I wanted to build a full size version of the LEGO r2d2 toy and Celebration V was just the excuse I needed. I have been a long time member of the r2 builders group and have built an R2D2, R7S1 and R7S2 astromech droids as well as several other movie robots. Since there would be nearly 100 R2D2's at the Con I wanted to do something that would stand out similar to what I did for Celebration IV when I build my Mini R7.
I started building the LEGO R2 rther late as i didnt start until the beginning of July for an event the middle of August. I knew this build wouldnt be as complicated as a regular R2D2 as there were not as many details in fact there were no details onthe toy at all.
I used a cardboard sonotube for the body. they come slightly larger than the club standard 18" so I had to cut out about a 2 inch section and to get it to the proper size. I then covered it in styrene so that it was perfectly smooth. I used plywood for the top and bottom of the tube and out out an access door onthe top. i used 2X8 lumber on each side to make the internal frame supports.
I had planed to use PVC pipe to simulate the Lego connectors. I used 2 connectors and a piece of pipe inthe body to connect the legs too. and added a connector tot he bottom with 2 wedges that simulate the skirt and allow things to be connected to the bottom of the droid.
For the legs i used several layers of plywood and 2X10 lumber. I inserted a connector in the top with a short bit of PVC pipe to conect the legs to the body like the actual lego pieces do. This full size LEGO comes apart exactly like the toy.
For the dome I contacted one of the R2 suppliers and asked for one of their domes that was a second or lessor quality dome. i could use this because I wasnt cutting any panels into it but just paining the dome like the toy. I glued another piece of PVC pipe to the top as well.
Lots of sanding and body filler got me the result I neede dfor the legs, dome and body. I had a friend that works at a print shop create the front and rear sticker for me. the toy doesnt have the rear stixcker but the game version does and it looked kind of naked with nothing onthe back.
I used a sit-n-spin that I had motorized as a bearring for the dome and incorporated scooter motors into the feet so that the LEGO r2D2 is fully RC'd like my R2D2 is. I added a sound system as well.
All in all I think it was a hit at celebration V and am considering making a full size LEGO C3PO to stand next to it in my home.
I started building the LEGO R2 rther late as i didnt start until the beginning of July for an event the middle of August. I knew this build wouldnt be as complicated as a regular R2D2 as there were not as many details in fact there were no details onthe toy at all.
I used a cardboard sonotube for the body. they come slightly larger than the club standard 18" so I had to cut out about a 2 inch section and to get it to the proper size. I then covered it in styrene so that it was perfectly smooth. I used plywood for the top and bottom of the tube and out out an access door onthe top. i used 2X8 lumber on each side to make the internal frame supports.
I had planed to use PVC pipe to simulate the Lego connectors. I used 2 connectors and a piece of pipe inthe body to connect the legs too. and added a connector tot he bottom with 2 wedges that simulate the skirt and allow things to be connected to the bottom of the droid.
For the legs i used several layers of plywood and 2X10 lumber. I inserted a connector in the top with a short bit of PVC pipe to conect the legs to the body like the actual lego pieces do. This full size LEGO comes apart exactly like the toy.
For the dome I contacted one of the R2 suppliers and asked for one of their domes that was a second or lessor quality dome. i could use this because I wasnt cutting any panels into it but just paining the dome like the toy. I glued another piece of PVC pipe to the top as well.
Lots of sanding and body filler got me the result I neede dfor the legs, dome and body. I had a friend that works at a print shop create the front and rear sticker for me. the toy doesnt have the rear stixcker but the game version does and it looked kind of naked with nothing onthe back.
I used a sit-n-spin that I had motorized as a bearring for the dome and incorporated scooter motors into the feet so that the LEGO r2D2 is fully RC'd like my R2D2 is. I added a sound system as well.
All in all I think it was a hit at celebration V and am considering making a full size LEGO C3PO to stand next to it in my home.
