R2D2 aluminum vs fiberglass

[idroid]

I believe I am having trouble telling the difference between pics of aluminum bodies and domes and pics of fiberglass bodies and domes.

On the Astromech site the caption states "The R2 that is part of The Magic Of Myth exhibit is an aluminum body and head, which would date it as an original R2 from Star Wars: A New Hope."

Personally, the pictures from MOM appear to be a fiberglass R2 while the pictures from the AOSW appear to be aluminum.

http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/a...imagepage12.htm shows a chip on the ring and the dome looks painted. There are no dings or dents.

http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/a...imagepage27.htm shows scratches, dings, and dents and appears to be bare metal.

Is this quote incorrect or am I hopeless?

Christopher

*edited to show clearer AL image

 

[wamser_e]

I would have to say that the MOM R2 dome is fiberglass and the caption is incorrect.

AOSW dome is definitely metal.

Ed(Central CA R2 builder)

 

[spastromech]

Don Bies said that the MOM dome was aluminum but it sure doesn't look like alu.

So either they repainted the whole thing silver, or Don was mistaken about this particular dome.

 

[idroid]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spastromech @ Dec 23 2006, 11:35 PM) [snapback]1383682[/snapback]</div>

Don Bies said that the MOM dome was aluminum but it sure doesn't look like alu.

So either they repainted the whole thing silver, or Don was mistaken about this particular dome.
[/b]

The NASM images appear to be aluminum.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/imagedetail.cfm?imageID=1062

Spastromech,

I am relieved to hear someone else suggest the MOM dome surface looks painted. I can see what looks to me like the orange peel texture of the paint. ThatÂ’s not to say AL can not be painted.

http://www.evan.org/r2/parts/R2-D2_dome02.jpg

Something does not sit right. In these pics there are scratches and pocs but no dents that would be indicative of thin walled AL construction.

http://www.evan.org/r2/parts/R2-D2_body15.jpg

 

[spastromech]

Also if you notice that panel is cracked next to the logics. Aluminum doesn't crack like that. It bends and dents.

 

[gonk27]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spastromech @ Dec 24 2006, 02:42 AM) [snapback]1383736[/snapback]</div>

Also if you notice that panel is cracked next to the logics. Aluminum doesn't crack like that. It bends and dents.
[/b]

Dunno, looks to me like it could be a metal panel that's simply snapped at some point, and been glued back very slightly wonky??


I think it's metal, just has a silver painted surface that's all. It might have been repainted at some point to become a different colour droid, respraying it silver again to restore it as an R2 head would have been quicker and easier than sanding off that other paint.

(This MOM dome looks quite similar to the stolen R2 dome which we know IS metal and is also painted on the outside).



Just a theory..

Jeremy

 

[idroid]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(gonk27 @ Dec 24 2006, 03:08 AM) [snapback]1383747[/snapback]</div>

I think it's metal, just has a silver painted surface that's all. It might have been repainted at some point to become a different colour droid, respraying it silver again to restore it as an R2 head would have been quicker and easier than sanding off that other paint.

(This MOM dome looks quite similar to the stolen R2 dome which we know IS metal and is also painted on the outside).

Just a theory..

Jeremy
[/b]

Good points Jeremy. It never occured to me that the ALs would have been painted.

 

[idroid]

I've been pouring over the photos for days.

I am surprised that the MOM dome does not appear to have any dings or pocs. The Hero dome from the auctions has visible dings and dents that are evident even through the paint. This would be expected from a thin walled metal dome.

The MOM dome appears to be completely smooth.

Are there any other caches of MOM high pixel count photos out there?

Is MOM still touring?

Cheers,
Christopher