Norn Emissary & Assimilator Magnetization Guide

Full guide

Norn Emissary & Assimilator Magnetization Kit

Price $14.99 USD

This article explains how to magnetize the Norn Emissary & Assimilator model using our magnetization kit. You will be able to use the end model as any of the Norn Emissary and Norn Assimilator variants available in that box.

Please follow the normal assembly instructions that come with the plastic kit; the steps below cover only the magnetization.

To keep track of magnet polarity we use a set of Magnicator tools. We refer to a magnet's polarity as "red" or "blue," after the Magnicator end that is attracted to that magnet's surface. If you do not have those tools, use another method to track polarity, for example mark one face of a large spare magnet and reference it every time you place a magnet.

Magnetized Norn Emissary fully built, the build this kit lets you swap with the Norn Assimilator

Several times throughout this guide, we will reference the build Manual that is provided with the model. These (in manual) steps will be highlighted.

When building your Norn Monstrosity, take note to stop at Manual Step 3-A. You will need to select which waist-midsection you want to use; this magnetization guide is not affected by which angle the upper body is pointed.

Magnets

The kit comes with a set of 34 magnets.

Shape Size #
Disc 2mm x 0.5mm 2
Disc 2mm x 1.5mm 2
Disc 2mm x 2mm 3
Disc 2mm x 3mm 4
Disc 2.5mm x 2mm 2
Disc 3mm x 2mm 12
Disc 3mm x 3mm 2
Disc 5mm x 1mm 2
Disc 6mm x 1mm 2
Disc 8mm x 2mm 1
Disc 10mm x 2mm 1
Countersunk 6.35 x 3.175 mm 1
Total 34

Tools For this guide you will need

  • Norn Emissary & Assimilator magnetization kit: every magnet and part this guide uses.
  • Thick or gel super glue, such as Maxi-Cure Plus: glues each magnet in place without running the way thin CA glue does.
  • Magnicators V2: show which face of a magnet is red or blue, so every pair attracts.
  • Needle files or sandpaper: clean up a hole or socket so the magnet sits flush.
  • Hobby knife or clippers: remove parts from the sprue and trim the areas the steps call out.
  • Drill bits, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, and 6mm: the bit sizes the steps drill with.
  • Small Hand Drill: holds bits from 1mm to 3mm and turns them by hand.
  • Large Pin Vise: holds bits from 0.5mm to 8mm and turns them by hand.
  • Drill Bit Small Metric Bundle: supplies the 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, and 3mm bits.
  • Drill Bit Medium Metric Bundle: supplies the 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm bits.
  • Milliput epoxy putty: fills a gap or builds up a seat for a magnet.
  • Masking or painter's tape: marks the drill depth on a bit so you do not over drill.

Step 1 Tail

Magnets Used

Size # Where
2mm x 2mm 3 Universal tail end (1), both tail tip options (2)

The first step for this project requires you to drill the tip of the tail, as well as the 2 tail options for each Norn variant. The connection point for both tail tips has a small moulded peg.

Norn tail tip options with the small moulded peg at each connection point

Measure one of the 2mm x 2mm magnets and mark your 2mm drill bit using masking or painter's tape to ensure that you do not over drill.

2mm drill bit marked with tape at the depth of a 2mm x 2mm magnet

Clip this peg and gently drill with a 2mm drill bit, where the peg was located.
Using the same tape depth guide, drill the tail tip, deepening the already moulded peg hole. This step will be repeated for the universal tail end as well as both tail options.

Drilling the 2mm hole where the clipped peg sat on a Norn tail tip Tail tip moulded peg hole deepened with the taped 2mm bit Universal Norn tail end drilled for its 2mm x 2mm magnet 2mm x 2mm magnets glued into the tail connection and both tail tip options

Using the RED end of your Magnicator Tool, glue a 2mm x 2mm magnet into the drilled hole on each of the 2 tail variants.
Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, glue a 2mm x 2mm magnet into the drilled hole on the tail connection.

Step 2 Waist

Magnets Used

Size # Where
6.35 x 3.175 mm countersunk 1 Rounded midsection under the upper torso

Stop at Manual Step 3-B

Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, glue the 6.35 x 3.175 mm countersunk magnet onto the rounded midsection that the upper torso will rest upon (as pictured). Place the countersunk side face down against the rounded waist connection.

