New Project: was: The Silver Bullet, is: YOU name it!

[Gaston77]

This is the cab I am currently working on. It's based on an MVS 4 cab which I used as a blueprint. The cabinet will feature a D9200 and a 2.54 GHZ P4 processor. It will feature happ controls including 3 " trackball and I am planning to make this baby rock solid. The name Silver Bullet will refer to the colour of the cab. This cab will me the silverest silver I can find. It will have a SF theme ( marquee +  CPO) since that is my fave arcade game ever. The control panel is detachable and  I am planning to make several different panels for easy switchability between driving/ flying games and the more arcadey ones. More pictures soon.

[leapinlew]

This is the cab I am currently working on. It's based on an MVS 4 cab which I used as a blueprint. The cabinet will feature a D9200 and a 2.54 GHZ P4 processor. It will feature happ controls including 3 " trackball and I am planning to make this baby rock solid. The name Silver Bullet will refer to the colour of the cab. This cab will me the silverest silver I can find. It will have a SF theme ( marquee +  CPO) since that is my fave arcade game ever. The control panel is detachable and  I am planning to make several different panels for easy switchability between driving/ flying games and the more arcadey ones. More pictures soon.

Silver bullet eh? Some sort of Werewolf theme or Coors beer theme would also be appropriate.

Looking good so far! Keep the pictures coming.

[Crowquill]

Is there going to be any kind of support under the control panel? I'm assuming from the profile you're basing it on this cab:

http://www.hardmvs.com/xml/usa/MVS-4-25v2/MVS-4-25v2b.jpg

I'm sure it's fairly heavy once assembled, but it probably won't be quite as stable as the MVS cab. I always thought those cabinets were pretty cool and a bit unique.

The marquee area seems pretty small. This is kind of ironic since the MVS cabs have a pretty big area for the marquee. Obviously it's done now, but that's going to limit the size of the artwork that will show in there too.

Do you have a type of paint picked out yet? Trying to find a truly metalic silver might be hard. you'll probalby have to use sprays which usually end up with more inconsistant coverage in the end. You could always do a gray with chrome t-molding I guess. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it is going to be more challenging than painting it a flat color.

[Gaston77]

Is there going to be any kind of support under the control panel? I'm assuming from the profile you're basing it on this cab:

Do you have a type of paint picked out yet? Trying to find a truly metalic silver might be hard.

Support has been taken into account. On the Cab pic you see how relatively short the part is where the controls will go? First of all: the parts on the control box itself will fit exactly on there. It "slides"on if you will. Then -invisible to the eye- once finished I have got two wooden bars that attach to the control box on one end and to the bolt on the bottom of the monitor supporting shelf on the other end. The weight of the monitor will definitely keep the control panel steady and the weight of the control panel will balance the entire cab better. On top of that; I will have two  large 90 degree iron corners and magnetic clips to attach the control panel to the "main cabinet" to make it rock solid.

It is loosely based on the MVS-4 you linked to. Obviously I need a bigger CP for the trackball and to accomodate for more buttons.

The marquee area seems pretty small. This is kind of ironic since the MVS cabs have a pretty big area for the marquee. Obviously it's done now, but that's going to limit the size of the artwork that will show in there too.

It is very small. It is about 6 * 30 inches. Although I am happy with the width, the height could be bigger, I agree. I will make the best of it and see what gives. It had to compromise somewhat since it is already a big beast. But let's hope some good art will compensate for size. "Size matters not" as some say 


About the paint; I have a good source and I know the paint I want is available. The edges do not have a groove in them for T-Molding. This was done deliberately since I will be using -and you guessed it) chrome.

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated!

[leapinlew]

This was done deliberately since I will be using -and you guessed it) chrome.

You didn't want to use Chrome T-molding? I've used it and it turns out real nice.

[Gaston77]

You didn't want to use Chrome T-molding? I've used it and it turns out real nice.

I did consider this, but I like the blocky look. I am still considering doing something with your advice (the werewolf bit) as well. Mmm, still have time.

Another question I have: What would you suggest for the Marquee back light? Black Light or a standard tube? I love the black light but I am doubting...

[leapinlew]

I did consider this, but I like the blocky look. I am still considering doing something with your advice (the werewolf bit) as well. Mmm, still have time.

Another question I have: What would you suggest for the Marquee back light? Black Light or a standard tube? I love the black light but I am doubting...

On my last few cabinets I went with the standard tube from walmart ($6.99), but I'm curious why some people would use a blacklight. Is there a comparison picture somewhere?

As for the t-molding... It seems that the cabinet is mostly assembled. Are the screws set far enough away from the edge that you could safely run a router through it? That is, if you do deecide to do the routing?

[Gaston77]

On my last few cabinets I went with the standard tube from walmart ($6.99), but I'm curious why some people would use a blacklight. Is there a comparison picture somewhere?

I have searched for this but haven't found any. Anybody out there who  could post a pic of how a blacklight looks?

As for the t-molding... It seems that the cabinet is mostly assembled. Are the screws set far enough away from the edge that you could safely run a router through it? That is, if you do deecide to do the routing?

errrrm....no. It has been assembled and it will not budge at all anymore. Even if I wanted to, it would take a lot of work and effort. I am going to paint the cab this weekend. Will post pics afterwards.

[DigDreams]

They make some vinyl laminate that looks very much like real metal (I even saw some at my local Home Depot the other day). 



Have you thought about trying that instead of paint?  It seems like it would look more realistic, but not cost as much as real sheet metal.

- DigDreams

[Gaston77]

Since my girlfriend didn't think silver would match with the color of the room (lime-green) we had to compromise a bit. So I opted for dark blue with a (quite literary) twist! The cab will go in between the two dancing ladies on the wall. only thing is; what am I gonna call it? Your help is therefore very much appreciated!

Name that cab!

PS; the CP will get an overlay so the paint job was also a rush job!

[leapinlew]

Between 2 ladies?

How about:
Luckiest cab EVER!
m

[leapinlew]

Your going to mount the player 2 joystick backwards?

[gamecreature]

Name that cab!

One name comes to mind - Oasis.

[Gaston77]

Your going to mount the player 2 joystick backwards?

Yes. The only reason is that my brother and I used to always play together. He always complained that the arcade favoured righties (he is a lefty you see!) and according to him, it will make a huge difference 

Let's see how he feels after those fireballs still hurt as hard as way back then!

Anyway, I don't mind. My next cab will be more traditional (did I just say my next cab???      )

[Crafty]

I have enough trouble thinking of a potential name for my own future project..

Anyway what about

Arcade dreaming
Dream Arcade
Lady Luck
"If this cabinet's rocking don't bother knocking"  -- Bit Long I Know

[theCoder]

I'd stick with your original color scheme....and paint over the lime green walls.

[Gaston77]

I'd stick with your original color scheme....and paint over the lime green walls.

  I agree. Lime green was ugly anyhow. My girlfriend already wants to know if membership to the BYOPW CLub is still open anyway.