Movie Optimus Prime build

[kingbob]

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:


Then moved on to filling and sanding.

[kingbob]

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.


Also made some indicator bars.



But after the lighting test, i decided they were too small, so made some larger ones (on top)

[kingbob]

Got some silver ali wheels, but they didnt have enough shine, so stripped the anodising and started polishing them.


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.

[Espeefan]

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!

[kingbob]

Some test fitting once i finished drilling and tapping the new chassis rails.


Finished polishing all the wheels, and fit them.

[kingbob]

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!


Actually ended up completely cutting one of the cab doors away completely, and had to rebuild it completely.


Replaced all the rivets, and scribed new lines for the door frames. All more in line with the actual truck.

[kingbob]

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.


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


So its time to chop and extend


Took a break from the cab to start the rear fenders:


And build the light buckets up.

[kingbob]

New grill polished up, mesh and badge added:

[kingbob]

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.

[cummingsman29]

Very nice work keep it up!

[dabears]

Love this build glad you found your way over here

[Supermario]

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

Mario

[DaBomb6988]

Very detailed! I will be following this sweet build!

[glorydays24]

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

Big John

[Radio Control Trucker]

Great ride Impressive building skills

- RCT

[hammer]

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

[Mama Sue]

Impressive!

Susan

[woodhog]

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

[tbtrucking104customs]

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

[1985 kenworth]

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