Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime (DMK 01)

Originally Posted by GAUGE0001

Hasbro would never sell it for 59.00 they'd be ripping themselves off.

They would sell it for at least 95.00

it's worth every penny.

Originally Posted by ServO

Ouch man...burns are the worst!

I just finished my DMK01 last week...I gotta say...even though it doesn't transform...the accurate representation of prime, and his more or less leader class proportions make this the say all end all Optimus for my movie collection.
The kit went together very painlessly over the course of two afternoons.
I went into it with the understanding that smaller details like mirrors, windows, and fingers were going to be a pain in the ass, but in all honesty I did not encounter any difficulties with the build that I hadn't already encountered building a multitude of other plastic kits.
They make a type of hobby glue called "Canopy Glue", and it is made specifically for holding small fragile clear plastic bits together. The stuff looks like the white Elmers school glue...put a bit on a tooth pick, and then apply where necessary. The neat thing is that it will dry completely clear, and leave no trace. I also used this on the backs of the mirrors and other tiny greebles to give them proper support.
If you use a tweezer type tool for the little bits, they will probably go on easier versus just using your fingers...that way you can grasp the part precisely where it connects to the rest of the model and work it into it's proper position without actually damaging the part...that is of course if you took the time to trim the pieces after you used a snipper to take them off the parts tree.

Originally Posted by doctajones428

Yeah they are, really sucked at the time.

I had no issues with the build other than the door windows. The little blue part surrounding it broke because the window was too big. Did some sanding and glued the broken part and it looks fine. I had slight issue with the exhaust pipes in his chest, just had to figure out which hole to peg the first pipe in before the other. My cab windows liked to pop out but I sanded them down a little and they fit perfectly. Didn't need glue. The holes on the back of the fuel tanks needed trimmed a bit with an exacto to fit on the pegs, as with the slot where the front blue leg piece goes. Other than having to glue some parts in, do some trimming and do the finger fix, I really had no issues.

Your DMK looks awesome with that silver paint on the skeleton frame. It's amazing how just a little bit of work really makes it stand out more

Originally Posted by amd098

also has anyone made repro hands for this guy on shapeways? these fingers fall apart every second

Originally Posted by doctajones428

Yeah they are, really sucked at the time.

I had no issues with the build other than the door windows. The little blue part surrounding it broke because the window was too big. Did some sanding and glued the broken part and it looks fine. I had slight issue with the exhaust pipes in his chest, just had to figure out which hole to peg the first pipe in before the other. My cab windows liked to pop out but I sanded them down a little and they fit perfectly. Didn't need glue. The holes on the back of the fuel tanks needed trimmed a bit with an exacto to fit on the pegs, as with the slot where the front blue leg piece goes. Other than having to glue some parts in, do some trimming and do the finger fix, I really had no issues.

Your DMK looks awesome with that silver paint on the skeleton frame. It's amazing how just a little bit of work really makes it stand out more