Sketch Up for arcade layout planning!

[gibbous]

This proggy is sweet. I was all ready to cut out little top view 2d paper representations of all my games so I could figure out a layout on some graph paper before I start pushing the real, much, much heavier things around, but I decided to try it out. I just whipped up some 3d models based on their real dimensions in no time flat (ok, well, it took an hour or so, but it was well worth it). Borrowed some models from tbombaci (Popeye and Williams cabs). The rest are mine. I put marquees on the Dynamo cabs so I could tell the difference. I didn't care too much about realism, I just wanted to make sure the floor space they take up was accurate. I relied on ggdb for most measurements and measured for myself what they didn't have.

Here's the before pic:

Here's the "eventually" pics:

Outside clockwise from lower left: Punch Out!!, Popeye, Strider, PC10, Pengo, SFII:CE in mystery woodgrain cab, Chase H.Q., Joust, Moon Patrol, Spy Hunter cockpit, then a couple of shelving units flanking my work bench.

Inside group clockwise from lower left: Missle Command, that second Strider is supposed to be an Ikari Warriors, Forgotten Worlds, APB, Vindicators, SFA3 (25" Dynamo), 720

I've figured out that once I get things organized in there, I still have room for four more games. Too bad I can't sketchup some more money.

Anyway, I wouldn't mess with those online room planners. Get sketchup, at a minimum draw up some large boxes to the right dims and start planning.... It was a breeze to use. I can also share these models if anyone needs them. Or if you find or create better looking (but still accurately sized) ones, let me know....

 

[VectorJunkie]

That's great! I have played around with sketchup before, but never anything arcade related.

-VJ

 

[_sentient_]

thats rather sweet. It definatly gives you an real idea of how space you have in that room.

 

[spanks_4]

720 had an i-robot shape to it?

anyways MY thougts: Ditch the shelves because then you have room for my games and lets not kid ourselves you will have more!

junk the desk with that laptop on it also. that is at least one/two games depending on size.

Make the kitchen table INSIDE the house your work space for games. Just a suggestion for more more more games!

 

[Radiac]

That's pretty sweet, but where's the Megalo?

 

[Spyridon]

Nice work.

Plus you have the rare red Punch-Out!!. Must have been a prototype.

 

[slac]

sweet layout. Is it the layout of the garage?

Once you pack it with games where would you have room to fix any future games?

 

[incrediblegamez]

what is the size of the room?

 

[gibbous]

That's pretty sweet, but where's the Megalo?

The Meg and the Tempest cabaret are inside. But here they are as their virtual selves.

I could put them in the garage as well, if I wanted. The Meg is running MAME and the kids have no problem reaching the controls. Plus it's nice for a quick gaming fix. So it's inside. I'm trying to see how high I can score on the Tempest, so it's inside as well (109k on TG tournament settings).

 

[gibbous]

sweet layout. Is it the layout of the garage?

Once you pack it with games where would you have room to fix any future games?

Well, there's a little room there between the desk and the side door. I could leave one space open as swing space for working on games. I don't want to fill it all the way up for that reason, but, as spanky implied, it's probably inevitable....

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

 

[gibbous]

what is the size of the room?

It's about 20'x21' If I were to get rid of all the shelving and the work-desk, I think I could fit in at least 11-12 more. But I need a work space, and I need storage. I also will have two over head storage racks for storage of crap like Xmas lights, keep sakes, and baby stuff. I'll probably hang them over the center.

 

[planters49]

That is a good program to use, I did the same thing you did for my basement arcade.