Author Topic: My first Project TMNT Bartop (Read 12043 times)

kingzombait · « **on:** March 25, 2012, 04:28:15 pm »

I've been working on this bartop for a while now. I'm getting close to finishing so I figured I'd share it with you all. I had a hard time deciding the theme for the bartop. Originally I was going to leave it flat black, but I decided to liven it up after all. I thought about making a DK bartop, then an original Gameboy theme. Finally though, I decided on TMNT. I grew up with the turtles, and loved the games. So I figured it was the best way to go.

Sorry for the low rez pics. i used my phone to take them almost 3 years ago. I have no wood working skills so I ordered a bartop flat pack kit from emdkay.net. the build quality was better then I expected, and it was mostly perfect. Though the smoked plexi as cracked during shipping, and the free marquee was printed really dark.

I used a $200 acer aspire revo with 1 gig of ram for the guts since I was on a tight budget, and the atom processor was enough to emulate anything up to N64 which is all I needed.

kingzombait · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2012, 05:26:13 pm »

For the Artwork I wanted something I hadn't seen before form the MAME community. So i thought back to the 90's TMNT cartoon, and something that always stood out to me was the huge crush I had on Irma Langinstein. April's clumsy, boy crazy roommate/co-worker. So i figured the best way to go was pinups of Irma, and April for the sideart.

I spent about a month Deviant Art looking for the right artist since I wanted original art. Finally I found him, and commissioned the pieces. He was extremely busy so after9 months of waiting I finally got them last week. The unfortunate part was that he rushed the background make it worthless. I had to go into Photoshop, and carefully cut the BG out. Then there was a major miss understanding. While he drew Irma exactly the way I described the outfit I wanted her to wear (updated with a little attitude). He didn't understand when I said I want Irma with an original Gameboy. I meant I wanted her to be playing it. He thought I meant.... well see for yourself.

After I cutout the background I needed a new background, but couldn't come up with anything to great. So i went with a simple green textured background. Tell me what you think.

kingzombait · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2012, 05:31:21 pm »

For the Marquee I was going to keep the free TMNT Marquee I got with the bartop kit, but I didn't think it would match right. So I messed around with some colors, and textures then i used a picture of the Technodrome I found on google. After screwing with it for a time. I think it looks pretty good.

kingzombait · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2012, 05:35:53 pm »

I also wanted something else, but I wasn't sure what. I looked at some projects on the forums, and saw people using toppers for their arcades. So I bought a doll display box, and a set of Neca TMNT figures. I have to paint the proper colors, but they look nice on top of the bartop the way they are.

kingzombait · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2012, 05:39:49 pm »

I want to add a background image to the display box, and install led lights wired into the led wiz to glow when the system powers on.

kingzombait · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2012, 05:58:42 pm »

The major problem I face is that I don't know what to do for the control panel art. I don't want it to stay plain black, but I don't want to wait a long time to commission another piece. I was just going to paste some artwork i found online but i'm not sure I want to do that.

dandare · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2012, 10:16:03 pm »

Quote from: kingzombait on March 25, 2012, 05:35:53 pm

I also wanted something else, but I wasn't sure what. I looked at some projects on the forums, and saw people using toppers for their arcades. So I bought a doll display box, and a set of Neca TMNT figures. I have to paint the proper colors, but they look nice on top of the bartop the way they are.

Your progress is going good dude. i love the shape of the bar top. Great theme too.

However... if by ''paint the proper colors'' you mean paint their eye masks different colors- STOP!!
These are original 1984 Eastman & Laird style Turtles. They ALL had red masks. This is how real ninja turtles should look!

Phew... sorry im a bit of a purist when it comes to these guys.

Seriously though, nice work.

Uncle Monkey · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2012, 10:25:36 pm »

Quote from: dandare on March 25, 2012, 10:16:03 pm

Your progress is going good dude. i love the shape of the bar top. Great theme too.

