Da Bears Arcade - Concept & rendering

[Interstate90]

After reading my fair share of posts and reading about every project under the sun, I have decided to start my own cab.

I plan to have a 6 button layout, in a slight curve. Trackball, Spinner, and a few admin buttons. I might want a dedicated 4 way, just haven't found a good spot to put it. I have the computer hardware laying around which I plan to use for the first build. A P4 laptop, which I plan to mount inside. I also have a 19" LCD monitor laying around (which is in the rendering), I might use it - or find a used TV somewhere. I am in no rush to build, and haven't ordered any parts yet.

The cabinet is loosely based off of knivel's design, I modeled it after his measurements. I made some modifications, changed the CP a bit.

I live in an apartment complex, so I need this thing a bit smaller. I recently sold my old contracting van which means I have to haul this in my trunk   I plan to make the frame out of 1" square steel, using a welder and a cut off saw. Most likely using carriage bolts to keep it together (painting the tops to match). I want to replace the 3/4" MDF side panels with 1/4" or something a bit thinner, I havent looked into it much. I will probably end up building it in 2 pieces, a top and bottom. I have been messing around in sketch-up, just havent seen anything I like.

I wanted the colors to be a bit different from the usual. I originally wanted orange, then blue looked good with it. Then it dawned on me that the Bears colors would look the best. I just need to order a test piece of the "pac-man orange" T-Moulding I found for a color match.
Anyone know the RGB value? or have some estimation of the color?

My buddy is a painter and will help me spray the cab. I am thinking about going with a oil based paint, since the latex will not hold up very long. I am sure I can get a color match via Home Depot. Any suggestions on brand/type of paint?

The Marquee art will probably change, as will the name. I just havent figured out anything I like. The CP art will definitely change, it was slapped together in 5 mins and was just to give an estimation. If I end up going with my 19" LCD, I will make some art for the surround

The 'Space Invaders' I plan to keep 3D, using 3/4" or 1/2" MDF. Rough cut it with a skil-saw, finish with a jig saw. If it becomes too much of a problem, I might just lay vinyl. My wife works for a trade show supplier, so I can probably get a discount.




This is my first model with sketch-up, so let me know what you think. I will also gladly share my sketchup file with everyone when I am finished modeling it. I will also share my collection of sketch-up arcade cabinet parts, as it took me forever to find ideas. I just dont know exactly where I got every part. I hate to piss off an author of a model for not giving credit.


So, to those people who have completed their projects:
Any ideas or changes you would make to this design?
Any things I should take note of before committing to this Cab?
Any suggestions for a CP Layout?

Thanks,

Interstate

[meany]

I think Home Depot sells NFL colors.  I think Glidden make them.

http://www.mostcolorfulfan.com/sweepstakes.php

[Octo]

I can dig the 3D Space Invaders on the side. I used some 3/4" pine scrap I had lying around to make my magic, mosaic mushroom... 

[n88n]

good to see a Bears fan around these parts.  Lets hope your cab turns out better than our season.   

[wp34]

good to see a Bears fan around these parts.  Lets hope your cab turns out better than our season.   

+1

[Interstate90]

I think Home Depot sells NFL colors.  I think Glidden make them.

http://www.mostcolorfulfan.com/sweepstakes.php

Thanks. I will pick up a swatch of the colors sometime over the next few days. I am still contemplating how I am going to chop this thing in half.

[emphatic]

I did my MAME build in two parts: http://www.emphatic.se/mamecabinet/

Might be helpful to you.