[Project Announcment] SiMame / War Of The Worlds (Slot Cut for T-Molding)

[ratzz]

Ok, time to take the plunge and make my project announcement!

Big gulp, here goes!

// Overview
The cab will be a 1 player mini style Galaga / Pacman MDF cab, with trackball and admin buttons. Monitor: Un-decided. Computer: Basic desktop computer already running MAME.

// Dimensions
These dimensions were kindly supplied by Nannuu, but I’m unsure where they originally came from.

// Cabinet Name
SiMame : my name being Simon!
War Of The Worlds - Based on the Jeff Wayne musical album artwork

// Other information
To follow!

// Inspiration
Nannuu – Fantastic cabinet. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=50575.msg493986#msg493986
Javeryh – Bella’s Arcade. http://bellasarcade.blogspot.com/

** This post to be edited as the project progresses **

[ratzz]

The story so far ...

After studying plans until the came out of my ears, and having also decided that a MiniMame cab is my only option due to space restrictions, I took my drawings to the local wood and grumpy bastard suppliers Savoy.

Ok, so it may have been a bank holiday, and they were pretty busy, but believe me when I say that every time I go to this place the staff are the rudest and generally un-humorous people on the planet. They are the type of people who go out of their way to be unhelpful, and you are always left with a feeling that you have somehow put them out by spending your hard earned cash their.

“So why did you go?” I hear you ask. Well, they do offer a cutting service, and I really didn’t want to make a dozen or so cuts that needed to be make accurately and squarely with a jigsaw. So, if you can put up with their bad mood, and your not the type of person that is easily pushed over the edge, AND live in the north west of England, then great! If not, give it a miss and see if Focus, or some other DIY store that has a table saw can help you out. The only drawback is that they may only offer a few cuts so you can get big pieces of timber into your car — and nothing more.

EDIT: Knowing what I do now, after making some cuts with a straight edge and a jigsaw, it would be possible to use this method, although a lot of hard work!

[ratzz]

I’ve been marking out, rubbing out and remarking for nearly a week now and I think I’m finally there with one side — that is, I’ve marked out one side that I’m happy with, and will trace the other side when I have cut out the ‘template’ side.

The plans and dimensions have gone through a few changes to get things right, and it’s a good job pencils have rubbers on the top! The hardest part was that the plans dimensions were kind of hard to follow and the had some weird decimal fractions that didn’t make much sense in inches. I had tried to convert them to the metric system, but this left me even more confused, so I decided that I would round up and down where applicable to the nearest 1/4 inch.

The original plans I had were great, but they were pretty difficult to follow as they had been down-sized from original Galaga plans.

[ratzz]

Time to cut some wood.

This project is going to be built with only the tools I have in my shed.

I have no access to a circular saw, and it's not in the budget to get one just to make a couple of cuts. If I decide to make a couple more cabs in the future (depending on how this goes), I may treat myself to one. But for now, it's the trusty old jigsaw and some straight edges!

I measured in from the edge of the guide plate of my jigsaw to the edge of the blade and set the straight edge guide away from my cut line to that distance. I also made sure that I kept the pencil line in for fine tuning after cutting. I especially made sure of this on the rounded sections so I could sand down to the line for a smooth finish.

I clamped my first side piece to my work bench, and started to carefully plan my first cuts.

[ratzz]

In the spare time I've had between planning etc., I've also been creating a marquee for the cab, bearing in mind a theme to run throughout the cab.

I plan to have some side art (of some kind) and also want the theme to run through the CP.

Anyway, here is my first draft -- not sure how many more revisions there will be!

[ratzz]

Ok,

After doing the 'rough cut' with the jigsaw, the cab side needed smoothing out to remove the jigsaw blade marks. I used a combination of a rough bladed sander (not sure what it's called) and a sand-block.

[leapinlew]

Looks great!

You may want to sand down the point edge where the CP goes just a tad. It's not actually that sharp of a point on the game.

[javeryh]

Wow!  I actually inspired someone?

You are off to a great start ratzz.  I'll be keeping an eye on this project for sure - if I can help out at all just let me know.   

[ratzz]

Wow!  I actually inspired someone?

You are off to a great start ratzz.  I'll be keeping an eye on this project for sure - if I can help out at all just let me know.   

Your cab is fantastic javeryh -- not my colour but great design and really well built.