Countersunk magnet glued onto the rounded Norn midsection, countersunk side down Norn waist connection with the countersunk magnet in place for the upper torso

Step 3 Carapace Hood

Magnets Used

Size # Where
2mm x 1.5mm 2 Upper carapace hood, one per side (Norn Assimilator)

Stop at Manual Step 4-B

Mark your 2mm bit using the tape method again, measuring 1.5mm depth. Drill into the upper carapace hood (Norn Assimilator) in the spot pictured.

Drill spot marked on the Norn Assimilator upper carapace hood 2mm x 1.5mm magnet seated flush in the Norn Assimilator carapace hood

Using the RED end of your Magnicator Tool, glue one 2mm x 1.5mm magnet into the drilled hole (the Magnicator should sit flush). Repeat this step on the opposite side of the hood.

Step 4 Hood Mount

Magnets Used

Size # Where
2mm x 3mm 2 Part 4-A, one per side

Remain at Manual Step 4-B

Using your 2mm drill bit, drill into part (4-A) at the spot pictured below. You will drill 1 hole on either side.

Drill spots on part 4-A where the removable carapace hood attaches

Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, insert and glue one 2mm x 3mm magnet into these holes. They should align with the magnets placed in Step 3, allowing the hood to be removed.

2mm x 3mm magnets in part 4-A lined up with the carapace hood magnets

Step 5 Shoulders

Magnets Used

Size # Where
5mm x 1mm 2 Moulded hole under each shoulder

Stop at Manual Step 4-C

Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, guide one 5mm x 1mm disc magnet into the underside of the moulded hole located near the model's shoulder.

Magnicator guiding a 5mm x 1mm magnet into the moulded hole near the Norn shoulder

Glue one 5mm x 1mm disc magnet into this spot, repeat for both shoulder locations.

5mm x 1mm magnets glued into both Norn shoulder locations

You can then complete building the upper torso and secure it to the lower half.

Step 6 Lower Arms

Magnets Used

Size # Where
3mm x 2mm 2 Norn Emissary lower arms, one per arm
3mm x 3mm 2 Norn Assimilator lower arms, one per arm
6mm x 1mm 2 Both lower arm sockets on the upper body

Next we will be magnetizing the lower pairs of arms.
For this you will need to use your pin vise and a 6mm drill bit to lightly drill both lower arm sockets, removing the moulded peg that is already in place as well and clearing space for the 6mm x 1mm disc magnets.

Drilling out the moulded peg in a Norn lower arm socket with a 6mm bit

Drill deep enough just to remove the peg and widen the socket, dry fit the 6mm x 1mm disc to ensure a proper fit.

Widened lower arm socket ready for a 6mm x 1mm magnet Dry fitting a 6mm x 1mm disc in the drilled lower arm socket

Once you have drilled both sockets, use the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool to align the 6mm x 1mm magnet. Lightly score the surface of the magnet that will be glued into the socket using a needle file or coarse (60 - 80 grit) sanding sticks. Glue the 6mm x 1mm disc into place, repeating this step for both sides of the model.

6mm x 1mm magnet glued into one lower arm socket of the Norn body Both lower arm sockets fitted with 6mm x 1mm magnets

After securing the magnets into the upper body, you will need to drill both pairs of lower arms.
Using your pin vise and a 3mm bit, drill into the connection point on each arm, there will be a pre-moulded peg hole, use this as a drill bit guide.

Drilling a lower arm connection point with a 3mm bit through the moulded peg hole Both pairs of Norn lower arms drilled at their connection points

Using the RED end of your Magnicator Tool, glue the following magnets into their respective pairs of arms.
Norn Emissary - 3mm x 2mm magnets

Norn Emissary lower arms with 3mm x 2mm magnets glued in

Norn Assimilator - 3mm x 3mm magnets

Norn Assimilator lower arms with 3mm x 3mm magnets and the Magnicator flush

If done correctly, the Magnicator Tool will be flush against the arm connection point.

