WIP-Proton Pack/wand tutorials/tips!Weathering! Update 10-17

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand and prop shop! 5-28

Great update, your doing a incredible job!!! How hard was it to file the motherboard?

Thanks a lot!!! I got a two-sided file at Home Depot. It took some time and a some potty mouth words to get it done! :lol Seriously, it didn't took that long and it wasn't that hard. Aluminum is a nice metal to work with. Although, I had to do it in a two night interval because I kinda made a lot of noise filing, and it was late at night, so I decided to stop and not bother the neighbors. Hehehe

great work, man! exoray's shell is an absolute work of art. are you planning on detailing the gun light kit install? i'm planning to tackle that this summer...

Yep! Not only his shells, but also his kits are top notch! I am waiting for Exoray's wand light kit as we speak. I'll later order his pack light kit as well. That's why I actually haven't finished the wand, yet. I wanted to install the light kit first, but you know...I can't wait to paint it! Maybe I will paint it tomorrow and install the kit afterward.

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand and prop shop! 5-28

Update and some tips on attaching the motherboard:

I took Vinny's awesome tutorial http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11972 and used it as a guide to attach my motherboard. Along the way I found some tips that could be of some help. This might be a little "companion" to his outstanding tutorial.

The one I found more useful: hot glue gun. It's great to create a temporary fix until you find the best place to place your brackets. If the position doesn't work, pull it off, scrape the glue and add some more. I "typed" a letter "Z" on my bracket, to create an even glue area. Not only that, but it also creates a nice grip, along with clamps to help drill. The hot glue gun can go a long way! All my brackets held in place while drilling.

Brackets being held in place by hot glue. The hot glue sets in seconds, so before setting the bracket in place make sure to trace the area where you would like your bracket placed. Those old lines were from other brackets that I thought they might work but in the end, they didn't. No harm done.

Another useful tip: a flashlight. Once the shell is in place while you are measuring, dim down your room lights and use a flashlight to look thru the available holes in your shell (blue bar area and cyclotron holes) and check the bracket placement.

Getting ready to use 3/16 pop rivets.

If you are going to use 3/16 pop rivets, you will need a 3/16 drill bit. Rivets look like a sword, one end looks like the blade, the other one looks like a sword's handle. The handle is the part that goes thru the 3/16 hole, and it comes straight from the back of the pack.

I hot glued my brackets in place and used a clamp to help keep the bracket in place.

You'll notice that the other end might have some debris. Now is a good time to use a file and get rid of that debris, so you'll have a flat surface for the rivet to make good contact with the motherboard.

Very important: remember that the rivet "sword handle" goes at the back of the shell!!! This is how you will hold it in place. Then you will insert the rivet gun and in 3 or 4 tight grips, the rivet will be in place. If you hear a loud "clack" that means the rivet gun cut the excess peg, or sword blade (don't throw it away, you will need it later).

And this is how your rivets will look from the outside. Those scratches were from filing the debris. They won't be seen once the shell is primed and painted.

And this is how they'll look from the inside of the motherboard

Remeber that piece that came out of the rivet gun? Now is the time to use it. It'll be used as a guide to help measure the center of the bracket in relation to the place where you want to drill once the shell is in place. That way you will have a guideline to help you decide where you will be drilling. This will be most useful once you've drilled your first 2 holes, because it might be a good idea to drill a hole, tap it, put the bolt and move to the next are where you want to drill. If not, you might move the shell accidentally and mess your previous drilled hole. As you keep putting the screws in place, you won't be able to keep lifting the shell and check your bracket position. This might sound a bit confusing now, but you'll see what I mean as soon as you start adding the bolts to the pack.

One you are ready to start drilling lift your motherboard a bit and put the remaining piece of the rivet under the board, making sure is aligned to the center of the bracket.

Then put your shell in place. See what I mean? Now you have a great reference in place to help you find the best place to drill, either if you want it movie accurate or in a more convenient place. If your bracket is 2" wide, you'll know you have 1 inch to both sides. It might sound silly, but you never know if you'll receive a phone call, or drop something to the floor and forget where the bracket was.

Once you've drilled the hole thru the shell and bracket, use a 10/32 tapping tool to create a threaded hole.

Rinse and repeat!


On the other updates department: I applied 2-3 light coats of black to the wand. After 24 hours I'll apply a few other light coats.

And painted chrome a few pack parts

That's it for now!

 

[Rhett J Martin]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

This is an awesome build up! Where did you get those brackets???

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

This is an awesome build up! Where did you get those brackets???

Thanks a lot!!!

I got them at a local aluminum manufacturer. They sell them already pre-cut for about .50¢ a piece.

MMM at the GBfans board also sells a kit which includes 3/16 rivets, aluminum brackets and socket head screws for about 10 bucks.

Hey, if you need some brackets, let me know. Perhaps I can go tomorrow at lunch time and get you some.

 

[ItalianNinja86]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

i'm gonna be starting on my pack as soon as the parts i ordered from MMM get here

what did you use to glue everything together was it hot glue super glue j.b. weld or something different?

