13. Thoughts so far, or great expectations
I have not been enjoying this build.
but I need to elaborate.
A programmer friend once told me that I would be an excellent beta tester because I always seem to find that combination of inputs that seizes up the computer.
I am also a creative person. Often if i make something, it comes out of nowhere. The last major thing I built was this arcade machine running MAME:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,144934.msg1506839.html#msg1506839
and this custom light gun for the NES
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,154751.msg1623276.html#msg1623276
this gives you an idea of the skill set I have. Not a master craftsman by any means, but able to come up with novel ideas and solutions. In my mind then this is at one end of the creative spectrum. Another sort of creative pursuit are things like LEGO or Mechano. In the case of making one of those models the goal is clear, and there are explicit instructions to get you there. This is at the other end of the spectrum.
So, sometimes I like the OCD hypnosis of something like LEGO (I have a kit ready to start on actually) and sometimes I want the immersion of creating something from scratch, like my arcade machine with glass control panel and touch controls. With the Bushcat kit I was really expecting a giant Mechano set. But it’s not that. How can it be? Mechano have made millions and millions of sets and had maybe a century to perfect their system. My Bushcat kit however is number 231. And a hell of a lot more complicated than a Mechano set! This ‘model’ is a continuous work in progress. There are typos in the instructions, missing or wrong sized bolts. There are sections where you really have to use your initiative and work out what it is they are trying to tell you.
so then, this is not a scratch built arcade machine, but nor is it a Mechano set.
But Mechano is what I was expecting. Every step perfectly defined. Every part present and correct. So I am struggling because of my false expectations. So each time there is a problem, I really start to get down about it. Maybe because then I’m not sure what the right thing to do is. With one of my scratch built projects, the right thing to do is whatever comes to mind. The solution is correct so long as I am happy with that solution.
However, I have been told this kit is one of the easier ones and the manual one of the most complete. I think if you are a prospective buyer, be clear about what you expect. For most people, it will be all you expected it to be. For those rare few Beta Testers like me, you may struggle.
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