R2D2 Build

Blip, blop, bleep, blip booo.

That's droid talk for amazing work.

Keep it up, it's going great.

I didnt know things like this existed. All the parts to make a replica I mean. Great work by the way.

a weekend gone, and i can not seem to find any pictures or tutorials on how to instal the pitman motor/how to get the head spinning. I still think I'm missing one part. isn't there a giant wheel that attaches to the rockler bearing?

reading the instructions for the top mounting blocks, I HOPE This looks right... They even up pretty good in the back.. the front is a tighter fit..

perhaps not the most even job in the world. my front skins got really bent out of shape somehow. Also, judging hole distance on back skins with whiteout to mark screw center isn't the most accurate of ways to do this i'm sure, but it worked..



front and back skins now on...step 4 done.

LOOKING GOOD, it will be a droid to be proud of.

Can't wait to see it once it's finished.

And it's coming along nicely.

My other problem is I want mine to have all the bells and whistles and I know nothing about electronics.

does anyone have the commando 8 dome setup? I need to see how i attach it to the frame to get the dome spinning.

the photos I have found so far seem to have the A and A gear set instaled, which seems pretty straightforward..

as you can hopefully see, the back frames fit pretty good. The Back front frames fit pretty good. But the front front frame got so warped somehow, that it's not quite a tight fit. not sure if there is a way to fix that other than extra screws in the warped area in the hopes that pressure over time will fit it back into shape..



all the backs are pretty even and lined up.. it's the front one that needs major work.

TK9120 said:

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Actually you can build one of these in plastic for considerably less than a metal one. There are plans for basically an all plastic one. Granted it had an R5-D4 head but I believed it weighed only 35 lbs. But there is a plastic R2 dome available.

If you bought all resin parts to detail with it wouldn't cost too much. You should join the Astromech forum and check it out. It can be done. I just wish I had the time to finish mine.

thanks for the info, i will have to have a pop along

Now more lined up.. just gotta fill the holes.

So, we've got 4 holes to fill on the left side to get the frames into shape. Tomorrow, I might paint the LDP and get that permanent in there. MAYBE I'll start figuring out how to attach the parts to the frame. all body parts are there minus deep pocket bents and utility arms. And it's time to figure out how to attach the pitman motor to the frame. I got it in it's holster, it just needs attaching.

Beautiful. I would not know where to start but your doing an awesome job!

TK9120 said:

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Actually you can build one of these in plastic for considerably less than a metal one. There are plans for basically an all plastic one. Granted it had an R5-D4 head but I believed it weighed only 35 lbs. But there is a plastic R2 dome available.

If you bought all resin parts to detail with it wouldn't cost too much. You should join the Astromech forum and check it out. It can be done. I just wish I had the time to finish mine.

If you want to go totally budget (me) you would build a wood frame. You just have to know how to use a router and a level or you can buy a Senna style frame pretty cheaply over at Astromech.

mrfnydude said:

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Beautiful. I would not know where to start but your doing an awesome job!

that is why I have a video coming! rough edit now, final tomorrow!
https://vimeo.com/46402019

Ive been wanting to build one of these for years but something always comes up that i need to spend the money on. I keep up with the r2 builders club website and dream of the day when i will be able to get started on my own R2.

CYBORG65 said:

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Ive been wanting to build one of these for years but something always comes up that i need to spend the money on. I keep up with the r2 builders club website and dream of the day when i will be able to get started on my own R2.

I'm the same way.... Actually there are quite a few props I've wanted to build over the years that I continually put off. One day I'll be rich and can do them all.

This is an awesome build. It's giving the "itch" again.

how do these look? do I trim away the outer edge so it fits in the hole instead of on it?



These little guys should screw into the back frames no problem.



This guy, however, is backed into the back support rod. I may just have to remove it to get it fitting...



As for these guys, I sure hope they fit ..

what size screws do you generally use to secure? I'm assuming they have to be countersunk into the skin?

Today was mostly spent figuring out how to mount the pitman. this is what i came up with... hope it looks good. It'll be secured by nuts as well once i find ones that fit.

Now, I just have to find a connection that powers/fits the one on the pitman, and i can test it to see how well it works.

R2D2 - Life Size - Dome Construction - January - July on Vimeo


video gets a near final update...youtube police will get a vern with less interesting music...

trying to get the dome bumps on..

Was...was that the music from Short Circuit? This is looking fantastic! Your progress is wonderful and the way you document everything is making me feel like I am right there working on it too. Thank you for the great job!

Engelnicht said:

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Was...was that the music from Short Circuit?

yes it was .



you guys get the rough shots . This is before countersink. these vents lined up surprisingly well even with the warped front frames..


I ran out of screws somehow...2 seem to have gone missing. but three more parts installed. I'm going with smaller 4-32 screws for the remaining parts. I was afraid the head for the screw would go right through the holes, but these 6-32 screws are a tad too big, I think...

all part of the adventure .

Now countersunked f or your pleasure. That's three, Ttthhhreee parts in..Ah Ha Ha! Boom!

the remaining four can wait. The screws are bought and ready to go, but working on this since 12 it's time for a break

NOW I'm done for the day. Dome bumps painted and hot glued in. The head, minus metal radar eye, is officially done. update to video later...

next week, if i don't go to the shore, i'll get the four parts left put in...then I will take a bit of a break till i get ALL the parts for the feet ordered..including the outer feet themselves..