Yamato SDF-1 Project Update #2

Last time, I stopped at step 15. I skipped step 16 (attaching the magnet to the ARMD connector) until I've completed the ARMD ships. I'll be also skipping steps that will seal the screws so I can make later adjustments or undo the parts to correct mistakes like what happened today. The skipped steps will be done on the final stages.

Moving on...

Reposting step 15-21 for reference

I forgot to mention that on step 13 was the first time it involves making use of die-cast parts (2 pcs). Step 17 also makes use of die-cast parts.

Die-cast parts used on step 17. It's jointed and pre-assembled by Yamato.

Step 17 is moderately difficult to build as it involves springs and you need to make a pair.

Springs used to make ratcheted joint.

To complete step 17, install the spring assembly first then use the die-cast part to push up the V-shaped part attached on the spring while trying to mount it on its swing joint. Do not forget to install the gum washer. I wasn't aware of the gum washer until later on. I will explain this later down below.

Step 17 completed

Step 18 just installs the elbow-shaped part which is detachable and needs to be super glued to fix permanently. I removed this afterwards since it keeps on falling out and placed on a small pan where I'll be placing loose parts to be super glued later on.

Step 18 completed

Step 19 is the start of building the main frame of SDF-1. It involves making use of the 2 biggest die-cast parts of the kit as well as another metal part made of steel plate.

Metal parts for step 19

There was a problem with the steel plate, it wasn't mounting properly on die-cast part E (the biggest one above).  I found out that part of the steel plate needs to be filed down.

File used to modify the steel plate

Steel plate after filing

There is a tip from Yamato site which I did not understand at first until I'm actually assembling it.

What it means is you need to tuck in the V-shaped part on the tab so it will be semi-compressed and will be easier to slap together the two die-cast parts. Same technique is done here as in step 17, use the die-cast part to push up the V-shaped part while pressing it in place.

Step 19 completed

Step 20-21 installs the sliding mechanism along the steel plate. I noticed powdered plastic forming at contact with the steel plate is it slides so I undid the step and found out the edges are rough so filed the edges of the steel plate that is in contact with plastic. I've also oiled the steel plate a bit to reduce friction. 

Steps 20-21 completed

Remember the gum washer I mentioned earlier? this is where I am already when I noticed a part along in the die-cast plastic bag that I am not familiar. This is because it is only listed in the part list in Japanese text (no picture).

The gum washer

Gum washer installed

Steps 22-30

Step 22 installs the SDF-1's waist. Steps 23-24 installs the mechanism for SDF-1's primary weapon.

Steps 22-24 completed

Steps 25-29 installs the chest section of SDF-1 as well as mounting the shoulder modules. Tip on step 28, in order to attach the shoulder module, you'll need to loosen the screws on step 25. Steps 27 and 29 are skipped  for now because it will cover up screws.

Steps 25,26 and 28 completed

On step 30, I noticed a problem with the B screws. The screw heads are a bit bigger than the holes for part P06-5 and P06-6. They can be forced but it will be tight. To ease install, do not mount the parts yet to the main assembly and screw the parts while it's detached. Note that all plastic parts have no threads so the first time you install screw it would be tight. Remove the screw then install the parts to the main assembly and screw it down. It should be much easier now to screw in.

Step 30: B screws needs to be flushed in.

Once step 30 is completed, you should test the mechanism if it can be slided out and moved from the top to back. If it won't budge, don't force it! You might need to disassemble the shoulder modules to locate the H screws from step 23. Loosen the H screws a bit and it should move by now. Do the same to the other side and reassemble back.

Step 31-39

On step 31, there is also same problem with B screws as in step 30 so you need to screw it down while unattached to main assembly.
There is an errata on step 31 about the position of the spring, it should be on the other side of part P20-12.

Step31: The screw on top is not fully screwed in, screw at bottom is fully screwed in.

Step 31 completed

Steps 32-33 are skipped because the parts in step 18 are still not glued in.

I wrapped up at this point since the next steps are about the leg modules.

Main assembly how it looks now

Assembly status: 28 out of 70 steps (steps 16, 27, 29, 32 and 33 skipped) (about 40% complete)