Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: Brouhaha on April 07, 2015, 08:49:13 pm
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Hello everyone,
After lurking for a while now, the time has finally come for me to build my own arcade cabinet :D The house renovations are all done and, more importantly, the basement room to accommodate it is ready!
The build started about a month ago. My wife is a designer crazy about vintage stuff so I had to go with something funky/retro to get spousal approval ;) Here came ARTIFACT (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794). Absolutely loved the curves on that one so I decided to give it a try. I am modifying it slightly since mine will accommodate a 20'' 4:3 LCD so it can be thinner. It also won't be as wide since I am doing without a trackball.
So here we go...
The initial panel, ready to be sanded and used as a template for the other side:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0221.jpg)
Clamped and used for the second panel:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0222.jpg)
Second panel cut roughly, ready to be routed:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0226.jpg)
Frame and wheels:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0231.jpg)
And it's up!
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0247.jpg)
Few panels on and satisfied with my simple CP layout:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0272.jpg)
Speaker panel (grilles are going over):
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0273.jpg)
Sexy curves I liked so much about ARTIFACT I can now touch:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0275.jpg)
Screen panel routed and installed:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0286.jpg)
This is pretty much where I'm at :) I will be updating slowly as I go along from now on...
And really, a big thank you to all of you for this awesome community! It really motivated me reading all of you!!! Here's to hoping the worst doesn't happen and this thing ends up looking half-decent :cheers:
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It looks good! :cheers:
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Thanks :) So far, I'm doing better than I thought. I'm about to start the artwork for the Marquee and CP to order from gameongrafix.com while I prime and paint the cabinet...
From what I understand, the CP artwork is Polycarbonate Laminate. Sorry for the newb question, but can this bend? I want it to go down on the CP front panel too in one piece. Is that feasible? I'd like to do without vinyl and plexi over if possible.
Thanks!
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Are you going to cut a t-molding slot? If yes, you should do it now...
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Thanks for the head up Yotsuya! Yes I do plan to slot it for t-molding :) It's the absolute last thing I want to do before painting it. I figured it would make the corners weaker and I still have to move it around a bit (still missing a few holes in there).
Cheers!
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From what I understand, the CP artwork is Polycarbonate Laminate. Sorry for the newb question, but can this bend? I want it to go down on the CP front panel too in one piece. Is that feasible? I'd like to do without vinyl and plexi over if possible.
The Gallery (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25925098@N07/with/2955113356/) link on GoG shows a few CPs where the overlay is installed around curved surfaces, so I'd think you're okay.
EDIT: Their FAQ also linked to this post (http://www.gameongrafix.com/content/how-to-install-a-cpo) telling how to install their CPO on curved surfaces...
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Nice work ! Also nice to see someone else from Quebec city in here !
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From what I understand, the CP artwork is Polycarbonate Laminate. Sorry for the newb question, but can this bend? I want it to go down on the CP front panel too in one piece. Is that feasible? I'd like to do without vinyl and plexi over if possible.
The Gallery (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25925098@N07/with/2955113356/) link on GoG shows a few CPs where the overlay is installed around curved surfaces, so I'd think you're okay.
EDIT: Their FAQ also linked to this post (http://www.gameongrafix.com/content/how-to-install-a-cpo) telling how to install their CPO on curved surfaces...
Thanks! Hadn't seen the flickr gallery. That Star Trek cab is exactly what I want to do. Wasn't sure if it was really polycarbonate laminate in that video :)
Nice work ! Also nice to see someone else from Quebec city in here !
Merci :D With all that snow this spring, I get to spend more time in the workshop ;)
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Nice work ! Also nice to see someone else from Quebec city in here !
Merci :D With all that snow this spring, I get to spend more time in the workshop ;)
Bienvenue, et ça me fait plaisir !
You're right... very nasty winter we had this year. It won't melt as fast as I'd hope for...
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BTW, if you will be using and supplying your own artwork, I suggest you check with forum member stpcore. He has done great some work for me and it came out beautifully. His prices are reasonnable (cheaper than GOG I think), and he's using great quality vinyl. He can do the polycarbonate laminate CPO you want, and can print your marquee with translite material (which looks awesome !)
Check his threads:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143964.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143964.0.html)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,141355.0.html (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,141355.0.html)
His youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7yLjuNTVpGrtv04m9VgNw (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe7yLjuNTVpGrtv04m9VgNw)
Might be worth a shot.
I can PM you a couple of pics to show you what he did for my bartop cab if you want.
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Thanks for the infos Mamezilla :) Contacted him and will be doing business with him!
:cheers:
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Some stuff I received... I feel like a child at Christmas!
