here is an image of the CP (not mine, image taken from the web), pretty cramped.



I would like to basically replace the top plank of wood that the holes are drilled into, and rebuild an all new layout.

Does anyone think this is possible? Or would I have to do something more along these lines (which I'd like to avoid, because I am not familiar with woodworking, nor do I have the greatest tools); http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,63629.0.html

Thank you!

[Dungeonsdeep]

I'm not one to typically bump a post, but this is my second topic here unanswered. If I am doing something wrong though, please let me know.

I have noticed some helpful posts loosely regarding my problem while perusing the forums, but would like to chat some people up with some experience.

Thanks!

[jimmer]

You appear to be asking us, whether you, with low but undefined skills and low but undefined tool count will be able to pull off a boring 2 player control panel on a cabinet you haven't shown us.

That's a hard question to answer with very little reward at the end of it.

How do you like your reply

[Dungeonsdeep]

The control panel is exact to the one I posted. Just holes drilled in different places. But that should matter.... I want to replace it. Start fresh.

I guess my question is, are there any write ups, or can anyone share some actual insight, as to either replacing the current control panel, with an un-drileld, virgin one; or a method of building a larger panel that attaches to it.

My personal cabinet shouldn't matter. Honestly my question applies to any older cabinet with few buttons that someone would like to expand upon.

And as far as skill and tools go. I am not completely useless. I have drills, basic saws, just not an entire woodworking shop as I have seen many members here using in their builds (may be exaggerating a bit, but to someone like myself, it certainly seems that way!).

Anyone care to lend some advice? Thanks again!

[jimmer]

Well done for not getting wound up by my reply

You should just have at it, get in there and take it apart. You'll work it out. I'm no expert but I think panels shaped like that are generally sheet metal. That doesn't mean you can't replace it with wood.

As to panel size, all you can do is read what others have done. I've not done a fight panel yet so no experience of how cramped or not they feel.

[yotsuya]

Well done for not getting wound up by my reply

You should just have at it, get in there and take it apart. You'll work it out. I'm no expert but I think panels shaped like that are generally sheet metal. That doesn't mean you can't replace it with wood.

No, Moon Patrol's panel is wood.

Look at the "Echo Base" build. It's based on a Moon Patrol, and it has the layout you want.

[Dungeonsdeep]

Well done for not getting wound up by my reply

I've done this forum thing for a while. I know not to feed the trolls 

No, Moon Patrol's panel is wood.

Look at the "Echo Base" build. It's based on a Moon Patrol, and it has the layout you want.

This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I was looking for. Thank you!

But now I am depressed, because I don't think mine will look half as good! 

[yotsuya]

This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I was looking for. Thank you!

But now I am depressed, because I don't think mine will look half as good! 

It is, im my opinion, one of the best looking scratch builds ever on this site. But don't worry about how yours will match up - If you're happy with yours, that's all that matters.

[Dungeonsdeep]

I will definitely try my best. I am a graphic designer and work in a print shop, so the artwork shouldn't be a problem. It's all the CP work and restoring the old MP cab I want to get right.

[wp34]

I will definitely try my best. I am a graphic designer and work in a print shop, so the artwork shouldn't be a problem. It's all the CP work and restoring the old MP cab I want to get right.

I think you are going to find that it is easier to learn woodworking than art and design.  That has been my experience anyway.  If you can make your own art you are well on your way.  Good luck with your project.

[mgb]

I'm thinking your cp is probably 23-24 inches wide so 6 buttons per player may be very tight, unless of course you're talking about a one player cp.
you will see some street fighter conversions with a real tight 6 button per player layout but probably not ideal for your home cab.
My cp is 24" and I was forced to stick to 4 buttons per player in a diamond configuration.
There's always neo geo fighters