What is this all about?


I like steampunk, Harper Goff (designed the disney Nautilus from 20,000 leagues) and Kenneth Strickfaden (set designer and prop builder for Boris Karloff's Frankenstein. I thought it would be fun to combine all that into a MAME (multiple arcade machine emulator) cabinet to play video games and use as a jukebox. I found all kinds of inspiration at places like Stelter Creative's website, The Steampunk Workshop and many others. The cabinet wouldn't be nearly as fun or interesting were it not for my CarveWright carving machine, which I use almost every day. I used it for the Lithopanes and the marquee sign and much more. One last note, the image of Frankenstein in the lithopane is from a piece of art by Rick Baker (DaVinci of the special effects makeup world IMHO).


I hope you enjoy it.


Oh, yeah...I know those of you who are serious about MAME cabinets will beat me up for using the pre-made x-arcade controller...please forgive my current lack of electronics wizardry in this matter.

I've been contacted by some of you who are interested in plans...if you go to:

http://mirrors.arcadecontrols.com/OscarControls/unnamed/index.shtml

you can find the base plan I used. I modified it in several ways: I used 1/2" plywood instead of 3/4 (the 1/4" trim still gives you a 3/4 edge) and lengthened the base. I also changed the width a bit and modified the shape of the control panel.

Friday, September 25, 2009

It's alive I tell you!




 
 
 

8 comments:

  1. Absolutely outstanding...what a fantastic piece of art, and I really mean that. This must have taken a LOT of hard work.

    The whole "too much time on your hands" critique drives me crazy, too...I think there are just certain activities that make people feel insecure, particularly whimsical art like this.

    Please produce more!!!

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  2. A phenominal piece you have created. A great showpiece of craftsmanship and imagination. As for the comments of "time", that is a matter of personal discretion, for some a walk in the park is relaxing, for other creating a piece of art with their own hands is just as enjoyable, or in most cases more enjoyable than any one relaxing moment.

    It appears that there is a monitor behind the lower door, or is that just lighting when it is open?

    Do the old style gauges above the control pannel have a working function on the machine or strictly decoration?

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  3. Wonderful!!!! And a great use of your time!!
    When people say stuff like they, it is because they are intimidated. And they should be, because your cabinet is EPIC!

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