Hinging Control Panel - hinge/stability suggestions

[laggerific]

I'm considering attaching my CP face to its base with a hinge and latch, and I have a lot of questions.  It's a 4'x1'9" quad CP with trackball, spinner and 5 joysticks.   Trying to figure out if piano hinges would make sense, and any thoughts on stabilizing it when open...chains?  Also, what about latching it for use?  I'm not sure what sort of latch would be the sturdiest for a rowdy match of SSIV.  And my final question...front hinge or rear hinge?  I'm trying to picture the pull of several gamers rocking away at TMNT or Captain Commando, and I'm inclined to think a rear hinge, but maybe a good latch is all that really matters.  The material is 3/4" MDO.  Loving the MDO, by the way...finished the sides and it's been very solid and easy to work with.   

I'm attaching a concept image I made in sketchup to give you a sense of the CP layout.  The colors are place holders until the artwork is available, but it's the general color scheme I'm going for...kind of a DKjr./Mario Bros./DK vibe (The orange Mario Bros. cab was was the one that I played back in the day - and still one of my all time favorite cabinets.) 

[drventure]

A rear piano hinge should be fine. I don't think I'd go with a front hinge unless there's not enough clearance. It'd be much easier to work on rear hinged.

As for the latch, there's lots of threads here on that subject. Searching for "Latch" should turn up a few.