Drama-free Proton Pack build...

GeneralFROSTY

I'm going to have to load up on Advil because this project is going to give me plenty of headaches.

Having recently finished my Rocketeer jetpack, I have enough confidence to start looking at the Proton Pack - a considerably more complicated prop to build.

Having joined the GB Fans forum, I am still in the "research" mode, but have already made a number of kit part purchases (Nickatron) and will be starting with the Proton Gun (aka Particle Thrower, aka Neurtono Wand) and treat it as its own individual prop build.

My intent is to install a light kit (Jupiter Electronics on Ebay) and corresponding sound kit (CRIX, also on Ebay). Since installing electronics scares to heck out of me, I will be sure to go slow and do my homework.

Why is my thread titled "Drama-free" you ask?
I won't go into details, but lets just say I feel more safe posting a build thread here than over at GB Fans for the time being....

Once I start getting parts in the mail, I can post photos and such.
I'd like to keep my thread positive, so if you have experience building a Proton Pack and would like to contribute suggestions and support, please feel free!

Rusty85

Haha, yep some of the guys over there can be sticklers. Starting with the gun first is interesting, most everyone I know starts with the pack first. Good luck though, let me know if I can help with anything. The research alone takes quite a while.

slave1pilot

It's not that they are sticklers, it's that there are some real a-holes there.

protokev

I've built three, with all the bells and whistles, so if you have any questions I'll try to help.

There's so many ways to skin the cat that it's hard to just blanket suggest without questions being posed

Mooniteman

2nd that.

Weequay

Good luck with the build mate!

It is a massive shame that GB fans is the way it is. As said, it it mostly due to a small number of total ass holes, and bandwagon jumpers

Much safer here

Weequay

EvilRocketeer

Sounds like the perfect place for you I keed I Keed

Anyways, I guess you can add me to the list of people trying/in process to complete a proton pack

I just got this shell a few days ago......It's the best shell on the market right now. I recommend it..The BowelRock

Onkelpsycho

Yep, good luck...

Still having a shell somewhere, I have to finish... I start with the backpack itself... It looks a lot easiert than the gun.

I want to add light and sound at the end, also thought about to purchase a "ready to build in lights" gun, because Im not very talented with small parts, drilling small holes here and there, and put tiny cable through...

Hell, I'm a man. Building Jurassic Park T-Rex Fence Diorama in 1:1. Bigger is better.

But serious: Sometimes I think, people can't do something wrong with all these kits available...

What scares me, is the paint job. I have bad memories here...

So, I hope this time the paint job will be easier and better...

Till now the loss was not to high... I just destroyed a HGA and a booster frame Damn driller...



anyway, good luck... If you need help, Im sure here are some ghostheads, who are willing to help:

First you should start with this thread, very helpful and best reference for your own build:

V71 MarkX builds UPDATED 10/03 My pack done w/ CRIX sound - Community - Ghostbusters Fans Forum

Luke Warmwater

I joined GBFans forum to do my homework on the pack and was turned off by the outright meanness there. I haven't been back since I completed my costume.

Dakarn

GBFans is great for reference material but forget asking questions and such.

Did my build about a year ago including lights and sound - almost from the same sources as yours. Just installed a Crix soundboard, have Jupiter gun lights and zombierepellant pack lights. More than happy to answer any questions you have.

slave1pilot

We've been working on our build for a few months.
Here's the blog about it;
Ghostbusters Nerds – GB Nerds

Mxlplx

I'm in the same boat here, been collecting parts for nearly 10 years! Yeah, I know, get to building! I've been a member on GBfans since it's inception, but have maybe 5 posts. I like the collective we have here!

oblagon

Built a few proton packs this year and it's not as difficult of a project as it looks. Just be sure to measure everything a few times before drilling, plan things out before mounting and you'll be fine.
Sounds like you already picked up a Nick-a-tron thrower; if you decide to go the aluminum route this seller comes highly recommended. Welcome to Dimensional Fabrications - Fabrication Taken To The Next Dimension

GeneralFROSTY

I'd like to quote everyone in my reply, but that will just get my post looking too repeatative - so I want to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to all my trusted fellow RPFers.
I knew I wasn't making a mistake posting this thread here. It seems there are far too many folks over there that would sooner cuss you out before offering any encouragement or support. Very sad.
You know, we have a saying over at COW: "Come for the gear, stay for the people".
How true that is.
I'm starting with the wand first as I want to get the most complicated thing out of the way. I have the kit on order from Nickatron and getting the remainder of the parts from MulitMediaMayem.
Once I have everything I need, I will start posting progress photos and invite all of you experienced Ghostheads to join in and offer feedback and support.
If anything, this thread can help any newbies to building the pack see how it is done from start to finish without having to feel stupid for asking questions elsewhere.