From Retroactive Arcade (http://www.retroactivearcade.ca) in Edmonton:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/img_0270.jpg)
- Xin-Mo 2 player controller
- 12 Yellow Happ Buttons
- 8 Black Happ Buttons
- 1P & 2P Buttons
- 2 Yellow Happ Competition Joysticks
- 2 speaker grilles
From Groovy Game Gear (http://www.groovygamegear.com):
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/ggg_order.jpg)
- 6 Orange Happ Buttons
- 2 NovaGemCDR™ Coin Drop Replacement Pushbutton
- NovaMatrix LINX 2 LED Marquee Light
:cheers:
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Thanks for the infos Mamezilla :) Contacted him and will be doing business with him!
:cheers:
Good ! :) Ken is a great guy and a pleasure to do business with, you won't be disappointed
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So... CP artwork v1:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/cpv1.jpg)
I want to keep it simple and clean, and so does the wife :P The joysticks and buttons will do the rest... The Retroclash text will actually be on the front panel of the CP once bended.
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So... CP artwork v1:
I want to keep it simple and clean, and so does the wife :P The joysticks and buttons will do the rest... The Retroclash text will actually be on the front panel of the CP once bended.
Nah... it's too boring. Your arcade deserves better. But I see your point here. You didn't make the CP artwork template berfore cutting the button holes, and now it's a pain in the a** making it beacuse you will have to measure where every button and joystick are. But I would do it anyway. My first arcade also has a boring generic artwork, and I regret that today. If you gonna pay for the CP overlay in the first place, make it a good one! And the people on this forum can really help you on the way. They have been around!
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Honestly, I like it. Curious to see how the rest of the art turns out.
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Thanks for the feedback guys :) But it's really that I do want it simple. Wouldn't be a hassle at all to add stuff as the guides for pretty much everything on the CP are in my PS project.
The marquee will be a bit more "flashy" ;)
No side art on this one. I'm thinking matte black but I'm not settled.
BTW, the t-molding going on it is Pacman orange!
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I like the CP idea, Brouhaha. Some people go way overboard on CP art, and really, it's the marquee that should pop.
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Thanks yotsuya :) I really like the sticker approach on your Macross cab also! Very authentic :applaud:
Did they survive the test of time?
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Thanks yotsuya :) I really like the sticker approach on your Macross cab also! Very authentic :applaud:
Did they survive the test of time?
Yes, the ones on the CP have been fine. A gluestick has helped with any sticker curl.
I'm taking a similar approach with two cabs I'm working on with for ZapCon next week. These will be covered with plexi.
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Thanks! I might just take that route for a few buttons :)
Been working on the marquee:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/marqueev1.jpg)
Or with bigger invaders?
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/marqueev2.jpg)
Printing these is getting closer! :cheers:
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Big invaders.
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Big invaders.
Agreed. And, awesome.
Be aware that your marquee retainer will probably cover some of the top and bottom of the art, so you may want to consider extending the background gradient color a bit more beyond the black border on the top/bottom.
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Big invaders
I would flip your gradient to match your cp. I would also put some boxes around the controls on the cp artwork. List them as player 1 and player 2. The cp is just a bit too generic. I get that you want to keep it simple but control boxes look nice.
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Good suggestions everyone :) I tried most of them, but here's what I'm sending off to print!
Marquee:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/marqueev3.jpg)
Control Panel:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/cpv2.jpg)
Black invaders are more badass. The one on the CPO are right before the curve to the front panel :cheers:
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Looks great. Black is better. Looks meaner!
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Small weekday update. Finally made what I think are the last holes in the cab...
Coin drop replacement pushbuttons:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/cdr_ggg.jpg)
Almost time to slot for t-molding :)
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Heyyy Artifact here :) honored that you got inspired by my cab. Looking good so far I'll make sure to follow your progress :cheers:
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Thanks Artifact :)
Big week at work right now... But I just gotta paint that cab soon! So I took a small hour to finally cut the t-molding slot tonight:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/t.jpg)
So cool to be doing this myself after reading about so many projects! A bit of sanding then I'm priming :woot
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Friday night, kinda late. Everytime I think I'm about to prime, I think of something (which is good I guess). Today, I discovered t-nuts:
(http://surtongrill.com/retroclash/um.jpg)
Pounded those in before I start painting so I can undermount my joysticks. Used a 3/4'' bit to drill what was necessary to hammer these in.
Getting the plexi cut tomorrow. And am also REALLY starting to prime (I hope).
:cheers:
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So I got around to priming... Only to realize I had done one crappy job filling and sanding imperfections. So it's back to sanding! :banghead:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328014)
Also wasn't satisfied with the screen panel bevel. Re-routed it to my taste. Looks real good (to me at least) now...
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328016)
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Nice work so far, I really like the simple and colorful artwork. I bet it will pop and look sweet.