Now get on with it, sort that power adapter out, and post some more stuff on your blog!!

 

[ratzz]

With one side that I was completely happy with, I laid out my second un-cut side on the work bench.

I clamped my cut, sanded and finished side to it and drew a clear, single pencil line round it. I then began the same process again of laying out straight edges, and I re-measured the distance between my guide edge and the blade. I also changed the blade in the jigsaw to a nice new one. I had a feeling that the last blade had gone a bit dull toward the end of my first side panel -- even though that one was new in. I seem to remember reading a post about blades quickly going dull when cutting MDF, and it seems that they were right.

I think it was at this point that I missed having a router and a trimming bit to cut out a replica, but mine went on the blink a long time ago, and I haven't needed to replace it yet. This could all change in the next stage when I consider t-molding.

Let me add though, that it really wasn't a problem cutting with the jigsaw. You must take time to do the cuts and use as little effort possible when pushing the blade through. If you do, then you'll be fine. Obviously, you won't get that carbon copy finish, but with a little sanding afterward it's really not a problem.

Anyway, with my newly cut second side, I clamped them both upright and together and started the careful sanding process again so that my 'new' side matched my first. I knew I wouldn't get an exact copy, but want to get it as near as damn it!

After an hour or so, I was complete, and was more than happy with my more labored result!

[ratzz]

Looks great!

You may want to sand down the point edge where the CP goes just a tad. It's not actually that sharp of a point on the game.

Yea, I'd noticed that the other day when I was looking at one. It may also be a little difficult to get t-molding round that tight a bend. Thanks for the tip leapinlew. 

[Malenko]

I love the art, looking forward to the progress

[Neilyboy]

Looking good buddy!! keep up the good work and the photo updates

Neil

[JeepMonkey]

Nice work so far.  I really like the shape of your side panels.

[ratzz]

Thanks for the positive feedback guys -- I really appreciate it at this early stage.

[ratzz]

I've been thinking a lot about my CP, and what I can comfortably fit into the 18" x 6" space I have available to me on the mini style cab.

I would have loved to be able to put a trackball in it, but a 3" may be difficult to fit. I'm not completely sure yet, I'll have to get some measurements together and see.

Here is the pretty basic layout I am considering -- I really don't want things too cramped up.

// Contains:
Happ joystick
Six buttons
Coin button
Player 1 button
Player 2 button

I think I'm going to put a couple of admin buttons on the front of the cab just below the control panel.

[ARTIFACT]

Hey this is a VERY cool project ratzz!!! Awesome...

Have you thought about putting in an U360 joystick instead of the Happ, to load all the maps 2/4/8/rotated/analog ways on the fly? ... I really love that true 4 ways Ms Pac Man AND the other games running smoothly

Watch out with buttons below the CP ... you don't want people to hit them by mistake. On mine I just have an exit button on the far top left corner of the CP.

GOOD LUCK!! post progress and .... LOTS OF PICS of course

[ratzz]

Hey this is a VERY cool project ratzz!!! Awesome...

Have you thought about putting in an U360 joystick instead of the Happ, to load all the maps 2/4/8/rotated/analog ways on the fly? ... I really love that true 4 ways Ms Pac Man AND the other games running smoothly

Watch out with buttons below the CP ... you don't want people to hit them by mistake. On mine I just have an exit button on the far top left corner of the CP.

GOOD LUCK!! post progress and .... LOTS OF PICS of course

Thanks for that Artifact.

I hadn't thought about a U360, but I've just been to have a look at them, and they look pretty cool.

Obviously, I haven't any experience with joysticks (this being my first cab). How do they compare? I assume that because of the analogue factor, they have 'degrees' of sensitivity(?).  Do they have more travel than other joysticks because of this?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Ratzz 

[ARTIFACT]

more travel, yes, however you can buy the restrictor kit and choose what you prefer... i like my U360 standard. its the most versatile stick.

take care!

[ratzz]

Would there be any benefit in having both installed?

[ARTIFACT]

Both with and without a restrictor you mean?

I don't know... I am a "less is more" guy, so I picked 1 kind that met the most "goals" I had as far as being able to play all the different games.
I'd imagine that you'll try the various restrictors (they come together... Divemaster127 carries the U360 and the accessories... bought from him) and you'll like one of the configurations and use that. Same with the "spring" ... I like it standard but they also make a medium and a hard spring I think. I got one but like it regular (some say it's soft)

[ratzz]

Ok, a few updates.