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

That's great!!! His kits are top notch! If you need help once you get it, let me know.

Well, I've used 4 different things: hot glue gun as a temporary fix to hold things in place, 2 part epoxy, Gorilla Glue and Epoxy Plumbers Putty. JB Weld will be used very soon in some parts of the pack.

For the dowels, Gorilla Glue was used to reinforce them. To attach the bars, I used epoxy putty on the inside. The fake welds were made with epoxy putty, it also helps to hold everything in place, pretty much like welding. The rest of the stuff was glued with 2 part epoxy. Whenever I could, I used a clamp to hold the things in place, and left them to cure for a day. That stuff is going nowhere! I think I'll also add screws to the grips, as they are the parts that will suffer the most due to constant handling. I think 2 screws will be more than enough, one on bottom, one on top.

Also, try to sand your parts first, so the epoxy has something to bite to. Some people also make holes, so the epoxy has something even better to bite into.

I am planning on using JB weld to create fake welding lines (it will also secure things in place) on the Ion Arm, booster frame and injectors; which will also be secured with an L bracket, like the original packs.

Good luck on your build! Make sure to post pics of your progress!

 

[silverskyes402]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Very cool idea on using the JB weld to make the welding lines, I was thinking of what to use, cant wait for more updates!

 

[nick-a-tron]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

this build is looking fantastic! gunna be keeping my eye on this thread

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Thanks!!!!!

I gotta say, I can't take credit on the use of JB weld for the fake welds. I read it somewhere on the gb forum Nevertheless, it is a great idea indeed!

Hey nick-a-tron! Thanks for your feedback! I'm flattered! You guys have really raised the bar on proton pack builds! I'm just trying to keep up! hehehe

 

[eltee]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Beautiful looking pack...can't wait to see it done!

LMK if you need some tips on attaching the ion arm. On my original pack, it broke off because it was only glued on. It sticks out alot, has alot of downward pull and, like yours, mine was not integral to the pack shell. On my current pack I added a filler block (wood) inside to act as a gusset and as an anchor point. It also has a breakaway point so that if it hits something hard enough, it will still break off without destroying the shell but it would take a significant hit to reach that point.

Of course, based on your build so far, you may already have some well engineered plan to attach the ion arm.

Nice tutorial.

 

[exoray]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand and prop shop! 5-28

man! exoray's shell is an absolute work of art.

I won't take all the credit, it is very well rooted in Venkman71's shell so he deserves as much credit if not more...

It's real nice to see these come together, all I have been doing is pouring resin and laying fiberglass, and it's a welcome addition to see the final product coming together...

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Beautiful looking pack...can't wait to see it done!

LMK if you need some tips on attaching the ion arm. On my original pack, it broke off because it was only glued on. It sticks out alot, has alot of downward pull and, like yours, mine was not integral to the pack shell. On my current pack I added a filler block (wood) inside to act as a gusset and as an anchor point. It also has a breakaway point so that if it hits something hard enough, it will still break off without destroying the shell but it would take a significant hit to reach that point.

Of course, based on your build so far, you may already have some well engineered plan to attach the ion arm.

Nice tutorial.

Thanks a lot for all your kind words! To all of you!

Hey, that is a great tip and it is greatly appreciated! I was toying with the idea about using a filler block. It's been in the back burner for some time but I haven't got it set up, yet. I am very interested in the part you mentioned earlier, the breakaway point. That sounds like a great idea! Would you please tell us a little bit more about that? All those tips are very welcomed!

Yesterday I applied a black coat to some lose pieces like the HGA, ion arm, N-filter and a few lose parts, and a 2nd flat layer to the wand. I also primed one side of the motherboard. I was a bit worried because of the "chalky" feel, but I read on the gbfans forum about using a light wool to get rid of it and it worked! Since it's been raining the whole day, I just sanded the pieces with steel wool to get rid of that "chalky" feel. They look and feel great!

I also ordered a new, actually used LC-2 ALICE pack. LC-1's are really hard to come by these days! It should be arriving on Friday, so I'll finally be able to at least finish the riggin' part!

Once again, I can't thank you enough for all your great comments and support. You fellas are the best!

Hey Flynn, thanks for stopping by! BTW, you've got mail about your pack kits!

 

[Onkelpsycho]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

That amazing... Wow...

I wonder about the wand kit. Sure, you have to screw the holes and build the switches in, to look if all fits, but what, if you get a finished gun?!? Do the switches always fit?

I hope I can get a kit anytime and can build a pack, too. I try to get a kid for years now, but everytime something other happens what cost me a fortune. So, I think it will need some time, till Im able to have a pack. Not before Im 30 years old I think... :lol

Anyway, great tutorial... Keep up the good work...

 

[eltee]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Here's the inside of my ion arm. I used a wood block only 1/2 way, so that I can access the nut on that Dale PH resistor. Two wood screws with bite into this (but not too deeply, to allow it to break away on a good smack) coming from the inside of the shell backed with washers. I used some Gorilla Glue on the wood and epoxy on the resin part of the ion arm. A good, really good, hit will probably knock it off but the only potential damage to the pack shell would be the glued areas, and that damage would be repaired by sanding it and it would later be concealed by the reinstalled ion arm.