Paranormal

Can't wait to watch your progress Frosty, hopefully I can get mine started soon as well, shooting for January. Like you said, aspirin will be a good friend lol. Thanks for the recommendation btw. Love the forum so far!

tripoli

Yep, GBfans can get a bit rabid there. The Ohio guys seem to be extremely fractured when it comes to trying to get them together, just shocked me over at the GB board that they can be so inhospitable at times.

Great to be a GB fan here as most of the RPF just loves to build and collect in general and there are enough members her that you will almost always find a helpful person when you need such.

Good luck on getting the pack done, its not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, just a bit intimidating when you build your first one. I hope to work on my fourth one this spring as well, been slowly putting away parts and pieces myself for the next one.

Onkelpsycho

Maybe, if you have questions, you can also try Proptopia...

It was my first prop forum, I've joined... Its small, but if you have a questions you always get an answer, even if it takes sometimes a few days...

RedSpecial

Hi GeneralFROSTY, It sounds like you're on the right track so far (Nickatron's stuff is gorgeous)
I started with the wand too, its a great starting point and you'll pick up a ton of techniques that you can use for the main build, which should make it a heck of alot easier in the long run.
The best advice that I can offer is just to do as much research as you can.
The Proton pack is one of those props that has so many little quirks and details that are easy to miss.
Also don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how daft you might think the question is 99% of the time someone will have the answer you need.
I know it can be quite daunting but its always good to break these things down into to-do lists.
that way you can use your time effectively and make sure that everything comes together the way you want it to.

Good luck with the build, I'll be following it closely

Oh and thanks for the kind comments on my build album

GeneralFROSTY

Great to see you guys here! So happy you took my recommendation to join, Paranormal!

You kinda have to be careful asking questions over at GB Fans, and thanks to Tripoli for his advice here as well!

Here is where I am at with parts n such:
Ordered from Nickatrons website Nickatron props | Movie prop replica specialists
-Gun kit
-Booster frame
-Ion arm
-Bumper
-Pack hose set
-Resin Clippard R331 (though I think I may buy a real one)
-Resin pack resistor set (Would have preferred real ones, but the way I paint, these will look just as good!)
-Hollow-cast HGA
-Metal handles (for particle thrower)
I've also purchased a complete set of brass fittings and Legris elbows (the modern-day replacement versions) from GBF member JayStantz.
The elusive "straight fittings" were purchased from the GBF Shop.
From GBF member jimbo7 I have on order a machined aluminum Tip Converter (for the particle thrower)
I am currently on the wait list of GBF member DL4567 for his gorgeous fiberglass pack shell which should be available for me in about a month or two.
I am waiting to hear back from Colin at www.multimediamayem.net about purchasing all the additional parts for the particle thrower that is NOT included with Nick's kit. He is getting a price quote ready for me.
Jupiter Electronics Jupiter Electronics - TV and movie props will be customizing a full pack and wand light kit for me. Their wand light kit does not come standard with two of the six lights on the gun, so I am having them custom wire up the extra lights.
Contrary to what was sold before, these kits now come standard with the correct DPDT switches to allow intergration with a sound kit.
I am planning on purchasing the sound kit from on CRIX (aka heavyprops on eBay) Ghostbusters Proton Pack SOUND KIT Electronics! | eBay

So that is where I am at! Sorry for the super-long post. Until I get items and photos to share, it helps me figure all this out by talking about it and getting my thoughts organized.

Rusty85

You should do a good "How To" on connecting the sound chip and light kit, those are probably the same ones I'll be using and frankly it scares me to think of installing it all

GeneralFROSTY

Rusty, you and I seem to be a lot alike. It scares the **** out of me! The last time I tried wiring something up, I gave up on the project so I am very scared based on my track record.

But I AM 100% commited with this one and will be sure to post detailed photos explaining my process as best I can.
Thank you for your support.

Hotshot

I could tell you stories that would curl your hair . . . .

protokev

I must warn you that the MMM parts are going to pale in comparison to nicks. MMM is a nice guy, but his casts leave some to be desired.

GeneralFROSTY

I'm down to have my hair curled. Fire away at those stories!

I am well aware of MMMs reputation with garage-kit quality parts - fortunately, I am getting very few items from him and they are all parts that can easily be cleaned up. If I were getting his gun body, I may be worried more - I have seen buyer pics of his raw kit and YES, it does look to need a lot of TLC.

Mr.Spider

Ive built 4 packs myself scratch built and shells ... Using all kinds of parts and scratch bits etc... Gbfans can be rough, just gotta have a roughskin.

Good luck to you on the build, anything i can help with let me know : )


Feel free to over look over my build threads as i have a recipe for a shock mount using washers and black foam sheets ... Cheap and easy lol