Making a MEGA Systems Cabinet (WORK IN PROGRESS)

Most of you who frequent this section of the forums are probably familiar with my work such as the custom blue neo-geos:



Or my custom MEGA machine:



Well, my goal with arcades and what I feel is my place here in this scene is to completely push the limits of what can be done with an American style cabinet. Starting with my life long love and experience as a designer and artist, I first create designs that I think define what the arcades meant to me, and work around them to build exciting custom machines that have just as much visual impact as they do high performance design and parts.

Here are some examples of what I am doing design wise:





My newest project is one I am extremely excited about. It all started with this cab:



It's a pretty beat up capcom bowling cab, however it is exactly the style and size I was looking for.

Then came the work, stripping the cab of all its components, removing all the decals filling any holes and sanding it to a glass like finish:



Then a few layers of primer was applied:



And then...

My father (a sign painter by trade) and I began to actually paint the art work, this process is a lot of work it requires alot of skill and a very steady hand.

We use only the finest sign paint called one shot, which can be up to 40 dollars for a pint...however it dries with absolutely no brush strokes what so ever and is nearly impossible to scratch or fade.

Ok guys as a treat and because I just could not stand to keep this in hiding I bring you the Mega Systems ONI!!!!

This is just a work in progress as you can tell the areas that are white need to be painted, plus there is some light touch ups to do on the art.



I am so excited about this cab. I have budgeted around a grand for the monitor and controls, so I am not going to slack on this puppy. Of course again all the art will be custom made as far as the marquee and control panel are concerned.

What do you dudes think???!!!!

That paint is insane. Great job as always Chris.

damn chris that shit is crazy looking. If I still liked American cabs, I'd be ll over that.......On a side note, how much you want for that capcom bowling pcb, including trackball etc.........

god that shit looks sweet as hell, can't wait to see when it done, keep up the good work chris

looks absoluteley fantastic

im not really into US style cabs tho, you should go to work on a candy sometime

Thanks a ton guys for the kind words.

Not really sure what kind of games are going into this cab yet. All I know at this point is its going to have a 27" monitor of some kind, probably tri-sync.

I really really do not plan to stop making cabs like this for a long time. My eventual goal is to have a huge arcade full of all custom cabs like this, with each one more exciting than the next...

...that's beautiful man...

the blue MVS is still your masterpiece but that is just sick.

Whoah dude thats freakin nasty! I'm loving the color scheme. Even though it would feel really weird (cuz its meant to be played on a candy) you should put Guwange in there. The theme would match the cab perfectly!

Forgive me for my ignorance, but who is "Mega Systems"? Is this the fantasy company name you've given to these beauties?

-Big Bill

Yeah bill thats pretty much it. It may seem a little silly but I figure I should chose a name I like and stick with it. That way, I can start to build a name and people will start asking for cabs, hopefully.

Anyhow, thanks for all the kind words you guys. They really help encourage me to keep this going.

Chris.

Man, what a beaut that cab is. I'm a graphics designer as well and I love you work. The lines and design of you art is top notch. Keep it going my man.

soooo cooool. choose a game for it wisely, it will have to live up to the art. I can't wait to see it finished.

You have the nicest looking woodies ever man, for real.

dubdubdub said:

You have the nicest looking woodies ever man, for real.

Click to expand...

I hope he doesn't take that the wrong way.

So whats the monitor orientation going to be? How about the control panel? What layout are you rolling with?

-B

I think I am going horizontal monitor, like I said nothing smaller than 27 inch, unless I just cant find one that really impresses me then I guess 25. Six button dynamo layout. Maybe sanwa parts, perhaps happs (I love them both but all my friends hate japanese controls, and after all, I do this for the bros).

I can post the art that I have created for the control panel and marquee as soon as I get home.

Working with that color scheme is a challenge, it's tough not to fall into some weird nu-metal hot-topic looking shit. But I think I got it down after some work.

Let me take the time to say a big thanks to everyone again, especially people who work with graphics all the time like dub and jedah doma, your approval is crucial, shit means alot to me.

You know, I know that I can never turn people away from loving candies...that's not my goal anyhow, I love them too! I guess I just want people to stop associating amercian cabs with being big ugly black eyesores. I feel bad when dudes rip on american cabs...almost like they are making fun of a retarded cousin or something...heh heh.

demirichris said:

...almost like they are making fun of a retarded overweight cousin or something...heh heh.

Click to expand...

haha fixed...

post....more....pics!

FANTASTIC work

Heading over to my dad's place tonight, going to finish the black painting on both sides hopefully.

I will snap some more shots. Get some super close ups too, so you dudes can see how the paint looks up close.

Here are some updated photos...now one side is finished.







Now the hard part of getting the right monitor...

That's damn good Chris!

Decided on a game for it yet?

Yep, that black really finished it up. The contrast is the best part about the whole thing. It's so hard to make a high contrast pink work with other colors. The other colors you choose, along with the black outline for seperation, really meld the whole thing together without the pink looking like an eyesore. Put that cab in any arcade and you'd swear that Mega was a real company who makes badass cabs.

BTW: I imagine if you got ahold of the right buyers you could sell these things off for a decent profit.

I dont hate on American cabs cause there ugly.....I hate on em cause there heavy

Open up a "gallery" to show your absolutely beautiful cabs!



.

I can't wait to see more pics of this cab.

It makes me wish I had more room at home.....and money.

Its like a skateboard....but better