ISSUE 03

Return to the BUILD

“In this issue, you will assemble the main pieces that make up the right foot of your Optimus Prime.”

Parts

Materials: The Outer/Inner Half of Ankle and the Left/Right Heel parts are metal – the other parts are plastic.

Magazine

Michael Bay: The ‘Spark’ of the Film
Agent Orion Pax: The Mechanical Arm of the Law
Ratchet: The Robot Repairman
The First Comics: Transformers in the Marvel Universe
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

Build

Right Foot

Step 03-1

The first thing we need to do it make sure the two section of this large piece are still stuck together:

Being reinforcing the two sections of the Foot Casing (R) together with two (2) KP screws at these locations.

TIP: Try not to over-tighten any screws that drive into plastic as you could damage the part(s):

Finish reinforcing the Foot Casing (R) with one (1) JP screw at this location:

Step 03-2

Fit this Foot Casing (R) assembly onto the Outer Half of Ankle, as shown:

Fit the Inner Half of Ankle to the Outer Half of Ankle as shown, capturing the Foot Casing (R) in between:

Secure these parts together with two (2) BM screws.

This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:

Step 03-3

Fit the slot of the Pivot Mechanism Stop onto the matching keyed post of the Inner Half of Ankle.

Note that one ‘key’ of this post is larger than the other:

The Pivot Mechanism Stop also has a larger slot in it on one side. Match these slots to the key tabs so it sits flush:

Fit a Washer onto the threads of one (1) MP screw, as shown:

Then, secure the Pivot Mechanism Stop into place with this screw/washer set, as shown:

With this Stop installed, you should now be able to rotate the front part of this assembly back and forth a limited amount:

Step 03-4

Fit the split end of the Outer Heel Joint to this location of the Right Heel orienting it as shown, and align the screw holes:

Secure these parts together with one (1) GP screw, but do not over-tighten it:

Press the D-shaped pin of the Joint End into the matching hole at this location on the Outer Heel Joint, as shown.

If you find this fitment loose, use a small drop of super glue to secure it into place:

Step 03-5

Fit the keyed upper end of this Outer Heel Joint onto this matching post of the Outer Half of Ankle, as shown:

Secure the Outer Heel Joint into place with one (1) BM screw:

Step 03-6

Fit the end (with the smaller gap) of the Inner Heel Joint to this location of the Left Heel, orienting it as shown:

Secure these parts together with one (1) FP screw, but do not over-tighten it:

Step 03-7

Slide the rounded tab of the Upper Heel Joint (closer to the line detail) into the free end of the Inner Heel Joint.

Make sure the hollow section of this Upper Heel Joint is facing down, as shown here:

Secure these parts together with one (1) FP screw:

Step 03-8

Fit the keyed upper end of this Upper Heel Joint onto this matching post of the Inner Half of Ankle, as shown:

Secure the Upper Heel Joint into place with one (1) IP screw:

Thoughts

I am astonished at how much of this foot is made out of metal – it is already quite heavy! Perhaps this is intentional to provide a solid base for the rest of the model to stand on. And, we have only added the heel sections so far. There is much more to come before we finish this foot!

Next Up

Issue 04 – Bridge Inner Structure (R), Upper Bridge Guard, Right Stabilizer, Bridge Cover, Outer Bridge Frame, Grille, Caps, Toes/Cups

My Optimus Prime