R2D2 Build

[KrangPrime]

re-arranging all the leg parts so nothing gets lost and cleaning up the desk area. jag feet are on order and awaiting completion. jag ankles are next and about 12 more parts to order for the leg, hopefully all resin, to finish it up.

first worry though is to finish the body. The bottom front vent should be ready to go tomorrow....I'll finish up paint on deep pocket vents. I will glue in the DPV and coin return when the frames are ready to go...and then assemble the panels. I will get the front frames done first, rear done last. The couplers and accessories will be removed so the frames will get a final paint, then they should be done. with any luck the body should be done in the next three weeks...

 

[KrangPrime]

Got yourself some clamps I see. Hope they're doing the job.

so far so good

I didn't care for one set recomended because they looked kind of cheaply built and didn't have much strength too them..these are almost industrial ..

 

[KrangPrime]

more light dabs of jb weld....more warped frames getting tightend up. I won't be doing this for the back frames...I don't think. They fit together great.

this little ******* needs a bit of cleaning, but it's done... now i've just gotta sand the tops off a tad so I can fit it in the thing...and the vents will be done.

 

[snooks]

Looks really cool so far!

 

[KrangPrime]

last bit of clamping done...

bottom vent finally ready..

frame panels will get glue clamped tomorrow..

 

[NormanF]

I was at Celebrations today and I went to one of the panels on building these. I was blown away when I heard how much these can cost to build.

 

[KrangPrime]

I was at Celebrations today and I went to one of the panels on building these. I was blown away when I heard how much these can cost to build.

almost at the $6,000 mark on mine.. and ankles will probably put it at $6500. Then there's electronics.

 

[KrangPrime]

THe front frames are now perfectly aligned and firmly glued together. There might be a bit of need for some more glue on the bottom, but for now, the warpedness is gone. Brand new coat of final paint.

More glue is needed by the power coupler side...or a clamp in areas to keep it straight for a weekend or so should do the trick. I also need to remake the tabs for the PC. I know I didn't throw mine away, but I can't find them!

Monday, I will try and fix the paint on the deep pocket vents, and weld those into place along with the coin return. Before I leave today, I will use the last of my JB weld to get four more panels glued together, and all but three of the back panels will be glued and ready for frame assembly..


For a first attempt, I guess this one isn't turning out all that disastrous..

skin screws are not all the way in, but frames finally line up a bit better than before. a bit more fine tuning needed..

All but four back panels glued together

 

[TK9120]

It is coming along nicely. Keep it up.

 

[robkashikoi]

Looks good so far. I'm getting ready to start my second soon, these things are addicting. I like the look of that dome you've got.

 

[KrangPrime]

Front panel layout to make sure I had everything..Naturally, I'm somehow missing one door frame piece..crap.

while the bottom part glues, a rough layout of finished glued panels. I'll hot glue those in and when the frames dry tommorow, i'll hot glue in the rest to see how it looks before they get welded in and the back will be finished minus coin returns

 

[drvandermeer]

Super sweet!

 

[KrangPrime]

scratch the missing piece alert...I think that panel was from the rear front vent skin section. I accounted for every un needed panel but that one. doh!
sometimes the obvious solutions elude me .

I bought some more clamps today, for a total of 11 in all. Tomorrow, all the back panels should be welded together, ready to be permanently attached to the frame. but i'm going to hold off on that untill all the front panels are taken care of being welded together first.

Then I'll try and put everything on at once and give the frames one final sanding and paint. I guess a clean droid look now is out of the question... so will go for a used look

A VERY rough hot glued panels to the frame just to see how they all look. Most look good. The two big ones need more glue in spots.
I also saw I Was using the front panel combinations...so the rear panels are not painted yet.

 

[sskunky]

Yay! Go for the weathered screen used look. That's how I build all my personal props. They have so much more character in my opinion.

 

[KrangPrime]

The top one needs a bit of fine tuning to fit right, so does one of the smaller bottom slabs.

All but three of the front ones getting glued together.. not sure if you need to do that for the ones that aren't doors...but I hate to throw away the scrap . Those should be ready for attachment tomorrow, and i'll get the last three done tonight..

 

[phez]

You might want to try using the 3MVHB tape if you are painting the panel deatils first and then gluing them on. There is no glue mess to deal with and the stuff is super strong. I did my entire skins with one roll.

 

[odog]

This makes me want to build one for my next project.... After my 2nd proton pack and two arc reactors. Looks like i'm aiming for 2013, so I should start ordering the parts now

 

[Deanwormer]

I was at Celebrations today and I went to one of the panels on building these. I was blown away when I heard how much these can cost to build.

Why does it have to be metal? You can build a good looking wood/ styrene/ fiberglass droid for well under $1000.

 

[KrangPrime]

Tommorow, if luck and clamps are with me, I should have all of the back frames done and ready for final paint.

All the front panels should also be welded together tommorow as well, and be ready for front frame attachment. those will get a final paint before that happens, though..

Once that is complete, a bit of a break will be had and when the steel outer feet arrive, I'll start tackling the leg puzzle..

Also now properly painted blue. should I polish the front vents?

 

[DarthVespula]

Wow, it is really coming along! Nice work!