# Feesability and possibly build plans for a foam proton pack

**URL:** <https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265>\
**Category:** Proton Packs\
**Created:** [February 9, 2014, 6:33am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265 "2014-02-09T06:33:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 6:33am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/1 "2014-02-09T06:33:06Z")

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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](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/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?

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**Author:** ![abaka](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/f04885/32.png) [@abaka](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/abaka)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:13am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/2 "2014-02-09T07:13:24Z")

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Might be helpful if you include a picture.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:14am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/3 "2014-02-09T07:14:52Z")

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[http://www.gbfans.com/wiki/File:Norm\_Gagnon's\_Proton\_Pack\_Plans\_Version\_4\_Page\_3.jpg](http://www.gbfans.com/wiki/File:Norm_Gagnon%27s_Proton_Pack_Plans_Version_4_Page_3.jpg)

This page, plus there’s no final assembly instructions, so you kind of have to guess.

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**Author:** ![Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/vee/32/6164_2.png) [@Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Vee)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:21am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/4 "2014-02-09T07:21:41Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:26am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/5 "2014-02-09T07:26:16Z")

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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](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/booster-tube), [ion arm](https://www.gbfans.com/shop/aluminum-welded-ion-arm) assembly, tube, [bumper](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/bumper), things like that

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**Author:** ![Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/vee/32/6164_2.png) [@Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Vee)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:44am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/6 "2014-02-09T07:44:34Z")

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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](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:47am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/7 "2014-02-09T07:47:30Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/vee/32/6164_2.png) [@Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Vee)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 7:54am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/8 "2014-02-09T07:54:12Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 8:02am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/9 "2014-02-09T08:02:27Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Wharin](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/49beb7/32.png) [@Wharin](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Wharin)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 8:05am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/10 "2014-02-09T08:05:26Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 8:07am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/11 "2014-02-09T08:07:31Z")

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Virginia Beach, and I have no idea of any local GB groups

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**Author:** ![Wharin](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/49beb7/32.png) [@Wharin](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Wharin)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 8:11am UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/12 "2014-02-09T08:11:29Z")

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[http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=25341](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.

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**Author:** ![Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/krenzy/32/5873_2.png) [@Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Krenzy)\
**Post date:** [February 9, 2014, 1:03pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/13 "2014-02-09T13:03:12Z")

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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](http://www.gbfans.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=17539&p=450837)

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 12:03pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/14 "2014-02-10T12:03:23Z")

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Cool thanks, hey can you get me a pic of where on your gun you put the electronics? I’m plotting the foam pattern

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**Author:** ![Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/krenzy/32/5873_2.png) [@Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Krenzy)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/15 "2014-02-10T13:01:12Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 1:08pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/16 "2014-02-10T13:08:41Z")

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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

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**Author:** ![Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/krenzy/32/5873_2.png) [@Krenzy](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Krenzy)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 1:38pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/17 "2014-02-10T13:38:58Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/x/b3f665/32.png) [@xaviorbat](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/xaviorbat)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 1:43pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/18 "2014-02-10T13:43:31Z")

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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](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/motherboard), trying not to waste board guessing

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**Author:** ![PssdffJay](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/pssdffjay/32/6529_2.png) [@PssdffJay](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/PssdffJay)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 4:14pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/19 "2014-02-10T16:14:17Z")

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There is a [motherboard](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/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.

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**Author:** ![Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/user_avatar/forum.gbfans.com/vee/32/6164_2.png) [@Vee](https://forum.gbfans.com/u/Vee)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265/20 "2014-02-10T18:22:30Z")

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Also, keep in mind that if you’re building a pack from scratch that it might be a better idea to make the [motherboard](https://www.gbfans.com/wiki/equipment/proton-pack/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).

[Next page](https://forum.gbfans.com/t/feesability-and-possibly-build-plans-for-a-foam-proton-pack/8265.md?page=2)
