Building a parts list and starting ordering.
ipac2 of course will make things easy to configure and supported.
Minigrip sticks should work to rewire and make new handles for as the wires are easily run through the center of the stick and out the bottom. I'm going to try to find some of the car shifters posted above at reasonable prices for the targeting and either make or search out old joysticks where I can setup a single plunger-style switch on the top for the tracking left stick.
I'm going to try these momentary single-pole rockers for weapons selection. Spring loaded so they pop back in to place.
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/bunn-02628-0000-momentary-start-rocker-switch-for-coffee-tea-brewers/233026280000.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CjwKEAjw_ci3BRDSvfjortr--DQSJADU8f2j5sQyQzylEATIYnsXaPlpVJF6_6uTn3THdm9zWj6M6BoCJnjw_wcBI ordered a RPI3 and thinking about going win10 iot stripped down with custom boot screens and startup script to boot right in to starfighter exe. If this doesn't work, I'll use one of the Atom mini-pc's. Also debating using a laptop again - one of the great things about using them is built-in cooling to a degree, plus you can set it to shut down after 1min on battery and power on when power is detected, which makes the startup/shutdown procedure pretty painless and no need for key combinations or complicated procedures.
Ebayed a Dell 27" 16:9 LCD - $90 shipped no base or mounting hardware, perfect for this.
Dayton amp. Ordered this for the last build and while expensive at $100, it's ready to install and does so easily, 60wpc and looks great. I've spun it up on my other cab with the same amp with and without the sub and there's very little difference, so I think a decent pair of 5-6.5" all-range, hidden on the top left and right of the monitor bezel will work great.
7074 Lexan for the glass of course and laminate for the sides/back/base.
I'm debating LED's in the panel under the bezel. Not sure if I want it to look "too modern" and putting some colored light tubes or whatever they're called that transmit light by shining on the other end. Some of those with a light and reflective tape behind it behind that area might actually give it a more authentic look.
The game is built to allow for a death blossom button or combo if you so want to use it. I know it's not in the movie version (or any others) but I'm thinking about adding a dedicated death blossom button. I've watched the movie a couple dozen times over the last few months and done a lot of pausing and screenshotting, but it appears it would have been around armrest level of his right hand when sitting in the cockpit. If it were a spring-loaded door, maybe just below the targeting stick... who knows. Make it and go through some bubble gum and stick it in various spots before I decide... If I did, would likely do a big red pushbutton below a spring loaded door.
Looks to be Happ over/under coin door. Around $80-90 new, as low as $30 with shipping on ebay. Will be setup free play or coin release to drop coin.
I don't think any other administrative buttons would be needed. Volume is covered, 3x weapons selection rockers, 2x joysticks with fire buttons, coin door, glass and plastic... just need to figure out the parts and lighting for this area: