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“The components provided with this issue include the main elements that make up R2-D2’s processor state indicator – one of the key features of his head dome. You have also received part of his most prominent faceplate, and the first piece for his right leg, both of which you will be assembling in the next few issues, plus three types of screws and a screwdriver.”

If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend reading through my Getting Started page first.

This is the full kit of the DeAgostini 1:2 scale Star Wars R2-D2 so I will be uploading issues as I complete them. This first issue is all about the processor state indicator and the beginning of the right leg. Unfortunately, we will not be using many of these parts until Issue 3.

Contents

Parts

Materials: Here I will describe the materials the supplied parts in each issue are made out of. All of the screws are metal, so I will not mention them. For instance, in this issue, all of the non-electrical parts are plastic except for the metal Processor State Indicator Faceplate.

Hardware

The 2 larger black screws indicated in the parts list are not included (nor needed) in this issue.

Tools

• One (1) Phillips-head screwdriver (appears to be size PH0)

Magazine

• Building The Galaxy – Designing R2-D2, Part 1
• Droid Directory – R2-Series Astromech Droids, Part 1
• Understanding Robotics – LEDs
• Build R2-D2: Model Instructions

Introduction Poster

Includes an ‘actual size’ photo of the completed model and details of the build:

• Wi-Fi Enabled
• Dual Mode (AI/Manual)
• One-Piece Metal Dome
• Video/Still Camera
• Communication via chirps, whistles, and colored light displays
• Extending Control Arms
• Projector
• Microphone and Speaker
• Remote Control App-Enabled
• Pop-Up Lightsaber
• Rechargeable Batteries (not included)

Build

These are the parts for our first issue, for which I wanted to show the included screwdriver:

Assembling R2-D2’s Processor State Indicator

Step 1

Fit the LED Cluster into the LED Cluster Mounting so the three-pin socket fits through the hole and align the three screw holes:

Step 2

Drive three (3) 2.3×4 mm black screws into each the holes just tight enough to hold the LED Cluster in place. Do not overtighten these screws as this may crack the mounting:

TIP: In case you need it, I have a full listing of the different screws/nuts and which issues they come in on The Hardware page.

Steps 3-5

Unwrap the LED Cluster Power Lead, and using the smaller plug, connect it to the back of the LED Cluster. This plug connector and socket are keyed to only fit correctly one way, so there is no need to force it:

Thoughts

Just like most partwork builds, we start off with some random pieces. Some will be used right away, others will wait until much later. Therefore, keep all of these parts safe for now.

Another thing that surprised me is the size of this model; it is actually much smaller than I thought. For example, the metal dome in Issue 51 is only about 8 inches (20 cm) across. From all the videos and pictures I have seen, it appeared larger. Still, this is going to be a fun build!

Next Up

 Issue 2 – Right Leg Outer Plate/Details