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Thanks grippie! Can't wait to see the marquee backlighted. Ordered the prints from stpcore :cheers:
Small update, but i finally got that first real coat on! Semi-gloss black enamel using a foam roller. Sanding with 200 grit for the first two coats, then switching to 400 grit to finish it off :)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328278)
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Received my prints from stpcore today! Wow!!!! Translite pops simply put on a window!!! :applaud:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=328532)
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Glad you seem to be happy with stpcore's prints. Yeah, this translite material just plain rocks ! And Ken has been a pleasure doing business with on my part. A great guy and asset for our community
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How hard is it to cut the t-molding "trench" while assembled? I would think it 100 times easier when cutting the panels, no? Do you lay it down?
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Glad you seem to be happy with stpcore's prints. Yeah, this translite material just plain rocks ! And Ken has been a pleasure doing business with on my part. A great guy and asset for our community
Thanks to you for the heads up! It was indeed a pleasure and very straightforward doing business with him. Will definitly give him props in his marquee topic :applaud:
How hard is it to cut the t-molding "trench" while assembled? I would think it 100 times easier when cutting the panels, no? Do you lay it down?
Yep, I laid it down on each side, kinda like how you would laminate an assembled cab. Routing at 27.5'' height wasn't ideal but very manageable! And I didn't have to clamp it down and worry about the panels moving while slotting because it is quite heavy (thanks to my 2x3 frame). I will definitly do it that way again on future builds. :cheers:
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So, now that RV'ing season is over and that I have my weekends back, I'll be continuing work on this shortly.
Small question for you pros: I've come to think that the seventh button, well, annoys me. Would Bondo be the way to go to fill it up without having to start the panel over?
Thanks!
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Small question for you pros: I've come to think that the seventh button, well, annoys me. Would Bondo be the way to go to fill it up without having to start the panel over?
Don't start over. Bondo or wood-filler will work.
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This cab is looking great.
I love the shape of the cabinet
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Here came ARTIFACT (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794). Absolutely loved the curves on that one so I decided to give it a try.
Great choice of cabinet to model yours after. :applaud:
Will be keeping an eye on this one. :cheers:
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This cab is looking great.
I love the shape of the cabinet
Here came ARTIFACT (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=68794). Absolutely loved the curves on that one so I decided to give it a try.
Great choice of cabinet to model yours after. :applaud:
Will be keeping an eye on this one. :cheers:
Thanks guys :) ARTIFACT really is a stunner! So glad he gave the community his plans. The build thread is also an epic read!
Small question for you pros: I've come to think that the seventh button, well, annoys me. Would Bondo be the way to go to fill it up without having to start the panel over?
Don't start over. Bondo or wood-filler will work.
Thanks for reassuring me ;) Seems to have worked great with wood filler. Probably gonna have to sand and reapply a bit more but the result should be perfect.
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This forum continues to impress me with the dedication and attention to detail displayed by some first time builders.
I generally prefer the chunky look of most CRT-based cabs, but I think you version of Artifact improves the original Artifact design, which was already a looker. Brilliant proportions for an LCD cabinet. I'm taking notes for my first full size project (which is taking forever).
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This forum continues to impress me with the dedication and attention to detail displayed by some first time builders.
I generally prefer the chunky look of most CRT-based cabs, but I think you version of Artifact improves the original Artifact design, which was already a looker. Brilliant proportions for an LCD cabinet. I'm taking notes for my first full size project (which is taking forever).
Woah! Thanks a lot for the compliments! But without ARTIFACT, there would be no Retroclash really... As for improving the design, well, my doors and stairs that lead to the basement kinda dictated the maximum size :D I like "non-slim" cabs better too (although some slim builds, specially that Slimtendo, are pretty freakin' awesome). Anyway, thanks to my doors for the proportions :cheers:
As per Token's suggestion, I filled the seventh button holes on the panel using wood filler. Turned out good!
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339040)
Will wait a few days to make sure it's dry all the way through 3/4'' before applying a bit more and sanding again. Feels good to get rid of that button :lol
Also noticed the wood filler I had used to patch screw holes sunk during the six months it sat in the unfinished part of the basement:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339042)
So... back to sanding a bit. Will be applying Bondo so that crap doesn't happen again :cry:
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Used Bondo for the first time this weekend. Really wasn't so bad mixing and applying. Really like how this stuff applies! Better than wood filler to work with IMO.
So I sanded all the sunken wood filler holes with 80 grit (forgot to take a picture). I then applied a light coat of Bondo over each holes, just so it would cover.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339535)
And I sanded it with 120 grit and my orbital sander. Put on a mask cause this was dusty!
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339537)
After a nice wipe, it is smoooooth :)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339539)
And ready to prime... yet again. Hopefully this thing will finally be painted by the end of the week! :cheers:
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Another noob question: should I prime or go straight back to enamel? It didn't sand through the primer coats...
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Another noob question: should I prime or go straight back to enamel? It didn't sand through the primer coats...
Yes, you should prime. If there's imperfections they will be revelaed if you do.