Step 7 Upper Arms

Magnets Used

Size # Where
3mm x 2mm 10 Wrists of parts 30 / 34 (2), parts 35 / 31 (4), parts 37 / 32 (4)

Model Parts

Part Name
30 / 34 Universal bicep
35 / 31 Norn Emissary arms
37 / 32 Universal arms

Like the previous step, this one will revolve around drilling and magnetizing the arms of this model, making the larger pairs swappable.
First you will need to use a 3mm drill bit and your pin vise to drill into both pairs of wrists on the universal bicep (Parts 30 / 34).

Drill into the wrist joint, and using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, dry fit a 3mm x 2mm magnet into the hole, allow enough of the magnet to be exposed to maintain contact and a strong hold between connecting parts.

3mm x 2mm magnet dry fit in the wrist joint of universal bicep parts 30 / 34

Once both wrists are drilled and their respective magnets are placed, you will repeat this process on parts 35 / 31 (Norn Emissary).
Each part will require 2 magnets each and parts 37 / 32 (universal). Make sure to dry fit and align polarity using your Magnicator Tool for each magnet placed in this step.

Norn Emissary arm parts 35 / 31 drilled and fitted with 3mm x 2mm magnets Universal arm parts 37 / 32 with 3mm x 2mm magnets at each joint Swappable Norn upper arms attached to the bicep by magnets

Step 8 Toxinjector Harpoons

Magnets Used

Size # Where
2mm x 0.5mm 2 Flattened base of each set of injector harpoons
2.5mm x 2mm 2 Chest, one per side (Norn Assimilator)

The next step in this guide involves drilling and magnetizing the Toxinjector Harpoons for the Norn Assimilator's chest. First you will need to use a 2.5mm drill bit to drill into the chest of the model at an angle, in the spot pictured below.

Angled 2.5mm drill spot in the Norn Assimilator chest for the harpoons

Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, glue a 2.5mm x 2mm magnet into the drilled hole, making sure the Magnicator Tool is flush against the model.
Repeat this process for the opposite side of the model.

Next you will need to carefully trim away at the base of the center harpoon, making it flat and level. Dry fit to the model to ensure a smooth connection.

Toxinjector harpoon base trimmed flat and level for its magnet

Once you have done this, use the RED end of your Magnicator Tool and glue a 2mm x 0.5mm disc magnet into the now flat spot on either set of injector harpoons.
If done correctly, the harpoons will sit in place, against the model's ribs.

2mm x 0.5mm magnet glued to the flattened harpoon base Toxinjector harpoons held by magnets against the Norn Assimilator ribs

Step 9 Parts 51 / 50

Magnets Used

Size # Where
2mm x 3mm 2 Connection points of parts 51 / 50, one per part (Norn Assimilator)

Model Parts

Part Name
51 / 50 Norn Assimilator parts

Short and sweet, this one.
For this step simply drill into the connection points of parts 51 / 50 (Norn Assimilator) using a 2mm drill bit, using a 2mm x 3mm magnet as a depth gauge. Once both parts are drilled, glue a 2mm x 3mm magnet into each part; the Magnicator should sit flush.

Drilling the connection point of Norn Assimilator part 51 with a 2mm bit 2mm x 3mm magnets seated flush in Norn Assimilator parts 51 and 50

Step 10 Heads

Magnets Used

Size # Where
8mm x 2mm 1 Norn Assimilator head, neck space
10mm x 2mm 1 Norn Emissary head, neck space

Now that the entire upper torso is built and magnetized, you will need to insert the respective magnets into either model's heads to complete the guide.
Using the BLUE end of your Magnicator Tool, glue the 10mm x 2mm disc magnet into the neck space of the Norn Emissary. There will be slight gaps, you can use Milliput to fill the negative space if you wish (for this guide, I used super glue with gap-filling medium).

10mm x 2mm magnet glued into the Norn Emissary head neck space Norn Emissary head magnet with gaps filled with gap-filling super glue

For the Norn Assimilator, you will repeat the process, this time using an 8mm x 2mm disc magnet. Again some slight gaps will be present.

8mm x 2mm magnet glued into the Norn Assimilator head neck space Norn Assimilator head with its 8mm x 2mm magnet ready to fit the body

You have now fully built and magnetized your Norn model. You are now ready to move across the galaxy, devouring worlds to your heart's delight.

Finished magnetized Norn Emissary built with the swappable magnetization kit Finished magnetized Norn Assimilator with Toxinjector Harpoons and carapace hood fitted

Biomass. It's what's for dinner!

Full guide