Optimus Prime, Pack 2

[Mark A]

Hi All,

In Pack 2, we build the LEFT arm and shoulder. It is pretty straightforward overall, but there are a few tricky spots to be aware of. The entire pack took me about 3 hours to assemble and is mostly screwing parts together.

***Of note is that there is an exact count on the nuts and bolts, so don’t lose any!***

 

Steps 1-2

Pretty simple to assemble. You’ll note in later pictures I forgot to add part TR-2-17, but this is an easy fix later should you do the same. Use 2x of the PB2-4mm screws to secure the halves together. Add the stack cap and the first step is done!

Steps 3-5

Care is needed in these steps as the parts have a specific orientation, and since glue is used, you want to get it right the first time! There is a large “peg” on part TR-2-33 that fits into a slot on the assembly from step one. MAKE SURE THAT THE NOTCHED END OF PART TR-2-33 IS AT THE TOP OF THE ASSEMBLY! It will fit both ways around, so pay attention. In step 5, the part TR-2-40 is found in tray 3. I was busy crawling around on the floor looking for it, before I realized this! I used CA glue to secure this part in place.

Steps 6-11

There is a lot going on in these steps as you create the shoulder joint. Step 6 has you make the first part of the shoulder. Using the provided hex wrench, I was able to get the posts quite secure, thanks to the provided lock washers. (There is 1 extra of these) Step 7 is the block that the shoulder slides in and out on. This step is simple. Again, use the hex wrench, and get the bolts plenty tight.

Step 8 is a bit tricky. The bolt used in part TR-2-46 has two flat sides. It is IMPORTANT that these flats be orientated correctly, else part TR-2-30 (step 11) will not fit correctly. These flat sides are not easy to see, so pay attention.

Step 9 is straightforward, as is step 10.

Step 11 is where the importance of having the two flat sides mentioned in step 8 comes into play. If not, it’s time to undo a bunch of work!

Step 12 is adding the shoulder joint to the assembly from steps 1 and 2. Its very straightforward.

Steps 13-16

In these steps, we start boxing in the shoulder. Both side panels are added on with 4 PB2.3x6 screws.

Steps 17-22

In these steps, we create the upper arm. There is a lot going on, but assembly is simple. In step 17, you’ll want to make sure you get part TR-2-16 in place correctly. The long, flat portion of the part attaches to the housing, TR-2-11, while the angled portion is free at this point. Step 18 is the other side of the housing. Steps 19-21 are the pivots for the upper arm/shoulder joint. Take care not to overtighten parts TR-2-22 & 23, or the arm will not pivot freely. I tightened it up, then backed off the bolts until I got a snug, but freely moving assembly. It is a trial and error process. Step 22 is the last part of the upper arm assembly.

Steps 23-25

These steps are VERY fiddly, as there really is no good way of holding the nuts in place as you try to start the bolts. I held them as level as I could, and spun the bolt until a thread caught, then I made sure I was not cross-threading the nut onto the bolt. This step is a bit tedious for this reason, but it’s only 4 bolts so I survived!

*** Make sure you “rock” the arm assembly into place as it will fit no other way. Note the orientation of the arm assembly by referencing step 25****

Steps 26-27

Simple stuff here!

Steps 28-32

We add detail parts to the shoulder housing in these steps. Step 29 takes some thought as the louver orientation was a bit difficult to decipher. The best way I can phrase it is that the louvers should slope DOWN and AWAY as you look at the assembly from step 28. Step 30 has us attaching the assembly to the top of the shoulder. Step 31 is assembling the shoulder panel, and in step 32, we SLIDE it into place.

Steps 33-38

In these steps, we are blinging out the shoulder with several silver inset pieces. These simply snap into place, or are screwed in the case of part TR-2-34, which is inserted into part TR-2-36. (steps 33 & 34) Step 35 affixes the previous assembly onto the shoulder using a bit of CA glue. Step 36 is adding two brackets to the last bit of shoulder housing, and then this is also slid into place on the shoulder.

Steps 38-40

In step 38,we screw the panel into place, and cover the hole with the piece of trim which snaps into place.  The Optimus Prime emblem is then snapped into place on the shoulder panel. Step 39 consists of adding a cover to the shoulder/arm joint, and is held in place with 3 PB2-4 screws. Step 40 is adding a cover plate to the joint to hide the screws.

 

VOILA! Finished for another month! Store everything away safely, with a bit of padding.