Looking at the possibility, via Norm Gagnon’s plans, for a pack built mostly out of foam Posterboard. Most of it is fairly easy to understand but there is a part on the power cell, where the light attaches, that I can’t find the plans, or explanation as to what it is. Worse, I don’t know where it goes, so I don’t know what butts up against it. Has anyone else attempted this to have a clue as to what goes where?
Might be helpful if you include a picture.
http://www.gbfans.com/wiki/File:Norm_Gagnon's_Proton_Pack_Plans_Version_4_Page_3.jpg
This page, plus there’s no final assembly instructions, so you kind of have to guess.
Have you tried looking at some of the other plans and reference images? I’m not really sure what you get by your question. You can observe how the shape is supposed to be. Not all of this is spelled out step-by-step. It sometimes takes a little ingenuity and problem-solving to figure out how some things come together.
Yeah, I just can’t figure out what that other block is. Oh well, plan B, maybe the Studio Creations pack shell would be more useful to me, I can see what little is missing from that, the booster tube, ion arm assembly, tube, bumper, things like that
You’re seriously giving up on the plans because you can’t figure out one part? I’ve built Norm’s plans (granted, a long time ago). If it’s that little L-shaped bit at the top you’re talking about then that part sits outside of the EDA box. The power cell doesn’t sit flush. There’s a little ledge on top. You can tell how it fits together by looking at reference photos (which there are a ton of).
Don’t give up so easily. If you’re planning on building your own custom pack this kind of attitude wont’ get you too far.
If I can’t figure out what something is, or where half of it goes, It’s not going to look good. I don’t want to go around looking like crap just because it’s my first pack. I’m not “giving up” just either a: Need to find more detailed plans, or b: need to find final assembly plans for Norms plans.
There’s more detailed plans like Stephan’s and Sean’s plans. Norms are actually quite outdated and innacurate, but they’re good for beginners, like when I first built my cardboard pack.
I’m not sure why you think assembling them is too difficult when hundreds of us have managed to figure it out just fine and dandy over the years. You have the pieces of the “puzzle” and countless pictures of the final product. You can figure this out. It’s not going to look perfect when you first put it together. I know mine didn’t. Nobody’s does. It takes time. There will be adjustments to be made after you first assemble it. Even the most experienced of builders don’t get every single detail right the first time.
Perhaps, I just don’t want to look like absolute crap, and I don’t have anyone to hang out or talk to regarding this except this forum, so I’m winging it at best, with just these plans, some reference pics, and knowing that if it doesn’t look right, I won’t take it out. It’s just how I am.
dude where are you from that you don’t have anyone to hang out with. I will personally google+ or Skype you and help you if it means you’ll be a more informed builder.
Virginia Beach, and I have no idea of any local GB groups
http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=25341
look under the section labeled “Virginia”. do not be afraid to talk to them, go do stuff with them, hell even join the group. this is a friendly community, we like hanging out with other people who enjoy these movies just as much as we do. as I said, I will personally hang out with you over the internet if it means you being more informed.
This was my first scratch built pack, made from foamboard, plywood, and cheap materials; total cost as under $300. I followed Stefan’s plans more than Norm’s, but with Norms ingenuity, and also used only a retractable razor and metal ruler for most of the cuts, just to show it can be dine without power tools. Give it a shot…you’ll never look at trips to the store the same way again. You’ll see possible parts everywhere. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help here, we are a strong community.
http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=17539&p=450837
Cool thanks, hey can you get me a pic of where on your gun you put the electronics? I’m plotting the foam pattern
I didn’t put the electronics in the gun, although I had plenty of room to do so…I had already begun piecing together my current hero pack build and needed to choose my priorities. I built the gun box mostly from plywood, which was sturdier than foamboard would’ve been and still thin. Give it a shot 
The nerves are settled after you cut the first pieces.
Yeah but it costs more, found a way to make the foam rock hard online though, stuff called foam coat
EDIT: Corrected grammar, iphone autocorrected me
I went to a craft store and bought two sheets of craft plywood for like $6. It’s not much more expensive than foamboard, but I’m intrigued by the foam hardener.
Going to cut all parts out, then coat it, then I can assemble it, only problem so far is needing a pattern for the motherboard, trying not to waste board guessing
There is a motherboard pattern on the gbfans plans page that you can print out on a few pieces 1:1 and use that for a template. I’m in my phone or I would have added a link, but your a big boy now, I’m sure you’ll find it.
Also, keep in mind that if you’re building a pack from scratch that it might be a better idea to make the motherboard last. That way you can guarantee that all your parts will fit on it. You place your parts on the board all assembled and then trace the shape before you cut (including the parts of the MoBo that stick out from the body).