Journey Restoration Dedicated MAME

[ArtMAME]

I am proud to announce that my Journey cabinet restoration is now playable. 

Started out with a Tetris conversion that some of you may have seen on Hellcade.

[ArtMAME]

And here is the progress so far.

[ArtMAME]

And here is the saga so far:

OK, after messing with a lot of OPP (other people's projects), I have finally started on my Journey project.

I got this cabinet as a beat up Tetris conversion for about $35.  Had to drive about 100 miles each way (back in October 07 when fuel prices were a little bit better).  No CP, hellacious Tetris burn-in on the monitor, frayed bottom corners and edges... what a mess. 

The only original parts left on it were the transformer/power supply assembly, marquee brackets, coin door, some inner tags including a voucher for a replacement journey tape when presented to Bally Midway.

You really don't see Journey cabinets on Ebay very often, so I jumped on this one.  It sat in my garage until recently when I got ready to tackle it.

[ArtMAME]

I stripped the cabinet completely to clean it up.

I sanded and bondoed the frayed edges to see how good I could get them.  They came out OK, and I tried to re-build the corners with bondo, but I did not get them 100%.  I determined that I would just go ahead and sand down the entire sides and repaint.

I used Glidden Grey primer applied with a foam roller (2 coats), then sand lightly and use Valspar Satin Navy spray paint in a rattle can.  It was very close to the original color.

The front panel only had one major scuff on it so I just lightly sanded and sprayed over the entire front panel, came out nice.

I sprayed black part of the inner sides with Rustoleum Satin Black to freshen them up.

[ArtMAME]

Applied toy blue T-molding.  Can't wait for the Marquee and CPO to arrive.  This machine is going to look sweet!!!

Spray painted the original speaker grills using Walmart Grey Primer in a rattle can and Rustoleum Black satin.

[ArtMAME]

I was able to acquire a control panel that would fit on this machine (thanks Crowquill).  It came from a Blueprint that was converted to some JAMMA game.  I stripped the old overlay, and fixed the extra holes.  I used plywood glued to the underside of the CP, then I bondoed the extra holes and drilled out the ones I would use. Primed the CP and sprayed the center hole black.

[ArtMAME]

When test-fitting the CP (which was actually from a Blueprint) machine, I found that it would put too much pressure on the bezel glass, so I relieved it by straightening out the CP clamps a as much as I could.  Did not want to break the original Journey Bezel which I was able to get from another forum member (thanks ablizno!!!)

I mounted a 19" PC monitor by installing a plywood shelf, then using lumber and plywood to block it in.  This is always a challenge.   I spay painted the plastic bezel on the PC monitor.

[ArtMAME]

I got the marquee from MAMEmarquees and just sandwiched it between some 0.93 in thick plexiglass. 

Got the CP overlay from Oleszak Creations.  Looks awesome!!!

[ArtMAME]

I used a Keywiz Economy model to wire up the buttons and joystick.  Bolted on the coin door, hooked up the speakers, put the PC in there and VIOLA!!!

Well there it is...

Still got a black Midway kickplate I have to install, as well as secure the PC inside, neaten up  the wire bundles inside, make a back door, replace the marquee flourescent fixture... etc...

I fired up the machine, and made it to the bonus round on my first game!!! It was so awesome.  Got to move this one into the game room real soon.

[wp34]

Very nice job and unique idea.  Adding that original bezel really sets it off.

I had kicked around doing something similiar because I was a big fan of Journey back in the day.  Not the game so much but the band and the designs they used on their album covers (and your arcade cabinet).  I had not thought of grabbing an original bezel.  That really set yours over the top!

[Franco B]

That looks lovely 

Awesome transformation.

I can't say I have played Journey but I hear it talked about plenty enough, Ill have to go check it out.

[BUCKETHEAD]

You know im proud of you on this one !

That my friend is beautiful ! Simply Beautiful!

You did an awesome job!   

Please remember the measurements for us JOURNEY fans.

You are Da Man !

[missioncontrol]

awesome man... I applaud your effort...   


kudos

[ablizno]

Glad u got to using that bezel so quickly. This is an absolutely beautiful restore. You did a wonderful job.

[ArtMAME]

Here is a Youtube video of the bonus round:

[BUCKETHEAD]

I have gotten to the Bonus Round many times.

Very cool stuff!

[Axe]

Wow, talk about bringing b ack the memories!

i was a little too young to really have gotten into Journey as a younger little bugger, but I remember well kids a little older than me LOVING this game at the local arcade....

Never saw it restored though, sweet cab man!

[ArtMAME]

Repro Sideart just became available!!! WooHoo!!!

http://www.thisoldgame.com/New_TOGpages/CabArt/Journey.htm

I ordered myself some this morning!!!

[wp34]

Post some pics when you get the art applied.   That is a nice cab.

[telengard]

Awesome, inspiring restoration!

Always stunk at this game for some reason, but I enjoy it a lot.

Will you be doing the Journey music tape loop thingie in the cabinet too?

~telengard

[ArtMAME]

The tape player is emulated in MAME so it plays "Separate Ways" after you finish the 5 mini rounds.  I believe you can substitute any MP3 file in the samples directory so it can play a different song. 

It's pretty awesome!!!

[telengard]

The tape player is emulated in MAME so it plays "Separate Ways" after you finish the 5 mini rounds.  I believe you can substitute any MP3 file in the samples directory so it can play a different song. 

It's pretty awesome!!!

Wow, didn't know MAME emulated that.  *Very* cool!  I might have to practice now so I can get past the 5 musician rounds.

~telengard

[ArtMAME]

Wow, didn't know MAME emulated that.  *Very* cool!  I might have to practice now so I can get past the 5 musician rounds.

~telengard

Here you go mah bruthah:

http://mrdo.mameworld.info/journey.html

I believe you need at least build .109 to have tape player emulation support.  I am running build .109 on my cabinet but the jetpack sound doesn't work.  I tried Build .129 on my desktop and the jetpack sounds do work but I had trouble completing the 5 mini-rounds.  I will have to install build .129 on my cabinet soon.