However... if by ''paint the proper colors'' you mean paint their eye masks different colors- STOP!!
These are original 1984 Eastman & Laird style Turtles. They ALL had red masks. This is how real ninja turtles should look!

Phew... sorry im a bit of a purist when it comes to these guys.

Seriously though, nice work.

I second that emotion!!! If you want the cartoon colors, get some different action figures, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't ruin those classic collectibles. I'll give ya $5 for 'em right now.....

kingzombait · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2012, 11:43:32 pm »

Quote from: dandare on March 25, 2012, 10:16:03 pm

Quote from: kingzombait on March 25, 2012, 05:35:53 pm
I also wanted something else, but I wasn't sure what. I looked at some projects on the forums, and saw people using toppers for their arcades. So I bought a doll display box, and a set of Neca TMNT figures. I have to paint the proper colors, but they look nice on top of the bartop the way they are.

Your progress is going good dude. i love the shape of the bar top. Great theme too.

However... if by ''paint the proper colors'' you mean paint their eye masks different colors- STOP!!
These are original 1984 Eastman & Laird style Turtles. They ALL had red masks. This is how real ninja turtles should look!

Phew... sorry im a bit of a purist when it comes to these guys.

Seriously though, nice work.

I'm aware these are the OG TMNT figures. I have a bunch of the original mirage comics. I'm probably not going to actually paint them since im to lazy to match the colors right. The only reason I would color them is because the cabinet is based on the 90's toon, and konami games. Not the mirage comics which had no games. It would be like using Mario Galaxy art on a cab that can only play original mario bros. Which i've seen people do alot and always bothers me a bit. So I understand your purity thing. I'd actually love to find a hacked rom so they all have red. You'd think someone would have done this by now. I know turtles in time had comic mode, but that just changed the turtles skin tone.

kingzombait · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2012, 11:49:04 pm »

I second that emotion!!! If you want the cartoon colors, get some different action figures, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't ruin those classic collectibles. I'll give ya $5 for 'em right now.....

[/quote]

Lol I would have to kill myself i think. I just dropped $80 on these not including shipping from Hong Kong. Mostly for that reason I wont paint them. They were to limited in print to paint.

kingzombait · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2012, 11:52:24 pm »

This was the only reason I thought of painting them. They just look great. Warning! Horrible cover of intro song. Turn down your volume.

dandare · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2012, 11:57:23 pm »

lol. Actually they do look pretty good painted up.

yotsuya · « **Reply #12 on:** March 26, 2012, 02:00:44 pm »

Heh. I've seen plenty of TMNTs MAMEd here, but this is the first time I've seen action figures being considered for that treatment!

gbeef · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2012, 05:42:54 pm »

very interesting concept. Can't wait to see that marquee. The side art looks solid nice work

elkameleon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2012, 05:48:45 pm »

April has wonk boobs, just saying... but I really like it!

kingzombait · « **Reply #15 on:** March 26, 2012, 06:18:09 pm »

Quote from: elkameleon on March 26, 2012, 05:48:45 pm

April has wonk boobs, just saying... but I really like it!

LMAO I know! That's the first thing I thought to, but since it took 9 months to get this. I figured i'd let it go. Especially since he told me it would only take a week. If I asked for a fix it would probably take another year. I'd like to think shes not wearing a bra, and just spun around really quick. So the other boob hasn't caught up yet. lol i dunno.

SteveR · « **Reply #16 on:** March 26, 2012, 06:29:28 pm »

I just want you to know that I've been singing "teenage mutant ninja turtles" in my head all day long.

kingzombait · « **Reply #17 on:** March 26, 2012, 07:11:28 pm »

Quote from: SteveR on March 26, 2012, 06:29:28 pm

I just want you to know that I've been singing "teenage mutant ninja turtles" in my head all day long.

