Since finishing my last project, I’ve been itching to get onto something new.
My first desire to was to build a Tempest upright from scratch or source an original machine in need of some love and restore it. Lack of available Tempest machines (for restoration) and vector monitors + game boards (for a scratch build) has put that plan on hold – for now. I did investigate Tempest VectorVGA as an alternative but the price was off putting and in the end they are not making any more. Unable to locate an existing unit for sale left that at a dead end.
Another project I’ve been considering is building a Galaxian machine. The artwork is awesome and it would complement my Galaga machine nicely. I have most of the planning for this sorted and a parts list constructed.
I even began investigating the construction of a lowboy as they are quite popular and I have a nice 68cm TV sitting here that would be perfect with a new chassis for arcade gaming.
But I was then distracted by a Pole Position 2 cab a few weeks back that was for sale on the Aussie Arcade forums. This struck me as an interesting project to work on. It was mostly there – just needed some attention. I was pretty excited about the prospect of it being my next project. Sadly I just missed out on it.
Amazingly, another one shows up a few weeks later, and within driving distance too!.
Although lacking some things like original side part, bezel artwork and dashboard – it’s mostly there and contains a working Pole Position 2 PCB. I picked it up over the weekend brought it home.
There are a number of things I’m going to be doing to it to restore it to a level I’ll be happy with and consider “complete”.
The most obvious thing is the artwork and bezel. Replacing the worn t moulding is another. Fixing the coin mech, locks and servicing the shifter, pedals and steering wheel. I’d like to source a dashboard for it too. (If anyone has / has access to / knows of a PP cockpit dashboard – please contact me! ) My son has also requested I add doors and wheels, but not sure I’ll go that far.. 🙂
I’ll be posting about it’s progress here over the coming weeks and months. Bit by bit. I’ll be posting more photos as my attention is focused on each bit so it will hopefully show the improvement.
It’s a pretty exciting project – and a fun game to play!