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“In this first stage of Pack 06, you’ll build a set of steps used for accessing the platform, and install the rear left stabilizer. The Aerialscope stabilizers have a ‘rods down’ design and along with the two outriggers, are key to fast setup and stability.“
Contents
Parts
Materials: The Rear Left Stabilizer is metal, but the rest of the parts in this stage are plastic.
Assembly Guide (Digital Version – Click to Download)
Build
Rear Left Stabilizer and Steps
Installing the Rear Left Stabilizer
For this stage, we will need the Storage Compartment Frame and five (5) Type D screws from Stage 32, two (2) Type H screws from Stage 35, and the Box Frame assembly from Stage 36.
Fit the Stabilizer Support Plate to this location of the Storage Compartment Frame, aligning the holes. Make sure the small notch in the plate is in the upper-left corner (arrow below).
NOTE: When I reached Stage 49, I realized these Plates appear to be on the wrong sides of the truck. While it was too late to fix it them then, look at how the bottom left of the Plate overhangs the arc of wheel arch in the picture below. I think this is where the notch is supposed to be. But this means I need the part from the other side here and that didn’t arrive until Stage 46. Mounting them per the instructions does not let the rear Roof section sit flush and required sanding the top edge of these Plates. However, if these Plates were swapped left <-> right and the notch was placed down towards the wheel arch, I feel this weird problem would not occur. If you want to fix this now, wait for Stage 46, swap these Plates, and rotate them accordingly. Agora Models has updated their instructions to reflect this.
Fit the two posts of the Rear Left Stabilizer into the matching holes of the Stabilizer Support Plate, as shown:
Secure the Rear Left Stabilizer into place from behind with two (2) Type H screws (from Stage 35).
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
The installed Stabilizer will secure the Stabilizer Support Plate into place:
Rear Left Steps
Note the four Steps are slightly different. Step 1 has very short pins on the sides, Step 2 has very long pins, and Steps 3 and 4 are the same:
Fit the pins on one side of Step 1 into these matching holes of a Step Bracket.
Be sure the long rectangular tab of the bracket (arrow below) is further away from the step and the ‘grid’ pattern of the step is facing up, as shown. You might need to trim any excess material/paint off the pins for a better fit. If you find the fitment to be loose, apply a small drop of super glue to the pins during assembly. I did use glue here:
Fit the pins of Step 2 into the holes of the rectangular tab on the same side of the Step Bracket, as shown:
Fit the other Step Bracket over the pins of these first two Steps, in the same orientation as the first bracket:
Push the pins of Step 3 and Step 4 into these upper four holes of the Step Left Side Plate.
Be sure the ‘grid’ pattern of the step is facing up the right way, as shown:
Fit the longer pins of Step 2 into these lower two holes of the Step Left Side Plate, as shown. Be sure the ‘grid’ pattern of the four Steps are all facing the correct direction:
As we have done before, push the pins of the Light Lens into the matching holes in the front of the Light Frame, then push this Light assembly into the matching holes in this recess of the Step Backplate. Use a drop of glue, if needed.
NOTE: I have been adding lighting to my model, which is why you may see tiny extra wires throughout this stage. For more information, check out the entire process in detail on my Custom Lighting page.
Apply some glue to the forward pins of the Step Backplate and fit it into these holes of the Step Left Side Plate, as shown:
Gently press the pins of the Step Handle into these matching holes of the Step Right Side Plate. Use some glue, if needed:
Apply some glue to the exposed pins of the Step Backplate and fit the Step Right Side Plate down onto the pins of the upper three Steps and the Step Backplate:
Ensure all of the upper Steps are captured between the two Side Plates, as shown:
Attach the Storage Compartment Frame to the Box Frame Shell
Fit the Storage Compartment Frame to the left side of the Box Frame Shell, as shown. Ensure the alignment holes fit over the locating pins and the screws holes match up:
Secure the Storage Compartment Frame to the Box Frame Shell with five (5) Type D screws (supplied in earlier stages). As these are short screws, you will likely need to apply a drop of super glue to the ends of the screws before driving them in:
Retrieve your Storage Compartment assembly from Stage 31 (with the main power Switch inside). Feed the plug and wires from the switch through this opening in the Storage Compartment Frame:
As you pull the wires of this compartment through the opening, fully slide the Storage Compartment down into the opening.
On my model, this Storage Compartment did not want to go all the way in:
I needed to snip off the tips of the white posts that align the door hinges with my sprue cutter:
Then, this Storage Compartment fit perfectly:
Retrieve your long, narrow Storage Compartment from Stage 36 and slide it into this opening of the Storage Compartment Frame. Remember that this compartment should open by pulling downwards:
Retrieve your Storage Compartment from Stage 07 and slide it into this opening of the Storage Compartment Frame, as shown.
NOTE: There is an axe we will be installing into this compartment in Stage 40. You may want to wait until then to slide this compartment in:
Thoughts
Wow, this was a fantastic stage! We built a large chunk of the left rear of our Tower Ladder 9 using many of the assemblies we built in earlier stages. I love when we are able to reduce how many parts are stored between shipments.
Next Up
Stage 39 – Compartment Inner, Cable Ties, Battery Compartment Top/Bottom