Lol, it's infectious.

elkameleon · « **Reply #18 on:** March 26, 2012, 09:23:54 pm »

Quote

I'd like to think shes not wearing a bra, and just spun around really quick. So the other boob hasn't caught up yet. lol i dunno.

Uncle Monkey · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2012, 06:21:05 am »

Quote from: kingzombait on March 26, 2012, 06:18:09 pm

Quote from: elkameleon on March 26, 2012, 05:48:45 pm
April has wonk boobs, just saying... but I really like it!

LMAO I know! That's the first thing I thought to, but since it took 9 months to get this. I figured i'd let it go. Especially since he told me it would only take a week. If I asked for a fix it would probably take another year. I'd like to think shes not wearing a bra, and just spun around really quick. So the other boob hasn't caught up yet. lol i dunno.

Looks to me like she just has some nice, large, natural bazoongas and they move when her shoulders do......

kingzombait · « **Reply #20 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:10:39 pm »

Ok so i finalized the Control Panel, Kickplate, and the Marquee.

The Marquee. I liked the other one better, but the colors didnt look like they belonged on the cab.

The Control Panel pattern. Easy and to the point. Just a simple turtle shell pattern on green.

The Kickplate. I wanted to have the turtles on the cab without pulling focus from April and Irma. I didn't have time to commission more art. Didn't want to use art I didn't have the right to use. So silhouettes seemed like a good middle ground. I know it's kind of anti climactic, but I hope it will look good when on the cab. Ordered the art prints today so we'll know soon enough.

kingzombait · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:12:12 pm »

Oh by the way. I decided not to paint the turtles. Theme be damned! Pure they shall remain.

Le Chuck · « **Reply #22 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:24:13 pm »

I don't think it's anti-climatic at all. Maybe compared to the awesome breasticles adorning the sides but for the theme it's subtle, well executed, and original. I like the turtles in silhouette. If you feel it needs more pop maybe just do all the eye masks in red and leave everything else in shadow so it draws the eye a bit more but I like what you've got here.

emphatic · « **Reply #23 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:34:04 am »

Nice art!

kingzombait · « **Reply #24 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:53:37 pm »

Quote from: Le Chuck on April 03, 2012, 11:24:13 pm

I don't think it's anti-climatic at all. Maybe compared to the awesome breasticles adorning the sides but for the theme it's subtle, well executed, and original. I like the turtles in silhouette. If you feel it needs more pop maybe just do all the eye masks in red and leave everything else in shadow so it draws the eye a bit more but I like what you've got here.

Damn that's a good idea! I'll have to edit the art, and send for another print if it looks good. Thanks for the advice

Green Giant · « **Reply #25 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:25:46 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Monkey on March 27, 2012, 06:21:05 am

Quote from: kingzombait on March 26, 2012, 06:18:09 pm
Quote from: elkameleon on March 26, 2012, 05:48:45 pm
April has wonk boobs, just saying... but I really like it!

LMAO I know! That's the first thing I thought to, but since it took 9 months to get this. I figured i'd let it go. Especially since he told me it would only take a week. If I asked for a fix it would probably take another year. I'd like to think shes not wearing a bra, and just spun around really quick. So the other boob hasn't caught up yet. lol i dunno.

Looks to me like she just has some nice, large, natural bazoongas and they move when her shoulders do......

What he said. Even after a second and then third and fourth look, they still look great. Nothing wonky going on with those sweater muffins.

yotsuya · « **Reply #26 on:** April 04, 2012, 04:35:04 pm »

No one has used funbags yet? I'm disappointed...

kingzombait · « **Reply #27 on:** April 05, 2012, 01:54:58 pm »

Okay so I'm so close to finishing this project. Already I'm thinking of possibly planning another. Something smaller, and using a console to save money. So I went back to add up the cost of this build. To get a rough estimate of what I paid, and what I expect to pay for the new one.

I can't find all the receipts so it's probably off by $30-$60, but my total is $1,076.12,

That's not bad considering what some people have put into some of the cabs I've seen here, and it was spread out over a few years. It would have been more if I used a hand built PC.

