And the custom CO2 system provided by CryoFx has accomplished just that. 

"During shows, there are times throughout the day that I make Optimus talk using an amplified audio system mounted to the truck", explains Fiduccia. "One of the last things he says is very compelling. But I always felt like I could do just a bit more at that moment to bring it to life for the kids."

Fiduccia tells us that since the truck doesn't physically transform in any way (YET), the imagination of the kids who see it tends to wander. And sometimes they'll question if they their Cybertronian hero is real...or if it's 'just a fancy truck.' 

"I don't want to be the one who disappoints them. So I tell them Optimus is maintaining his disguise at all times in case the Decepticons are nearby."

After about a year attending various conventions and community events, Fiduccia decided it was time to do more than just make Optimus talk. So he began researching options to blow smoke out of the six stacks.  After realizing that fog machines would not accomplish the effect he was looking for, he recalled videos from years ago spotlighting 'CO2 cannons'. So he began looking into those, and eventually came across a company called CryoFx, based on the West Coast. 

Kris Mullins, owner of CryoFx, immediately responded to Fiduccia's online inquiry about building a custom CO2 burst setup for his Optimus Prime replica. The pair designed a system specific to this truck, complete with hoses, fittings, nozzles, and tanks. 

Fiduccia received the parts in record time, and spent about 5 full days installing all of the CO2 lines into Optimus. In total, his replica now shoots out CO2 from 10 different locations on the truck (one in each stack, 2 in the back, and 2 in the front). And combined with the original voice overs, audiences all over the country absolutely love it. 

"It almost always results in a round of a applause from fans", says Fiduccia. "The truck talks for about 3 minutes. So at that point, no one is expecting CO2 to magically shoot out. It scares them, but they love it at the same time."

The CO2 setup runs off of two 35 LB tanks mounted inside the cab, which are capable of delivering up to 10 2-second bursts. The nozzles are permanently mounted inside the stacks and to the frame of the cab, allowing Fiduccia to use the system at anytime.  

"What I love is that it is also safe to use outdoors or inside. It dissipates almost instantly, and doesn't fill the room with smoke or inadvertently set off any fire alarms."

"It doesn't matter though. Because this is the one thing I was missing. This is the one thing that truly brings our replica to life in the best and safest way possible."

To see an explanation and demonstration of this setup, please watch the following video on the Optimus Is Here YouTube channel. And if you would like to learn more about CryoFx, please visit www.cryofx.com