So, I'm at a bit of a loss here. I've been going back and forth in my mind trying to make some decisions so I can make some purchases and finish this project and play.
I essentially have a blank canvas for my control panel, it was a SlikStick unit with the CO2 control panel layout.
Here is a picture from their website that shows the type of surface I'm working with

I was unhappy with this layout, so I removed all the controls and plugged the holes, so I'm starting fresh.
I can't, for the life of me, figure out what to do next.
I am going back and forth between making it two players with the trackball in the middle, 3 players, with the trackball up top, or four players. Two players would seem to leave a lot of open space, no one seems to do 3 player systems, and four players might be too crowded. Obviously some cons to 3 or 4 players is more money.
The dimensions of the panel are as follows
45” L X 18 1/2” W , though it was 17in wide when I measured it.
They offered a four player setup that was only a couple inches larger in each direction.
See it here

I did keep the trackball and two of the 8-way joysticks.
Both of the above setups were too crowded for my tastes. I'd like a clean look with functionality as well.
If you guys can help me figure out the setup, I have a whole 'nother list of questions about what parts to buy.
I would appreciate any help!