R2 unit in the making

[Don Jarr]

Hi all

I decided I wanted a project to run along with other bits I am making, as a novelty to sit outside my workshop, and decided on a R6 (like R2 D2 but with different shaped dome.)

I have found several web sites with plans and stuff on, but all the message boards I have come across are yahoo based, and are not like normal message boards. If you have visited one, you will know what I mean, but it just lists new posts, not in categories or sections. Seems a bit of a wonky way to do it, but thatÂ’s how its done.

So if anyone knows of any other R2 related message boards that are not yahoo ones can you please post details. IÂ’m just going to needed to ask a few questions and post a few progress pics as I go for opinions, and on yahoo you canÂ’t just post a picture like you can here.

Any and all info would be good.

Don

 

[MattMunson]

As someone who has also just started down the road to an R2, I can tell you that my two best resources for newbies are these:

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/r2builders/
http://www.astromech.net

The r2 builders yahoo group is filled with information and really helpful people. Astromech.net should probably be your first stop, as there is tons of reference materials, questions answered, and all kinds of fantastic info. Dig around there before you post questions to the builders club, because they've probably already been answered. A great site.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

 

[frosty]

I too find them a bit confusing to navigate, call me stupid..
I am looking for a static kit from someone in the uk to build up and display,but have had no luck yet.
Good luck with yours

 

[8 perf]

I've been a member at both places Matt mentioned, and have my own R2 in progress. Been working off and on for about 2 years now. If I can answer any ??'s, I will. Just shoot me a PM.

 

[Jedirick]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(8 perf @ Dec 30 2006, 01:02 PM) [snapback]1387174[/snapback]</div>

I've been a member at both places Matt mentioned, and have my own R2 in progress. Been working off and on for about 2 years now. If I can answer any ??'s, I will. Just shoot me a PM.
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BTW as you progress. Since we 'work' about 200 feet from each other, if you want to take me under your wing, I have an extra set of primo heavy duty wheel chair motors that I can offer as a bribe.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

When I get a big workshop, R2 will be my first project. Thanks for the resources Munson, guess you are good for something after all......

 

[PMTrooper]

hey don
i´m in the same boat
and other point is the language
so it would be nicer to step into a PHPBB ore some other boards

 

[vistaVision]

The R2 Builders and Astromechs Yahoo groups are far and away the best resources you will find. Shouldn't take long to get comfortable with how they are formatted and organized, and you will find a lot of archived materials. In addition, members of both groups are always willing to assist. You have a wealth of builder's experience available for the asking... These groups routinely get together on weekends for informal builders meets. What part of the world are you in? There is likely somebody (or several somebodies) near you.

My daughter (11 years old) and I built this "overblown nightlight" a couple of years ago. Couldn't have done it without the R2 Builders group. FYI: Dome and body skins are aluminum, legs, feet and batt boxes scratchbuilt with plywood and styrene, mix of aluminum and resin details. Loads of fun to build, own and share.

As others have offered, feel free to ask questions here, I'll be happy to help.

Marcus
[attachmentid=11777]

 

[xeno]

you might want to consider using a Gmail account with individual mails, it will
organize all the subjects together, and are more easy to read.

and Gmail has a far more superior search function ..
and lots of space to save all mails

but you also should consider reading all the postings (I know it's a lot)
cause you will benefit from all the info you will read, and make plans
beforehand, instead of asking when you get to that stage of building,
and having to make adjustments to your R2 later ..

there are a lot of OT subjects, but as we grow nearer to CelebrationIV, and
Celebration London, you will see a lot more useful information and part runs.

if you need a Gmail account invite let me know

Xeno

 

[crowe07]

I always love it when you come on here and someones just asked the exact question you were about to post about. Thanks for all the help, and good luck to everyone setting out on the R2 path.

 

[OldKen]

the real question is there anyone on this forum that DOESNT want to build an R2??? :confused

LOL.

good luck and as always post your progress.

matt yours is lookin awesome...

rick sell a couple hundred of those BR blasters and you could just have an R2 built for you...

 

[Don Jarr]

Hi all

Thanks for all the input. I have spent ages looking through r2 builders and astromech.net, which is where most of the plans came from.

I also spent ages looking at different ways to make it, and most seem to use alloy for the frame and main body, then some use cnc alloy parts for the most of it, and some use fibreglass instead. The cnc alloy parts are very expensive, they look really nice, but just a tad out my price range.

So as I work in fibreglass, carbon fibre and polyurethane resin, I am sticking to what I know, and will make it out of that. However unlike how I saw most of them being constructed, I am making my main body with bottom skirt all in one, a sort of bin with square hole in the bottom. This way I can make a master, then make a fibreglass mould and construct it in one piece. Then their will be a carbon frame that the dome is attached to that slides into the main body. Legs will be fibreglass, and the bits like vent plates, coin slots etc will be machined from resin. (The old fashion way by hand, no cnc.)

As there seems a lot of like minded folk here, I will post pictures of bits as I make them. If anyone is after any of the smaller parts, as moulds will be made I can run off a few copies to help folk out. All resin is pressure cast, so they come out nice and clean and bubble free.

If anyone is a way along with making there own R2 unit post some pics for inspiration.

Many thanks again for the info.

Don

Ps, I will be adding step by step construcion pictures to my web site, showing each part as its made.

 

[RoCKo]

good luck with your R2 project. one fine day i will start my own.
you should definatly visit this threat and maybe contact the author, he definatly seems to know all you are looking for. his R2-unit is the best i´ve ever seen.
GO HERE .

 

[xeno]

Hey Don, I also made all the R2 parts for myself, I just didn't have the
cash at the time to buy all the parts, but must also say that making it all
myself is a lot more fun to do

take a look:
www.xenoweb.nl
http://www.xenoweb.nl/r2d2_5.htm
http://www.xenoweb.nl/r2d2_13.htm

Xeno

 

[MattMunson]

Man, the forum is going R2 crazy. I love it.....

Please do post pics and keep us posted on your project. I know I lived vicariously through a number of board members progress pics as I was in the "plotting/scheming" phases.

 

[wamser_e]

Don, just be prepared to spend 2-3 years building your R2. That is of course you are like Mike Senna(aka Superman/Clark Kent) and can build one in a mere 11 months.