R2-D2 ANH Remote Controlled Prop Replica

[OpenR2]

A long time ago, back in the summer of1977, a little robot that rolled onto the silver screen and straight into our imaginations.

The very first version of R2 that was cemented in our young brains was the remote controlled unit with the 3rd leg drop mechanism. This unit instantly set the tone of the "used future" universe imagined by Ralph McQuarrie concept art, contrasting with the clean and antiseptic environments often seen in previous science fiction.

It's holoprojectors are chipped. Under its main eye is smashed in. Rivets are exposed on its body. Its white paint is filthy.

This particular unit had no actor inside. It was completely controlled by electronics. It was closest to a real robot that special effect supervisor John Stears would be able to manage in 1976.

This is the R2-D2 that has lived in my head since I saw the film in 1977 when I was 9 years old. This is the version of the prop that I would love to faithfully replicate.

 

[OpenR2]

True Historic Shoulder Details - Front Facing Pockets

There were two variations of details in the forward facing pockets of the shoulders used in ANH. Both of these are constructed from found items.

Hydraulic Reference Fluid Tone Arm

Both greebles came from the fluid tone arm of a Michell/Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference turntable.

Shoulder Detail - Variation #1

The most common variant which is what was used on the RC unit, were four sets of fluid arm part #17 with the helmet from the stylus assembly part #1 glued on top.

Shoulder Detail - Variation #2

A second variant sometimes had three of the common greebles configured with part #11 minus its logo cap as the forth. Sometimes it had two of the common greebles and two of part #11 minus its logo cap.

Reference Parts

The replicas are based on these parts taken directly off of one of the 4 original hydraulic reference turn tables that I purchased and from a standalone original fluid tone arm that I purchased.

Original Michell/Transcriptions shoulder button on the left, authentic OT ESB shoulder button in the middle (certified by the Propstore), and replica made from OpenR2 ANH RC True Historic spec on the right.

 

[yaris]

This is the R2-D2 that has lived in my head since I saw the film in 1977 when I was 9 years old. This is the version of the prop that I would love to faithfully replicate.

Well good luck with all that...!!

Seriously, you're off to a great start! It's a BIG long build and many different ways to do. I scratch build most of mine and some folks buy all the parts and assemble. Some make R2 out of plastic and some go the full ally path. Motorized or not, 2 legs or 3, there's no right or wrong way, as long as it turns out reasonably accurate, then it's a win...!!

If you haven't already gone here....very helpful for builders. R2 Builders Website

My R2 wishes you good luck and have fun....!!

 

[Halliwax]

Shoulder Hydraulic Reference turntable fluid arm greebles

There were two variations of shoulder buttons used in ANH. The most common variant which is what was used on the RC unit, were four sets of fluid arm part #17 with the helmet from the stylus assembly glued on top. A second variant had three of the common greebles configured with part #11 minus its logo cap as the forth.

View attachment 1949057

Is there better photos of the variation of the buttons?

 

[OpenR2]

Is there better photos of the variation of the buttons?

I'm adding more info to the posts with more photos of the buttons.

 

[Halliwax]

I'm adding more info to the posts with more photos of the buttons.

You the man! I’m glued to this thread

 

[Vagabond Elf]

As always, so very interested in the work you guys do. Tagging in so I can follow the thread!