If I do decide to build another right away. I might be able to come in around $600-$800, or maybe $1040 or more if I went a little extreme. It really depends on the system, and the display i go with. It's hard to decide between making it sensible/cool, and Amazing/awesome.

How does this hobby so easily become a way of life/obsession.

Oh gawd! I didn't even consider that I could build a pinball cab this time

Pray for my bank account

kingzombait · « **Reply #28 on:** April 15, 2012, 04:18:55 pm »

Ok so I got the Artwork from Gameon a few days ago, but didn't get to do anything with it since I just moved. I finally got around to installing it today. i just have to put it back together and I'm done.

muttieb · « **Reply #29 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:45:31 pm »

WOW!!!! Absolutely love it!!! What a great theme and also the craftsmanship is outstanding!

kingzombait · « **Reply #30 on:** April 15, 2012, 06:08:25 pm »

Quote from: muttieb on April 15, 2012, 05:45:31 pm

WOW!!!! Absolutely love it!!! What a great theme and also the craftsmanship is outstanding!

Thank you very much

It was a labor of love, and I look forward to making other interesting Cabs in the future. Time and finances permitting.

Uncle Monkey · « **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2012, 09:28:33 am »

looking good man.....

kingjorf · « **Reply #32 on:** May 02, 2012, 10:27:15 am »

That side art looks great on there, simple but appealing. Very nice work!

Namco · « **Reply #33 on:** May 02, 2012, 10:47:15 am »

Man that does look great. I'm always amazed how good artwork can turn a plain black cabinet into an awesome looking arcade game.

My daughter is currently obsessed with The Turtles, so I may have to steal some of your ideas and build a bartop for her.

Uncle Monkey · « **Reply #34 on:** May 02, 2012, 12:17:43 pm »

Quote from: Namco on May 02, 2012, 10:47:15 am

Man that does look great. I'm always amazed how good artwork can turn a plain black cabinet into an awesome looking arcade game.

My daughter is currently obsessed with The Turtles, so I may have to steal some of your ideas and build a bartop for her.

My daughter used to insist that she was going to marry Raphael when she grew up, that's why she's rocking the sais on my arcade.....

Le Chuck · « **Reply #35 on:** May 02, 2012, 12:25:01 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Monkey on May 02, 2012, 12:17:43 pm

Quote from: Namco on May 02, 2012, 10:47:15 am
Man that does look great. I'm always amazed how good artwork can turn a plain black cabinet into an awesome looking arcade game.

My daughter is currently obsessed with The Turtles, so I may have to steal some of your ideas and build a bartop for her.
My daughter used to insist that she was going to marry Raphael when she grew up, that's why she's rocking the sais on my arcade.....

That's impossible because I was going to marry Raphael.

zato1ch1 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 02, 2012, 01:00:35 pm »

Love the artwork. Very puttagethah!

Uncle Monkey · « **Reply #37 on:** May 02, 2012, 01:01:06 pm »

Quote from: Le Chuck on May 02, 2012, 12:25:01 pm

Quote from: Uncle Monkey on May 02, 2012, 12:17:43 pm
Quote from: Namco on May 02, 2012, 10:47:15 am
Man that does look great. I'm always amazed how good artwork can turn a plain black cabinet into an awesome looking arcade game.

My daughter is currently obsessed with The Turtles, so I may have to steal some of your ideas and build a bartop for her.
My daughter used to insist that she was going to marry Raphael when she grew up, that's why she's rocking the sais on my arcade.....

That's impossible because I was going to marry Raphael.

whoa........just whoa.......

jammin0 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 02, 2012, 01:07:41 pm »

awesome

kalars123 · « **Reply #39 on:** May 02, 2012, 01:15:25 pm »

MAN! i'm so jellin right now, do you think it possible to share the artwork? My brother is a MAJOR TMNT fan and would love to pop one of these together for his birthday


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