My first build from scratch

[DFitz1138]

So a few years back I started working with a friend to convert a non-working Gauntlet Dark Legacy cabinet into a MAME cabinet. Unfortunately that project has been put on hold so I decided to take an old laptop and build a cabinet around it for my own countertop cabinet.  So I made a 2-player cabinet that my nephews love playing.

Now I'm already looking to add-on and improve it but this is how it looks now.

I've already purchased an Aimtrak light gun from ultimarc and have realized I need to modify the "marquee" piece for the sensor. I'm also now considering building or buying a cabinet that it can be attached to but still keep it removable and easy to transport when I bring it to a friends house. And of course when that's all done I'll have to add artwork lol

[DFitz1138]

So made my first modifications. Definitely glad I held off on artwork so far. Made a holster for the lightgun and painted the acrylic in front of the screen so you don't see the speakers or the space around it. Have to redo it since I made a few mistakes while painting but that's mainly because I notice them lol.

Next on my list is to build a proper lighted marquee. I've been doing some reading up on how to work with acrylic which I think I will attach to the sides and onto the control panel to mount the graphics on. Not 100% sure but that's what I'm thinking atm.

[markc74]

Looking half way decent there chap. I think there's a couple of things you could do to make it shine.

Getting some artwork on that control panel will spice it up a bit and cover the joystick plates making it look more pro but you already know that.

Is the monitor comfortable at that angle? If it were mine i would think about tilting it back a bit so you were looking at it straight on but otherwise looks pretty solid.

[DFitz1138]

Thanks. Yeah I'm saving the graphics for last. Mainly want to make sure I'm satisfied with the shape and it's comfortable playing before I add them. As for the screen it seems good so far. Haven't done any serious testing yet. Luckily I made the back section as a separate piece so I can modify it as needed. Especially since I'll need to make modifications to add the lighted marquee.

Definitely a continuing work-in-progress.

Always glad to hear constructive criticism and suggestions 😊

[DFitz1138]

Just a quick update. Made some progress redesigning the back section. Before hitting it with a coat of paint I just have a few things to figure out. First and foremost is how I'm going to mount the acrylic over the screen. Thinking of using a router to cut a "seat" out of the side panels for it to rest in. Second is how I'm going to mount the marquee. I've read on here about some places selling a frame that works as well as people using some kind of metal corner piece from Home Depot. So more research to be done there.