1/43 R2D2 Decals

[Raven Morpheus]

Hey all

I'm working on a 1/43 AMT/ERTL/MPC X-Wing model kit (the flight display version, no pilot, terrible cockpit etc.), it's at the stage where I just have to add a few parts, and try to attempt some weathering (all decals have been added, the engines are lit (didn't bother lighting the cockpit, I just smoke glassed the canopy), and the main wings/fuselage are all sealed up).

However one of the parts I need to add is the R2 unit. The kit one looks terrible, for a start there's a seam line down the middle of the dome that I know will ruin the dome if I try to remove it, but I used it as a test piece anyhow. I filled his body and then drilled a hole up his backside so that I can stick him on top of the switch post for the LEDs to see if it what I wanted to achieve will work and it does indeed work - I can press down on him to turn the LEDs on and off.

Instead of using the kit part though I bought a resin R2D2 made for the DeAgostini Millennium Falcon from a seller on shapeways, the scale claims to be 1/43 scale, although I've not done a test fit to see if it fits into the X-Wing yet...

I'm sat here looking at it though and if I'm honest I have no idea how to start painting the details, i.e. all the little blue panels, especially on the head. Because I can barely make them out, despite the add on shapeways stating the model is in "ultra frosted detail". I don't imagine that will improve when I base coat it either.

So I thought I'd try and use decals, but I can't seem to source any or any useful artwork from which to make my own!

Would anyone know of any free artwork I could use to make my own, or if there are any 1/43 decals out there that I could buy?

TIA

 

[rbeach84]

At one time, there may have been an aftermarket decal set for the AMT kit, but I'm not aware of anything currently available. But hand painting should be possible using tiny strips of masking to help keep the lines straight.

One thing you can do is 'smash mold' a new dome. This involves mounting a suitably sized metal bearing on a rod (use epoxy) so you can 'smash' a heated piece of styrene plastic sheet over it to form the dome. Remember, the form must be smaller to account for the thickness of the plastic sheet. Its like vacuum forming but without the suction.

You may be able to find a plastic 'dome' in the form of plastic 'googlie-eyes' at a craft store or something similar... though those tend to be pretty flat. I've also seen half-round adhesive "beads" also at a crafting store, so it pays to look around.

Regards, Robert

 

[robn1]

Just use the kit R2. Sand the seam and the detail, it's inaccurate and backwards anyway. Paint the dome silver then mask and paint the panels. Alternatively you can use solid blue decal like Microscale trim film, cut out the panels and apply.

There were several Monogram 1/48 jet kits that had a pilot perfect for the X-Wing, the oxygen mask was hanging down on his chest so his face was exposed. Just trim off the mask and add detail to the helmet, then paint it in rebel colors.

The cockpit is a little sparse, but is a fair representation of the filming model. You can add extra detail to match the ILM version or redo it as the set cockpit.