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“The main parts provided this time are for the fuel cell that fits on the inside or R2-D2’s right foot, covering his drive motor. You also have a test cable to check that the motor is working correctly, plus some white plastic plugs to conceal the screw holes on the inside of his leg.”
Contents
Parts
Materials: The covers and latches in this issue are plastic, while the plugs are soft rubber.
Magazine
- Building The Galaxy – Finishing the Effects Shots
- Droid Directory – NR-N99 Persuader-Class Droids
- Understanding Robotics – Ways of Moving
- Build R2-D2: Model Instructions
Build
Testing the Motor
Steps 1-4
We are going to need the right leg from the previous issue, the Motor Test Cable from this issue, as well as the Battery Box and Control Circuit Board last used in Issue 29. Unwrap the Motor Test Cable and connect the smaller connector to the OUT port of the Control Circuit Board:
Step 5
Unplug the existing cable from the Right Wheel Motor/Gearbox:
Step 6
Replace it with the larger connector of the Motor Test Cable:
Step 7
Turn the Battery Box switch ON and press the S2 button to check the motor runs slowly.
There is no picture for this, but my motor did turn as expected!
Step 8
Turn the Battery Box switch OFF, unplug the Motor Test Cable, and reconnect the leg motor cable:
Fitting the Fuel Cell
Step 1
We are going to need the leg assembly from the previous steps, the parts in this issue, and the two Powerbus Cables from the previous issue. First, cut the Long Plugs from their sprue.
I recommend using sprue cutters or a sharp hobby knife here for nice clean cuts:
Step 2
Press the two (2) Long Plugs into the lower screw holes in the foot (circled below).
Pay attention to the curved head of the plugs, they should be rotated to match the shape of the foot casing:
Steps 3-4
Cut the six (6) Short Plugs from their sprue:
Press the Short Plugs into these other screw holes in the foot/ankle:
Steps 5-6
Fit the posts of a Quick-Release Fuel System Latch into the front holes of the Right Fuel Cell Inner Cover, and press it into place.
The design of the posts/holes will only allow this to be installed in the right way. It is a snug fit, so no glue is needed:
Steps 7-8
Place the Right Fuel Cell Inner Cover over the foot, aligning the four fixing holes:
Step 9
Tighten the Right Fuel Cell Inner Cover into place with four (4) 2.3×6 mm black screws:
Step 10
Just like in Steps 5-6 above, fit the posts of a Quick-Release Fuel System Latch into the front holes of the Right Fuel Cell Outer Cover, and press it into place:
Step 11
Fit the Right Fuel Cell Outer Cover to the installed Right Fuel Cell Inner Cover, aligning the four mounting posts:
Step 12
Secure the Right Fuel Cell Outer Cover into place with four (4) 2.3×6 mm black screws:
Steps 13-14
Plug the end of a Powerbus Cable into the upper socket on the foot and the other end into the inner socket of the fuel cell.
These do not stay in place very well on their own, so I used a drop of super glue in the holes to secure them:
Steps 15-16
Plug the ends of the other Powerbus Cable into the remaining sockets.
I used super glue here as well to lock these in place:
Thoughts
This issue completes the right leg and it looks fantastic! I especially like the braided details on the Powerbus Cables. The leg is pretty hefty, and in terms of weight, this leg assembly weighs just over 2 lbs (0.9 kg) all by itself. Keep this entire leg assembly safe for a while as it will not be needed again until Issue 38.
Next Up
Issue 35 – Lightsaber Tube/Catches/Springs/Cap