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Good point thanks! I really don't trust my sense of touch either now ;) Guess third time's a charm!!! :embarassed:
I have to admit, I really hate this part of the build haha! Next time, I'm definitly laminating...
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So this thing is finally painted. Today I installed the t-molding and applied the CPO. Then came the "OMFG I built this?!?!" moment:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339796;image)
Now, let's look closer shall we? There are a few things I should've done differently.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=339794;image)
First, notice the hole without the button. As johnrt mentioned early in the thread, I cut the holes before applying the CPO vinyl. No biggie, but it was an unnecessary pain to cut out each holes with a blade. Next time, I'm drilling after applying the artwork.
Also notice near the joystick. When undermounting the joysticks, my t-nuts sank while tightening. I'm pissed at myself, but can live with this. Maybe I'll fix it later on. But next time: screw tightly so the t-nuts sink, THEN apply wood filler or Bondo prior to applying the art.
Still very happy to have moved on from painting. I'll just keep calm and carry on! :cheers:
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I am a huge fan of the Artifact build, so what can I say but...
I love the shape. I love the colors. I love the artwork. :applaud:
There is something so right about a control panel embedded between the sides of the cabinet, especially when the CPO rolls over the front like this.
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There is something so right about a control panel embedded between the sides of the cabinet, especially when the CPO rolls over the front like this.
I have to agree on this :cheers:
BTW, love the artwork on Moonshot :applaud:
So, CP is wired and working but I won't post any picture because I would be a TERRIBLE example. I'm setting up MaLa with a custom Retroclash theme right now as I am waiting on some PCB standoffs from gameroomdesigns.ca (did I mention I was Canadian?). Once they're here, I'll blitz to finish everything off.
On a side note, my 5 year old played on it for the first time yesterday :)
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Installed the missing panels today and test fitted the marquee.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340312)
Bought some 1/2'' plastic molding as seen better here:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340310)
Sprayed it black and will be refitting tomorrow.
So it seems it's only missing speaker covers after that and I'll call it done :cheers:
Already started sketchupin' Retroclash v2... Lots of things I'd like to try on a second build. But that's a few months away :)
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Very good job Brouhaha! Artifact was one of my favorite cab but I needed a smaller one for my condo. By the way I'm from Montreal :)
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Thanks fablog! Nice to see someone else from around here :) I'm also from Montreal, but living in Quebec City for over ten years now.
I actually shaved 3 inches from the original width of Artifact and 5 inch from the depth. So while I wouldn't call this a slim cab at all, it's actually quite smaller. Really happy aboit how it all turned out.
Cheers!
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Great cab man, love it.
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Nice! Another great example of "less is more" :cheers:
Have you thought about some bezel art? It just looks a little naked around the monitor.
(Sorry if I missed that somewhere)
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Thanks guys! Really means a lot coming from veterans/master builders! :notworthy:
I totally agree vwalbridge! This thing definitely needs bezel art. Probably will happen in the next few weeks. Not sure what though. Suggestions are welcome :) I also really wanted to add button label stickers like Yotsuya did. But I'm not convinced it would look "natural" with so many generic buttons. Maybe the exit button at the top-left of the CP though. It would kinda feel alone though haha!
Man, all the way through the build I couldn't wait to play on it and now that I can, I'm kinda sad that it's practically over... This cab is far from perfect but it was such an awesome experience! Now that I've got the basics in check, two more projects are already on my mind.
This build is not the best one documented, but I tried to mention some of my noob mistakes for others to do better on their first build. Next one will be better documented, and before Retroclash Rev. 2, I think I'm gonna design/build/document one for the kids, think 5-9 year olds since I've got two kids myself :)
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Now THAT, to me, is priceless... History lesson!
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340348)
Also notice how it matches the desk. Spousal approval trick :cheers:
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Got what I was missing from Rick today. Calling this one DONE! >:D On to the next project!
Money Shot:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340846)
CP close up:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340848)
Running SF Alpha 3:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=136713.0;attach=340850)
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Very nicely done
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Tastefully done. :applaud:
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Wooooooo nicely done!! Makes me happy, as the creator of ARTIFACT Game Museum :)
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:
I miss this forum!!!
ARTIFACT
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Woah! Thanks a lot for the compliments! But without ARTIFACT, there would be no Retroclash really...
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Exciting to see all this work here!!
ARTIFACT
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Woah! Thanks a lot for the compliments! But without ARTIFACT, there would be no Retroclash really...
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Exciting to see all this work here!!
ARTIFACT
Gotta give respect where respect is due :cheers:
Thanks a lot for everything dude! My older son is totally nuts over this project. It's been a few weeks now, and he's blown my mind off at Sunset Riders! Beating bosses by himself is quite impresive (still kicking his butt at SF though)...
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Nice cab! I like the proportions.