Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Hi All

I'd been looking for a truck to build for a while, needed inspiration. As soon as i saw 1985Kenworths OP build, I knew thats what I had to build!

I usually make military model kits, so I tend to pay attention to detail on all sorts of things. Started this about 3 months ago, but still a lot to do!

Started with a basic chassis build to see what fits where:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/1.JPG

Then moved on to filling and sanding.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/2.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/3.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

The OP truck has full height doors on both sides of the sleeper, so i extended the door on the left of the KH sleeper.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/4.JPG

Also made some indicator bars.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/9.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/10.JPG

But after the lighting test, i decided they were too small, so made some larger ones (on top)
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/12.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/14.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Got some silver ali wheels, but they didnt have enough shine, so stripped the anodising and started polishing them.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/18.JPG

Flared the rear of the front fenders, and levelled the bottom of the sleeper with the cab. Also squared off the gap between the fender and hood.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/19.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/20.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/21.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Love the maker lights, just above the bumper! I've always wanted to try that, but I could never find LEDs small enough. That looks really awesome!

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Some test fitting once i finished drilling and tapping the new chassis rails.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/31.JPG

Finished polishing all the wheels, and fit them.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/32.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/33.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/34.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Then tragedy, the liquid mask i used turned out to REALLY not like the paint it was over. Destroyed the paint which i had to strip. Then had an accident with the paint remover!
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/35.JPG

Actually ended up completely cutting one of the cab doors away completely, and had to rebuild it completely.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/36.JPG

Replaced all the rivets, and scribed new lines for the door frames. All more in line with the actual truck.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/37.JPG

http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/38.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Made up the door trims. These sit in the scribed grooves, but wont be fully attached until after painting, that way they're a nice shiny silver. Used 2 thicknesses of aluminium tubes, thicker for the hinge.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/39.JPG

Since i was doing all this rebuilding, i noticed the gap between the rear of the front fenders, and the cab was bigger on the real truck
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/40.JPG

So its time to chop and extend
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/41.JPG

Took a break from the cab to start the rear fenders:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/42.JPG

And build the light buckets up.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/43.JPG
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/44.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

New grill polished up, mesh and badge added:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~canison/prime/45.JPG

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Thats the build for now. Have had a load of bits of shiny arrive from Russ in the Boneyard. Steps, fuel tanks, etc, but havent fitted them yet.

I'm going to redo the light bars above the front bumper. They should have 2 ovals not 1.

This weekend i'm aiming to finish shaping the light buckets on the rear fenders. And then rejoin the hood to the cab with extension.

Once they're both done, be time to start painting!

Comments??

Cheers Bob.

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Very nice work keep it up!

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Love this build glad you found your way over here

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Top notch on the details! Very nice work. This truck is gonna be sweet when it's done:cool:

Mario

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Very detailed! I will be following this sweet build!

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Great ride :cool: Impressive building skills :D :D

- RCT

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

That is a sweet looking rig great work I like how you are paying close attention to the little things on your build that is what makes these trucks come to life and look just like the real deal.

TONY

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Even after all of the mishaps, O.P. is turning out looking really gooooooood.;):):D:cool: How are you going to mount the door trim? Great job buddy.

Big John

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Impressive!

Susan

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

Very nice :D Did the liquid mask not work on the abs body? i was thinking about trying that on my next paint job

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

what would you charge if I ordered some of the marker lights? also was that the stock grille you did?

Re: Movie Optimus Prime build
 

wow another optimus build..now there is 2 being done...what did i start now with the replicas....didn't think anyone else wanted to build this truck..oh well it will be interesting to see who else will decide to do this build too:rolleyes: