Return to the BUILD
“In this first issue, you will assemble the parts that make up Optimus Prime’s head.”
We are finally underway with the build of our Fanhome 1:10 scale Optimus Prime! While the supplied parts are very good, I might be doing a few upgrade modifications along the way, so keep an eye on my MODS page.
Contents
Parts
Materials: Here I will describe the materials that the supplied parts in each stage are made out of. All of the screws are metal, so I will not mention them. For instance, in this stage, the main section of the Outer Head parts and the Top of Head are metal. The ball of the Neck Joint and Cable is hard rubber and the rest of the non-electrical parts are plastic.
Screws: I will keep track of all the screws we use throughout this build at my Screws page.
Tools
- Philips-head screwdriver (PH0 size)
Magazine
- Transformers on the Big Screen: A Movie Franchise That Has Made History
- Optimus Prime: The Leader of the Autobots
- Bumblebee: This Little One is Really Big
- Autobots in Action: The First Generation of Toys
- Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Four-Page Foldout Poster (click image for PDF version)
Describes the model with pictures, and details all of the various features and functions:
Build
The Head
Step 01-1
Connect the plug of the Battery Compartment and Cable (marked ‘G’) into socket ‘G’ of the Cable Connector Board, as shown.
These plugs only fit correctly one way. When connecting them, they only require gently, but firm force:
In the same way, connect the plug of the Neck Joint and Cable (marked ‘A’) into socket ‘A’ of the Cable Connector Board.
The bottom of this Neck Joint includes a barrel plug electrical connector – which I find is an ingenious way to transfer power into the body. I wonder if this is to power the body or, at a later point, instead power the head from the body:
Step 01-2
Fit the Eye Piece into the matching holes on the backside of the Face, as shown:
Secure the Eye Piece into place with one (1) AP screw:
Then, fit the Eye LED Plate and Cable to the back of the Eye Piece.
The wires of the Eye LED Plate should face towards the bottom, as shown:
Secure this Plate into place with two (2) BP screws.
Do not over-tighten these screws as you could damage the circuit board:
Step 01-3
Connect the plug of the Eye LED Plate and Cable (marked ‘D’) into socket ‘D’ of the Cable Connector Board:
Step 01-4
Slide the Cable Connector Board into this slot of the Inner Head Right (marked ‘R’), as shown:
Next, fit the ‘ball’ of the Neck Joint into this matching recess of the Inner Head Right:.
Take care not to twist or pinch any of the wires as you complete these steps:
While holding these parts in place, fit the Inner Head Left (marked ‘L’) to the Inner Head Right, matching the parts together.
Make sure the wires of the Battery Compartment and Eye LED Plate are passing through the square openings, as shown:
NOTE: The instructions would have us install two AP screws here, but I waited until after Step 01-6.
Step 01-5
While tucking the Eye LED Plate wires inside the Inner Head, press the two posts of the Face onto the pins at the front of the Inner Head.
This is a friction fit, but holds quiet well. It is recommended to fit these connections in a gradual manner, seating each pin evenly until it is fully flush:
Step 01-6
Likewise, tuck the Battery Compartment wires inside the Inner Head and press the posts onto the pins of the Inner Head, as shown:
Secure the front edge of the Battery Compartment to the Face with one (1) DP screw:
Finally, secure the two Inner Head parts together with two (2) AP screws.
Before we secure these parts together, make sure everything is aligned including the switch at the back of the Inner Head halves:
Then, we can install the two AP screws, as shown:
Step 01-7
Fit the post of the Lower Right Mask Detail (1P) into the matching hole at this location at the lower-front of the Inner Head Right.
The two Lower Mask Details are not the same – the Right (1P) detail has a smaller hole, shown here:
Also, take note of the flat spot around the perimeter of these Lower Mask Details, as shown here:
When fitting the Lower Right Mask Detail (1P) to the Inner Head Right, align the flat face to the angled edge above it (arrow below):
Secure this Lower Right Mask Detail into place from the other side with one (1) CP screw.
As you tighten this screw, the Mask Detail on the other side might turn out of position – be aware of this:
Then, push the open end of the Lower Left Mask Detail (1Q) onto the head of this screw to hold it in place.
Again, align the flat face of this Mask Detail to the angled edge above it (arrow below):
Step 01-8
Fit the two pins and post of the Rear Head Detail into the matching holes of the Back of Head, as shown:
Secure these parts together from the other side with one (1) AP screw:
Step 01-9
Push the four pins of this Back of Head assembly into the matching posts on the back of the Inner Head, as shown:
Then, press the post of the Switch through the Back of Head opening and onto the switch lever of the Cable Connector Board.
This Switch needs to be installed in the correct orientation. The TOP of the switch is wider than the bottom, as detailed here:
Press the Switch onto the switch lever with the TOP of the Switch towards the top of the head assembly, as shown. This is a friction fit:
Step 01-10
Push the three pins of the Left Cheek to the matching holes of the Outer Head Left, as shown.
While the main part of this Outer Head Left is metal, it does have a pre-attached plastic antenna assembly. The inner antenna is quite delicate, so take care when handling these:
Next, push the two pins of the Left Jaw Round Plate (marked ‘L’) into the matching holes at this location of the Outer Head Left.
The two sets of Round Plates are marked ‘L’ and ‘R’ to differentiate each side:
The pins of this Jaw Round Plates are the same size, so this could accidentally be installed upside down. It should be pressed into place so the ‘L’ marking inside is upright – the correct orientation is shown here:
Then, push the two pins of the Left Ear Round Plate (marked ‘L’) into the matching holes at this location of the Outer Head Left, as shown.
The pins on these Round Plates are different sizes, so they can only be installed the correct way:
Step 01-11
Assemble the Right Jaw Round Plate and Right Ear Round Plate to the Outer Right Head in the same way:
Step 01-12
Fully push the four pins of the Outer Head Left into the matching posts of the Inner Head Left, as shown:
In the same way, push the four pins of the Outer Head Right into the matching posts of the Inner Head Right, as shown:
Step 01-13
Stack three (3) LR44 batteries into the Battery Compartment with the positive (+) sides towards the Face, as shown:
Cover the batteries with the Battery Compartment Cover and secure it in place with two (2) AP screws:
Slide the Switch on the back of the head to the right to test the operation of the Eye LED Plate:
Step 01-14
Finally, fit the Top of Head to the Inner Head structure as shown, sliding it from front to back and pressing the four pins of the Top into the matching posts of the Inner Head.
To do this, first slide the Top of Head from front to rear, between the antennae of the Outer Head panels, as shown:
Then, align the pins of the Top of Head to the matching posts of the Inner Head, and press them down firmly into place:
Make sure this Top of Head is fully seated, including at the back:
Thoughts
Wow, we started off with a nice long session and ended up with the entire head of our Optimus Prime with lighted eyes! These parts are pre-painted in multiple colors, so I did not have to paint anything. I also enjoy the small printed relics on the various bits. Looking good!
Note that the Top of Head section is designed to be removable to gain access to the battery compartment. Therefore, I do recommend removing the LR44 batteries when not in use to prevent any corrosion. This Head assembly can be safely stored until we need it again later in the build.
Next Up
Issue 02 – Central Torso Structure, Right Hood, Cab Right Upper Deck/Top Windshield, Visor/Wiper, Cab Lenses/Lights