R2 experts!! Question about paint scheme

[Trooper_trent]

I have always been under the impression that R2 had a two tone paint scheme, in that he had 2 different colors of blue that alternated. I figured this was a similar technique to the two tone paint scheme on vader's helmet to cut down on glare and to help define detail on camera. But with all the accuracy nuts, I have never seen a fan built R2 that featured this paint job. It's most noticeable on the closeups on ANH in the tatooine desert scenes. I'll get a screen grab.

 

[Treadwell]

There wasn't a deliberate two-tone scheme, but there was a bit of that handmade variance in the paint job in ANH, especially from one prop to another.

In your grabs, I think it's mostly the way light is reflecting. The panel circled in green in the second pic might indeed be a bit darker. I've noticed that before. But I don't think it was intentional, and was only that one particular head (the one with the black ring around the holo emitter).

 

[OhioAstromech]

At CIII Don Bies brought an ANH Pie Panel to show the R2 Builders.
It was anodized blue not painted.


<div class='quotetop'>(Treadwell @ Sep 26 2006, 10:56 PM) [snapback]1327102[/snapback]</div>

There wasn't a deliberate two-tone scheme, but there was a bit of that handmade variance in the paint job in ANH, especially from one prop to another.

In your grabs, I think it's mostly the way light is reflecting. The panel circled in green in the second pic might indeed be a bit darker. I've noticed that before. But I don't think it was intentional, and was only that one particular head (the one with the black ring around the holo emitter).
[/b]

 

[R2D2_GUY]

Two tones... no.

I've seen a Kenny Baker R2 and the ILM R2 up close. The R2 builders have other info and sources that have given information about the color. Alternating tones is something that would have come up and would have been revealed long ago.

Mike Senna

 

[Stormy320]

I agree - the difference in blue in these photos is lighting and not two different intentional colors. Perhaps the colors are different, but I don't think so and it's definitely not intentional.

I painted my R2 with the original Mini Cooper Blue color. It's metallic and has a more ANH look to it and has to be clear coated. I'm very happy with the results.

The Krider blue looks too much like the R2s in the new films to me.

First I heard about the blue being anodized. Interesting...wonder why no-one has tried that yet?

 

[Corellianexports]

I know one reason why I didn't go with the blue anodizing was due to the fact that the ESB era dome that Don had at CII was painted.

Also, some of my other R2 parts (booster covers and ankle wedges) are made of wood.

My theory has always been that R2 was painted with a typical metalic blue paint that was used on cars of that era. We had a 1966 Mustang that was painted a dark blue, metalic. Metal flakes could be seen within the paint, just like the R2 dome panels on the ESB dome.

 

[Stormy320]

I find it hard to believe that R2 was anodized and on the R2 DVD I have when Bies shows the pie, I don't remember any talk about it being anodized. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

However, it is a very unique color. It really changes with light.

 

[OldKen]

<div class='quotetop'>(R2D2_GUY @ Sep 27 2006, 12:57 AM) [snapback]1327153[/snapback]</div>

Two tones... no.

I've seen a Kenny Baker R2 and the ILM R2 up close. The R2 builders have other info and sources that have given information about the color. Alternating tones is something that would have come up and would have been revealed long ago.

Mike Senna
[/b]

im friends with kevin baker and have been around his father alot... and he doesnt have a 2-toned scheme...

wait... what... oh... R2... no not 2 toned.

 

[wamser_e]

I painted cars and motorcycles when I was a young lad. That color looks like a blue candy with pearl or metallic flake in it. The color can change drastically depending on how light is hitting it not to mention how well/evenly the painter applied the color.

Ed

 

[Pwrsrce]

Hi fellas,

The famous "ANH blue" has proved to be pretty illusive over the years...

What you are seeing in the pictures is in fact an issue of lighting...It has always been believed that it might be because of a 2-stage paint job...

But I have always thought that the actual ANH droids were anodized...And I've heard some recent discussion that leads me to believe that may have been the case after all...

In fact, I may have some test pics to show of a blue anodized part really soon.

I believe the main reason that no one has thought about anodizing a complete R2 before is simply due to the fact that all the parts had not been made in aluminum yet...(radar eye, booster covers, etc.)

Now that every part HAS been offered in aluminum, I think it's only a matter of time before someone tries it out

Jason

 

[Treadwell]

There's a picture from the ILM archives I have somewhere, that shows a whole bunch of OT R2s against a wall. With the props right next to each other, a wide variance in the shade of blue from droid to droid is apparent.

 

[Pwrsrce]

Yep...I've seen several pics like that.

I know for a fact that the blue used in ANH was different than what they used for ESB...I've confirmed that with Tony Dyson.

So basically they ended up with a wide mix of blues after the original trilogy wrapped...Then they used a horrible flat blue for TPM, before standardizing all the droids still in use for AOTC and ROTS.

Personally, I like the new "hypo" blue from the last two films...But it is still not an exact match to the ANH blue that we all know and love...


Jason

 

[Trooper_trent]

Yeah, I thought it may be lighting as well, but that's why I took 2 pics. The first one shows the darker panel in the shadow, but the next shows it after the dome has rotated that panel into the light and its still darker. Light may have something to do with the ammount of difference but there is definitely a difference. Watch this scene in motion and you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Pwrsrce]

You know...You may be on to something...

I watched this the other day, and the panel definitely LOOKS darker at times...

However, I still believe that it is probably a result of the way the sunlight reflected on the finish...But it could be any number of things...

Extra top coats, different color primer, etc...(if they were painted and not anodized)...Maybe it's a result of the weathering process...The list could go on...

But I have a hard time believing that they would intentionally paint it a different shade of blue...

Just my opinion of course

Jason

PS - if you want to see an anodized blue radar eye, check out www.droidstuff.com...While it is not the best picture, I think it looks pretty close to the ANH blue...