Today is an exciting day, as it is the final day of construction on the SHMUP. Actually, I'm both happy and a little sad about it, which I think is kinda funny. I'm happy that it's done and that I can play any old arcade game I want to now and can officially relive my childhood while discovering games I've never even heard of. But at the same time, I'm a little sad because now the project is done and it was super fun working on it for the last 3-4 months. Before I get to the recap of today's work and the "unveil", I just wanna shout out to everyone on the boards for all the insight and help I've gotten while working on this. As well as creative suggestions that really pushed my work from just throwing something together, to working to make everything the best I could.
And now, the final construction update!
While I was at work today, I sanded the marquee retainers and painted them with black Rustoleum Satin finish spray paint. The screws that held the window in the side of my PC case have built in washers on them. So I recycled them and painted them black as well. These work nicely and give the retain a nicer finished look rather than just using plain wood screws. I also cut a few different types of paper to see how extra thickness would help on the brightness of the marquee. But after looking everything over, I decided that I like the look of the marquee without anything extra to diffuse the light more.
Here is a shot of the marquee mounted, without the light on and the camera flash.
And another with the overhead light off and no flash.
When I got home, I picked up the CPO and began prepping it for the plexiglass. I used my X-acto knife to cut all of the holes for it, rather than attempting to use a drill bit. I had to trim a little around the edges of the plexi as well, but everything lines up! Yay! I'm so glad I decided to go with Mame Marquees for my CPO as well. The finish turned out amazing! Oddly enough, I couldn't find my cutting mat anywhere... so I used a stack of posterboard as a makeshift cutting mat.
Prepping the CPO.
All holes cut and ready for installing!
Completed control panel! I'm so glad I went with the marble trackball, it looks awesome!
And now the moment of truth! The completed SHMUP arcade cabinet! Again, I don't think it would have turned out as nicely without everyone's input and motivation, thanks guys!
Front view.
3/4 Side view.
Now if you'll excuse me. I have a high score to beat in Centipede....