Here you can see the inside of my pack. Knowing there was alot of weight loading, I added some wood gussets near the top (i.e., where the blue clamps are) on both sides (the other side was installed later) to carry that load. I wanted to distribute the load on a number of points instead of concentrating the load on just a couple.

Here is the arm, mounted. I need to add another line of simulated welding at the juncture.

 

[exoray]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Eltee looks good with the subtle weathering you added and nice to see it sitting on your shelf finally...

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

Man, that is an outstanding and very clean build!!!!! Not only the arm, but the idea to distribute the weight... very clever. The weathering looks very, very good. My hat's off to you! I'll definitely implement your ion arm rig!

I haven't been able to do much due to the rain. It's been awful. I got delayed and the painting process has taken more than expected. Today I got a notice from the postman that CWU-27/P flightsuit had arrived. I asked him since it was Saturday, why didn't you bring it? He said because 90% of the time people are not at their homes. So instead of bringing the package, they leave a note. That's convenient! I have to wait until Monday to pick it up at the post office. Argh.

I got my hands on an original LC-2 Alice pack. As you may know, these come in green, not in black, so a new paint job was in order. First I had to decide where to drill to rig the pack. Instead of going with a center bolt on the center like the originals, I decided to attach two bolts... just as a safety measure and some piece of mind.

Done!

I applied primer to the frame and a 1st primer coat to the shell as well.

I've heard about the N-filter having some mesh. I decided to create a mock up to see how it looked. I think I'll be using the mesh theory. After all, it's a filter! I'll later add some black wash to the white styrene pieces.

Since it has been raining, I decided to set up the wand with the pieces I have so far. I still need the electronics, finish the area of the graph bar, some metal knobs and the bottom part, but those are on the way

That's it for now!

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-02

That amazing... Wow...

I wonder about the wand kit. Sure, you have to screw the holes and build the switches in, to look if all fits, but what, if you get a finished gun?!? Do the switches always fit?

Anyway, great tutorial... Keep up the good work...

Thanks!!!

Well, they should fit. Most people use the very same switches, if not the same brand, the same size. Worst case scenario, you can always fill with putty, sand and create new holes. Putty dries real quick and you can have that done in a single night

 

[silverskyes402]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-06

Very very nice, the wand build is looking great, and I like the mesh in the N-filter, gives it a goood look, overall its looking great, very clean!

 

[Onkelpsycho]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-06

The mesh is a nice idea... I will kepp that idea for my pack in future... hope thats ok... :love

It looks very cool... Cant wait to see it finished...

 

[jt001]

Re: WIP - My first Proton Pack/wand - and a few tutorials/tips! Update 6-06

The mesh is a nice idea... I will kepp that idea for my pack in future... hope thats ok... :love

It looks very cool... Cant wait to see it finished...

Hey, thanks a lot! I used an aluminum mesh used for screen doors.

Thanks for your nice comments silverskyes402!!!

New updates:

More updates, a few small and one huge one! I finally got everything I need to rig the pack to the ALICE frame! I finally got to wear my not-so-complete pack! Wow.... that felt sooooooooo great!!!!!

Thanks to eltee's brilliant Ion arm setup! I went the same way and cut a wood block to fit the arm. Once the glue fully dries, I'll add some screws and mount the arm for position only with all the resistors. I'll be doing that tonight I owe ya!!!

I also bit the bullet and got a vintage LC-2. I am glad I did! I put them next to each other and there is a very noticeable size difference between them! The Milspec is considerably smaller, or I should say shorter, so keep that in mind when you are looking for one.

There was also something bothering a little bit. I was first going for a flat black finish on all my parts. I sanded, applied chrome, wet sanded, applied a few coats of flat black and then sanded with a light steel wool, but it was looking kinda dull. Altough I will be weathering them, it's better to have some parts with a bit of gloss, and some with out it, mostly in places where parts are more exposed to regular use. With just flat black, the pieces didn't look very black. It was more like a grayish kind of black.

First, eltee's inspired (actually copied hehe) rig:

My unfinished pack rigged on the ALICE frame. I first drilled 2 hole on the horizontal bars, but then noticed that the bolts were in the way on the inside, so the pack wouldn't close :unsure. So I decided to go for the movie setup, placing one bolt on the middle bar. It worked pretty good. I think the extra holes will be filled with JB Weld, so they don't affect the integrity of the frame. I'm afraid those extra holes might weaken the frame structure.

Here are the comparison shots between a Milspec ALICE frame and a vintage LC-2, where the shell is mounted. Notice the repro is considerably shorter.


Original ALICE LC-2

Comparison shots

Wand with semi-gloss coat on top of the flat black coat. I'm happier with the semi gloss look. With just flat black, the pieces didn't look black. It was more like a grayish kind of black.

That's it for now! Thanks for viewing! Your thoughts are very appreciated!