Trooper_trent's R2-D2 build

[Trooper_trent]

I know there has been a few of these popping up lately, but I'm kind of excited to share this. This has always been my holy grail project and I'm finally getting to do it!
I'm keeping everything organized in my blog here.
Trent's R2-D2 Build

And here's where he is today.

I'm expecting the dome to be delivered in a couple of hours.

 

[Megamicrofish]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Looking great so far,I look forward to seeing him with his dome on.
I wish I had the time and money to build an R2 (and an understanding wife)

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Might this make an appearance next year at Philip's? :thumbsup

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

I hope so. If not done, I bet it'll at least be in a presentable state by that time.

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

By the way this will be a big father-son project that I'll be working on with my 5 year old. Artoo is his favorite as well and he's just as excited as I am.
UPS just delivered my 300mm aluminum dome.

He's no longer headless!

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Made a ton of progress today. Got the dome fully deburred and smooth, cut all the holes in the inner dome, tapped the screws to hold the holos and logics, installed the inner ring and angle ring, installed the rockler and got the head on. He's all ready to paint and start adding dome parts.
See more here.
Trent's R2-D2 Build

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

I'm on a roll! 2 crazy productive days in a row and my dome is DONE! (well, minus the radar eye, holo lenses, and electronics)
I started replicating the scratches and dings (my favorite part of prop building) by watching ANH on blu ray.
Trent's R2-D2 Build

looks like

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

I thought I was done for the night but then I found a cool tutorial to make the radar eye out of a soda bottle. Couldn't resist.

and here's the scene I'm using to base mine off of.

 

[KramStaar]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Absolutely fantastic!!

Highest regards
MARK

 

[jcoffman99]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Love it. Well done sir.

 

[GF]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Great work!

I have the same exact dome, was it hard to fit the inner dome, I did a fast test fist a while ago and it seems a very very tight fit.

GFollano

 

[Trooper_trent]

A tight fit is a good thing. Some people have had experiences with getting gaps between the two if they aren't tight enough. If it's too tight. You can chill the Inner dome and warm the outer and they'll go together easier. Then warm the whole thug to get the plastic Inner ring in.

 

[streetjudge79]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Wow, looks spot on so far and the paint job is perfect

 

[major payne]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Lovin it!!!

I wish my R2 was that far along...

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Holy crap! I may have to repaint! Look at this test piece!


Before

After (test on a scrap piece)

Screenshot

 

[pinder91]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

That is looking awesome, man!!! I can't wait to start one of these. I love the weathering job, and the new blue paint is perfect. What is it?

 

[Kevin Gossett]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

The finish on the new paint looks excellent :thumbsup

 

[roblenzz]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Man, I'm with you on the repaint. I know it will be a pain , but it will always bug you if you don't. The anodized blue look in the second photo is perfect. Nice build and I too love the weathering look. :thumbsup

 

[Trooper_trent]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

Alright, I stripped the dome and repainted last night. I can't believe the blue was finally identified after SO MANY years of hunting.
I'll get some daylight photos once the sun is all the way up.

 

[roblenzz]

Re: Trooper_trent's R2 build

NICE !!!