Nothing major to report – my business keeps me pretty busy, and at the moment I seem to spend most of my time working than I do anything else! “All work and no play makes Jack …” bla, bla, bla.

Anyway, I placed an order for some parts and had them delivered recently. After reading all the recommendations, I was convinced to change my original parts order to include a U360. Starwars is one of my all time favourite arcade games, and second to building (or purchasing) a yoke, I’d seen a couple of you had used a U360 to play Starwars and had pretty good results from it. This, and the apparent all round good results it gives to the majority of builders and gamers here, convinced me to pay a few more quid as opposed to be disappointed when I completed the build.

Here’s the parts list from Ultimarc:

3 x , Classic Pushbuttons.
Colour: White
 
7 x , Classic Pushbuttons.
Colour: Black
 
1 x , Mini-PAC Standard. Board Only. (p/n MP1)
Cable Type: USB Cable
 
1 x , Start Logo Pushbuttons.
Logo: Start2
 
1 x , Start Logo Pushbuttons.
Logo: Start 1
 
1 x , UltraStik 360 Oval Top with USB cable
Colour: Black

Now, I’m hoping that my order will work out, and I wanted to keep the colour scheme fairly neutral as I’m thinking of either a black or white cab, but the CP overlay will make the buttons stand out. I have a feeling that I’ve missed out on the harness, but with Ultimarc’s speedy delivery times, I’ll just place an order for anything additional I need. I have also yet to couple anything up in any temporary way to test.

I’ve also been researching front-ends, but am still undecided on which way to go, but I somehow feel that that is going to be the least of my problems!

More updates soon,
Ratzz

[superbigjay]

In the spare time I've had between planning etc., I've also been creating a marquee for the cab
...
Anyway, here is my first draft -- not sure how many more revisions there will be!

Hello Ratzz,

nice progress on the cab.
It's a good idea to work right away on the art since this part can take a lot of time 

Watchout for the text effect vs the background + invaders to make sure they blend well together...

Cheers
Jay 

[ratzz]

In the spare time I've had between planning etc., I've also been creating a marquee for the cab
...
Anyway, here is my first draft -- not sure how many more revisions there will be!

Hello Ratzz,

nice progress on the cab.
It's a good idea to work right away on the art since this part can take a lot of time 

Watchout for the text effect vs the background + invaders to make sure they blend well together...

Cheers
Jay 

Thanks for that.

I know what you mean about the text effects v the background -- I'm undecided as to if there is a little too much going on. I may simplify the design somewhat, or do something that is a little more 2d.

I'm also thinking ahead together with the colour of the t-molding. I want to tie things in together and I've seen some cabs that look really nice because thought has gone into these aspects. I have to admit that there are some that I'm not too keen on because they clash like mad, and the builders seem to have been in too much of a rush to invite mates round to play their new cab. Nothing wrong with that! But I want to be completely happy with the paint and artwork.

Thanks again SuperBigGuy! 

[superbigjay]

I'm also thinking ahead together with the colour of the t-molding. I want to tie things in together
...
But I want to be completely happy with the paint and artwork.

I fully understand and agree with this... (it took me a full month to do my artwork...)

Keep us posted, can't wait to see your progress

Jay 

[ratzz]

Hmmm ... still not decided on  theme!

I loved WOTW musical by Jeff Wayne (and still do - come on, admit it, you do too!), and I think that the artwork by Geoff Taylor on the album covers were fantastic too.

I realise that the attachments are WOTW film theme, but I like the concept and will develop the theme a little more to include some marquees of the Geoff Taylor artwork.

Although the vector game has it's pluses, I don't plan to build the cab round that theme!

I'm leaning toward this though.

[ratzz]

Ok,

I've finally decided to dump from a great height the SiMame theme, and go for the War Of The Worlds theme that is based on the artwork that accompanied the Jeff Wayne musical.

Here is a bit of a (poor) mock-up of what I would like the cab to look like -- needs plenty more work, but it's a starting point.

BTW, thanks go to Nannuu as I edited a picture of one of his as my cab is exactly the same dimensions etc.

[superbigjay]

Looking good Ratzz,

I like that theme 

Will both sides of the cab have the same artwork?

