Star Wars Replica Build

[kaptaink_cg]

Hello!
I've been planning this build for nearly a year, and it's finally begun!

Using some parts from original machines that I've found on Ebay, I'm building a replica Star Wars machine that will run a handful of Atari Yoke compatible games.

Since I have been unable to source an accurate set of plans for this cabinet online, I've been reverse engineering it from what I DO know about the cabinet.  I'm also using a fairly accurate Google Sketchup model for reference.  I intended to use 3/4" MDF for the cabinet, but turns out I actually purchased 5/8"!  So far, it's not an issue, I just have to tweak a few dimensions.

[a1pharm]

I intentionally used 5/8" MDF for my full sized cab.  I purchased sheets of black laminate from cabinetparts.com in 1/16" thickness.  1/16 + 5/8 + 1/16 = 3/4.

The laminate is SUPER durable and gives a great feel to the cab.

[kaptaink_cg]

I intentionally used 5/8" MDF for my full sized cab.  I purchased sheets of black laminate from cabinetparts.com in 1/16" thickness.  1/16 + 5/8 + 1/16 = 3/4.

The laminate is SUPER durable and gives a great feel to the cab.

That's a great idea!.... but how much is shipping on something like that? 
If it's reasonable I might go that route on my next cabinet.

[a1pharm]

I bought 3 sheets of 4' x 8' x 1/16" for about $50 each.  Shipping was about $50, for a grand total of about $210.

[kaptaink_cg]

A few more updates.  Progress has been slow. Trying to match up the pieces to a 35 year old warped plastic cowl is tricky!

[yotsuya]

Looks great! I was planning to do the same thing before I obtained an empty SW cab. I even had all the parts cut. I gave them to a guy who's planning to build a replica of the infamous Star Wars Chair.

[The Lumberjackass]

I like this a lot.
Will be keeping an eye on it
It's bookmarked !

[kaptaink_cg]

Thanks for the positive comments!
I looked for an empty cabinet for a while but no such luck.
Wood working is finally done.  Put the primer coat on tonight.

[jdbailey1206]

I gave them to a guy who's planning to build a replica of the infamous Star Wars Chair.

But in all seriousness, Yots, where did you get the dimensions for the cab?

[kaptaink_cg]

My last cuts on the cabinet were some of my worst! Hard to believe this was done with a Circular saw and a guide. Problem is I was trying to force the cut faster than the small toothed blade could handle.

The LED Lightpanel. Ugly but it works, and is waaay cheaper than other solutions. I back it in foil to help project more light forward. The only drawback is you have to be careful not to short out the wiring on it. I typically coat my connections in hot glue here

The front of the marquee. The plexiglass is recessed and caulked into place.

[yotsuya]

I gave them to a guy who's planning to build a replica of the infamous Star Wars Chair.

But in all seriousness, Yots, where did you get the dimensions for the cab?

I was given them by a really good guy who used to CNC them. I drew them up in Illustrator and then made .DXF files for a CNC machine. It cost me $160 to get all the panels cut. It was sweet. I basically traded them for a fine gutted SW cab, though, so it was cool. If you want what I have, let me know.

[kaptaink_cg]

Cabinet is Complete!...for now.  It's at about 95%.  It's all functional but there are a few more things I want to do before I consider it 100%

1. Waiting for the side art to be delivered
2. Cabinet runs pretty hot.  I will be installing some USB powered fans.
3. I need to build a black cardstock cowl around the monitor like the original unit.
4. The new HTMLFE version will allow me to use the yoke to choose games, instead of the keyboard.



Inside the cabinet: 

[shrunkenmaster]

Looking good! What's the monitor & resolution? Any more info on your MAME settings?

[kaptaink_cg]

I'm using a 4:3 19" LCD panel.  Resolution is set to 800x600 for most of the games.

The front end Im using is a new one called HTMLFE.  You can read up on the development of it, and the use in this cabinet and others here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,137291.0/all.html

[Generic Eric]

I'd enjoy seeing pics of how you mounted the monitor.

Also, I'd enjoy seeing pics of how you braced your bezel.  I have one too and totally get what you are saying.  When the time comes, I'm gonna leave it out in the sun and hopefully that will help it form into shape easier.