R2-K1

Decisions

2008-07-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Before building R2, I had to decide a few very basic fundimentals. What was R2 going to do? And, what are R2's main parts going to be made from? I like being able to purchase parts - I can get construction done more quickly. However, being on a budget, I had to pick and choose the parts I could buy, and which parts I would have to make.

Here is a brief listing of what I would like R2 to do:
1. RC controlled
2. Sounds
3. Spun dome with all bells and whistles.
4. Eventually 2-3-2
5. Arms, scope, etc... (eventually)

After doing a lot of research on building methods and materials, the following is the way I decided to go:

Body: Mark Mullen did a superb job of documenting a method of using a Tape-Ease plywood tube for the body, skinned with styrene. I toyed with the idea of making a wood frame and skinning it with styrene. But, I was not comfortable with my ability to pull this off.

Legs: The plywood method of Mike Senna just makes too much sense to not go this route.

Details: I will try to make as many of the detail parts out of styrene as I can. I like a lot of the detail work that Dan Baker has done on his site. The parts I do not make (or are unwilling to make - like shoulder hubs, octogon ports, etc...) I will buy in resin.

Dome: This is one item I struggled with for a while. Given the shoe-string budget limited my options. However, I really did not like the sphereical look of the inexpensive options. So, I will most likely brake down and purchased an R&J dome (well, there goes my budget).

Drive system: This will be a cobbled together creation of my own design.

Minnesota Science Museum - Star Wars Exhibit

2008-07-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

While browsing the local paper, I came across an advertisement for the 'Star Wars - Where Science Meets Imagination' exhibit. I had to go. About the same time, I came across a local R2 builder (Mike) who recently finished his R2. I heard Mike was going to have R2 at the opening of the exhibit. (even more reason to go).

The Star Wars exhibit was fun. And, I finally was able to see a real live Astromech droid up close. You do not realize how intimidating R2 can be until you see one personally. The picture is of my daughter and Mike's R2-M1 droid. I had a Great time at the exhibit, and Mike's R2 was very inspirational.

"You want to build what?"

2008-07-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Shortly after I made the personal decision to build an R2 droid, I told my wife. She was not the most enthusiastic about my new endevor. She was receptive, and let me proceed. I guess she did so as it was just, "...another one of my hobbies".

OK, I am hooked

2008-07-30T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am not a "mega" geek Star Wars fan. Or, a fan that has to have everything Star Wars made. But, I have always been interested in the Star Wars story and charactors ever since I first saw the original movie back in 1977 (wow, that sounds like a long time ago).

I am actually starting this blog a little late. I stumbled across the R2 Builders Club several months ago and was amazed. I did not realize people actually built Astromech droids for fun. Being involved with a lot of different mechanical/electrical related hobbies, building an Astromech droid just seemed a natural next step. However, building a droid looked like a monumental task. I like a challenge and was hooked.

The R2 Builders Club is a wealth of information, and a great resource. The all aluminum droids are amazing. But, a little out of my price range (to say I have a limited budget would be an understatement). The Wood and plastic droid is a little more within my grasp - and within my skill level. But, based on what others have built, I still expect some very appealing results.