Jay 

[XyloSesame]

Love the new theme; the 1950's WOTW movie was one of my all-time favorites when I was a kid. Scared the crap out of me.

[dmworking247]

This is amazing (and somewhat ironic for me).

I'm building two bartops at the moment (one for me, one for a friend), and my friends one has blue t-molding and he has previously told me he was considering an original  'war of the worlds' theme, but he couldn't picture how it would look.

Your mockups are proof that it can look great... I hope you don't mind if I follow your lead with the artwork for his bartop?

PS: I like the mockup of the overall cabinet artwork... but my suggestion with the marquee is to give it some more detail (something more to be backlit) and lose the 'lense flare' as that is unfortunately associated with 'photoshop newbies' to most people.

[ratzz]

Looking good Ratzz,

I like that theme 

Will both sides of the cab have the same artwork?

Jay 

Not sure yet Jay ... The 'Thunderchild' image is a landscape one, and I was thinking of sending the ship part around the other side -- still needs some adjustments.

The other option would be to put the same image on the other side, I'll have to see how it looks.

Thanks for the input Jay ...

 

[ratzz]

This is amazing (and somewhat ironic for me).

I'm building two bartops at the moment (one for me, one for a friend), and my friends one has blue t-molding and he has previously told me he was considering an original  'war of the worlds' theme, but he couldn't picture how it would look.

Your mockups are proof that it can look great... I hope you don't mind if I follow your lead with the artwork for his bartop?

PS: I like the mockup of the overall cabinet artwork... but my suggestion with the marquee is to give it some more detail (something more to be backlit) and lose the 'lense flare' as that is unfortunately associated with 'photoshop newbies' to most people.

Thanks DM, feel free to follow the theme -- it'll be interesting to see how they both compare.

There is no 'lens flare' on the new mock-up -- its the picture of Horsell Common with the pod. The other more modern theme (taken from the film) does have some lens flare, but I love the way it makes it look like galaxies, or a bright star far away. Lens flare is fine, as long as you don't add it to your children's photos and use it creatively!

Thanks again DM 

[blueznl]

You might use the image of the underground city on the opposite side.

[Level42]

I totaly love War of the Worlds, that is the book, the original movie and Jeff Wayne's masterpiece.
Let's not talk about the Hollywood piece of crap remake of a couple of years ago.....

Anyway, great theme !!!

I think you should maybe zoom out a bit on the "thunderchild" art, because now it's unclear WHAT the tri-pod is shooting....of course everyone who knows the artwork will know, but there are people who don't (believe it or not )....or maybe put it on the other side, the part where the CP extension of the side is allows to show a bit more of the ship I guess....

I really look forward to how this will turn out !! 

[ratzz]

I think you should maybe zoom out a bit on the "thunderchild" art, because now it's unclear WHAT the tri-pod is shooting....of course everyone who knows the artwork will know, but there are people who don't (believe it or not )....or maybe put it on the other side, the part where the CP extension of the side is allows to show a bit more of the ship I guess....

You're quire right -- I have been mulling over that for a while. I was thinking of 'wrapping' the 'thunderchild' artwork round to the other side, but I think that might not really work.

I'll try as you suggested reducing the size of the artwork.

Actually, I've just remembered why I did it that size. It had the 'war of the worlds' text just off to the left of the tripod. Anyway, I'll have a play and post an update.

Thanks Level42 

[ratzz]

Not much to report -- got my controls through and hopefully will be setting them up for a dummy test drive!

[superbigjay]

Not much to report -- got my controls through and hopefully will be setting them up for a dummy test drive!

Be careful, those dummy test drives can take a lot of your time and delay your project 

Jay 

[ratzz]

Not much to report -- got my controls through and hopefully will be setting them up for a dummy test drive!

Be careful, those dummy test drives can take a lot of your time and delay your project 

Jay 

Yea, may get hooked and forget about the real work!

I have a potential problem with the control panel design in the cab, but i'll post more details this week!

Cheers Jay ...

[ratzz]

Added cab size to post one ...

The measurements are the exact size I ended up with after sanding ...

Ratzz

[Franco]

Looking good buddy, loving the WOTW theme 

Heres a virtual beer on me my fellow UK byoac'r   

Are they Sanwa JLW bat tops you have gone for?