1:1 R2-T0 / R2-G2 Astromech

[MonsieurTox]

Hey guys,

I wanna have some fun with something else than hunting kitparts

So Ive started yesterday my full size astromech droid which will be R/C. I'm doind the styrene version with resin parts to save money and weight. And since I'm not planning to R2-D2 it's not worth getting an aluminium dome

I think I gonna reproduce R2-T0 :

Also known as R2-G2 in another scene of TPM :

They said this is not the same droid, I agree there are some differences and maybe in the movie it's not the same droid, but the case is that in reality it is the same droid with maybe some make-up.

Ive started by cutting the ring in 3mm styrene :

This job was messy... Fortunatly the router doesnt do styrene dust, it's easier to clean up !

Actually I was a bit sceptical about the styrene integrity over time. I use to work with styrene and I know that after some years it tends to crack if too much stress on it. That's why I decided to build an aluminium frame which will support all the weight of the droid and all the constraints. No stress on the body nor the legs !

It will be a bit heavier than a full styrene droid but that will still be lighter than an aluminium or wooden droid !

Inner skin :

Outer skin :

All my body panels will be closed.

Thanks for looking !

 

[clancampbell]

Wow, that's fantastic!

 

[KaanE]

That's what happens when a SS builder builds a 1:1 thing. If the details on the SS are impresive, with the 1:1 build they are even better.

Well done MT.

 

[DarthLuumzl]

Oh, that is a thread I will take in my mind for the near future...

Great work so far... :thumbsup

 

[MonsieurTox]

Thank you for your interest guy !

I'm not sure yet about the final painting I'll do, not R2-D2 for sure, there are too many all around, but the weathering of R2-T0 is very challenging !

 

[KaanE]

Maybe a R3 series with clear dome?

 

[PHArchivist]

You amaze me...

 

[Ghost Host]

...Cool!

 

[MonsieurTox]

Maybe a R3 series with clear dome?

The R3 serie with the clear dome has been my fav from the beginning !
Unfortunatly it's almost impossible to find a dome with the correct shape adn club spec (diameter of 18.25"). The guys offering the Styrene domes did a run of clear domes but as far as I know they wont be offering them anymore as the clear PETG used to vacform the domes damaged the plug.

And I already have a styrene dome ordered so I'll use it... Except if I can find a clear dome from the previous run !

Rob, maybe I should build R2-Q5 to go with your Death Star ? :lol

 

[KramStaar]

Great work mate.. I'll watch with interest!

Kind regards

MARK

 

[KaanE]

Look at this webpage: Star Wars Astromech Droids

All the droids ever known in a webpage! Decide yourself! :lol

 

[MonsieurTox]

Thanks Mark !

Look at this webpage: Star Wars Astromech Droids

All the droids ever known in a webpage! Decide yourself! :lol

I hate you ! Now I dont know which one to build... I want them all ! :lol

 

[teecrooz]

Someone has to ask. Any chance you'll offer kits/skins to members here?

 

[MonsieurTox]

You should take a look at the Yahoo!Group or astromech.net !

Hey guys !

Some progress pics.... I built the aluminium core for the legs. I dont have the right tool to cut the aluminium so I tried to do my best with what I had. Not very good looking... Yeah those arent sexy lol But they cost me less than $20 and they cant be stronger !

I will dress them with styrene, it should do the trick ! Hopefully it wont weight a ton !

The Rockler is on its way, I should get it by monday, hopefull the dome will be shipped soon too !

 

[Funky]

This is awesome! I love droid builds. :love

 

[Wes R]

Man now i want to build a droid x.x

 

[MonsieurTox]

Thanks guys !

I built the anckles today, they need a bit of putty and sanding but they're more or less finished :

I also received my Rockler bearing :

That's all for now !

 

[Zombie Killer]

Wow man, that is inspiring. I have a dome and skins but have been holding out for a frame. I may need to just make it. I'll be watching with great interest.

 

[ralphee]

Julien, wow, its kinda funny, past week or so, ive been looking at R2 parts, with that wicked intent, too much for me to bite off though i think lol.
This is fantastic, really fantastic. There is a laser cut vac dome in styrene i think, maybe that would help? Not sure if its still available though?

lee

 

[Holluba]

This is amazing! I've never seen the build process of an R2 before and what's going on here looks to be quite the engineering feat.

For someone like me who enjoys Star Wars (even has the DVDs) but isn't what you'd call a dedicated fan, I would love to own such a droid as it's very iconic. I wouldn't know where to start though, although I am aware that there is a board dedicated to these props, I just don't want to have to join another forum, so I will be watching this thread with great interest!

Hope to see more progress soon and thanks for sharing this build with us.

Holluba