R2D2 build...possibly one of many!

[Slackbladder07]

So I've been keeping a low profile on the forum since joining but now I feel like I actually have something to share.

When I first joined I was talking about building an Astromech droid - namely R2. For 2 reasons, 1) I love him (as we all do I'm sure) and 2) there seems to be distinct lack of droids in Scotland.

Originally I planned on building a wooden/aluminium build for which I have both the dome and skins for but after investing in now 4 3D printers I decided to go that route. I may come back to do a Alu build at some point but I'm really happy with the results I've been getting with the 3D print, to the point I've already started printing the body of my second droid.

Anyway, heres a bunch of images leading up to where I'm currently at with building R2. Initially he'll be pretty basic in that he'll be able to drive around, turn his head, extend his utility arms, claw and interface arm and when I get the courage to actually start taking apart my alu dome I'll make a mechanism for that so other appendages can come out of his dome.

Admittedly there's a lot I'm not 100% happy with but I've learnt from that for my next one. At the moment he's a clean build but once he's all assembled I'll be weathering the bejesus out of him which will hopefully coverup any of the imperfections I'm not happy with :)

where he's currently at: (video)

https://1drv.ms/v/s!ArLJEfmJwRsDgRHtAKzxIAp4ow-j


and some WIP pics:

[Legorebel]

Nice work there, Mr Baddleys files? And do I spy a LeeT dome? Always good to see more droids at events.

[Slackbladder07]

Nice work there, Mr Baddleys files? And do I spy a LeeT dome? Always good to see more droids at events.

Yes on both accounts :)

I do have a set of metal skins but I went down the 3D printed route in the end. I’ll probably do something with them eventually. Same with Lee’s dome, too scared to touch the bloody thing at the moment though lol

[Legorebel]

One day I'll have a Lee dome... Both my R2 domes are 3D printed, my R5 is styrene.

[Slackbladder07]

It was actually the first thing I picked up! Then the skins, then I found Michael and the rest is history. Thinking I wanted to get R2 out this year (before covid kicked in) I printed one of the single print domes just to get him up and running, but obviously things have changed a bit now. I’m still prepping the dome as before and I’ll start on the metal dome once I’ve finished the build.


Then once he’s complete, I’ve already started printing the R5 (R5J2, felt it was only right to have one rebel and one imperial) then when I’ve done the metal dome for R2 I’ll paint the spare dome up so it can be swapped out on the imperial.

THEN it’s onto BB8, and somewhere in between that I’m gonna do BD-1....


I may have to get rid of a dalek lol

[Legorebel]

Mikes a clever guy. Great at engineering these things, I’m in awe.
Wow single print dome huh? I do have one but it was printed for me. My R2 dome is in bits. With a lot of filler...but it turned out well after days of sanding.

Good luck on BB8! I did start one but I kinda abandoned it due to cost. Wanted to go down the Cary drive route but wow, so expensive.

But welcome to the world of droid addiction!

[Naberrie]

he's definitely comin together now! still can't wait to see him out n about.... eventually lol.