Proton Pack

Here is my second shot at building a proton pack and so far its been easy compared to the last. It took me less than a week to finish the entire top section (approx. 4 days), and with fewer mistakes then the last pack which took even longer you could say I'm really happy. No, this isn't a race but I wouldn't like to go through the same hell I did with the last. Identical construction methods were used to construct this pack, although I took a lot more time to sand everything real well and I've been using a paint on primer instead of a spray on, the results are fantastic. I also worked hard on getting more measurements correct, so this pack might even be a bit smaller then the last. We constructed the spacer so that most of the lower portion would remain completely hollow, unlike the last pack where the spacer was enclosed entirely. We cut a square out of the top of the spacer just so we could easily access the wires leading to the cyclotron lighting. Using 3 bolts we attached the spacer to the mobo, unfortunately this left the spacer to be a little flimsy so I spread 2 layers of white silicon caulk along the inner wall of the spacer to help absorb any noise and/or shock when the pack moves. It also helped brace up the structure of the spacer and even made it a little less vulnerable to damage. The Gearbox/Gunmount assembly is permanently attached to the motherboard with glue, 5/8" brads, and 2 drywall screws (for added gunmounting support). The cosmetic armor between the gearbox and the spacer is also permanent but it remains hollow for running wires about the pack. The EDA Box assembly has had to undergo several renovations with sanding and wood puddying just to get it where it is today, it has been mounted with 3 bolts which hold it on quite well and will make it a lot easier for us to access the electronic circuitry. The cyclotron was simply experimental, it is rather heavy but it is solid and sturdy. I mounted the Cyclotron from the inside of the spacer using 3 hex screws, you could say this is more of a permanent fix (not exactly what I had in mind) but it hasn't been glued so it can still be removed if absolutely necessary. The gun boxes are being constructed from 1/4" Lauan plywood, and are extremely light. The vents were cut using a jigsaw, we simply drilled a hole on each side of each vent slot and cut through, hence why I'm having to puddy the vents so much. We're going to make an attempt at using a belt sander to curve the left side of the gunbox. EDIT: 9/8/04 Lights have been installed for a while. Took some work and minor adjustments but they're working great! The pics I just added were taken the day we got back from DC 04. Unfortunately the pack was damaged during the trip, the entire front handle of the wand was severed and had to be reattached using epoxy, luckily it is completely dry now and very stable. EDIT: 10/4/04 I managed to get ahold of a tube of Rub N' Buff, hope you enjoy the weathering. First time user so it may be a little over the top.