R-Series
Astromech
1
Designation: Undetermined

ACQUIRED:
080917.1906

BEGUN:
080926.20

COMPLETE:

CONSTRUCTION LOG



080917.23
Well, I started off looking for an R2 unit the other day.  I think this wraps up the Star Wars kick quite adequately.

All three models for $23 shipped.  Another can't-go-wrong deal.  Single R2's were going for $20+ all week.

Here I get one semi-built R2, a competely unbuilt R2 and a semi-built threepio to boot.

Even if both R2's only have enough parts to make one good one, that leaves me greeblies or a damaged /under construction unit.

Neither of these will be R2-D2.  Options I'm looking at are one R2 and one R4 or R5.  Maybe just the R4 and R5.  We'll see.  I'm watching star wars now for some ideas.  There are numerous paint options for the R-series droids.

Electronics are guaranteed in at least one, if not both.

More when they arrive.


080918.00
Possible Reference



080922.00
This log will cover the pre-built of the two kits.  Its' condition will determine how far it is taken. 

if it needs complete disassembly and baselining to achieve perfection it may very well be scraped to complete Droid 2 which is already 'baselined' insofar as it is unassembled.  We'll see soon enough.  I'll have them both in a few short days.

Either way, I should end up with a couple spare droid heads. Maybe I should try casting the body before anything else!  Making armies of these guys would be great! 


080925.00
So, the condition is generally 'beat'.  There is yellow crud all over the body.  It is likely glue.  I'm asking around for a solution.

I will restore it.  It will be an excellent challenge to overcome.


080927.01
http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=230513

I threw the whole droid into the freezer before leaving for work.  He popped apart quite easily for the most part.  A couple stubborn parts are the 'battery packs' on the ankles.

For a prime Astromech resource, go to the pros:
The R2 Builders Group. 

I will be utilzing their knowledge as I build this.  One aspect is to accuratize the kit.  The other is to prototype a full size build the way I am envisioning it. 

Once I get the exact scale factor, I will sculpy the real world components at size and use this to troubleshoot the eventual full size build.  Having the other kit will be helpful in this regard too.

So, onto the actual notes of the day.

Tomorrow, the now separated parts will be dipped in a hot soapy bath to loosen up the crud.  If that doesn't work, I will step up to an ajax scrub and bath.  After that, we'll see. 

There are a lot of fine details on some parts that any sanding would obliterate.  But if they are innaccurate details, there will be no problems. 

I also need to do some color studies.