Return to the BUILD
“This [issue] includes another large exterior panel for R2-D2’s body. You will be fitting this onto the interior framework in due course, but as before, you first need to and blue and silver details that include the curved seal around R2-D2’s left shoulder joint, and two of the external vents. You also have some more Allen screws to secure the details in the dome.”
Contents
Parts
Materials: Everything in this issue is plastic.
Hardware
| Type | Quantity | Size | Color | Head Type | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screw | 3 | 2x9 mm | Black | Pan | Plastic |
| Screw | 3 | 2x8 mm | Silver | Pan | Metal |
| Screw | 3 | 2.5x6 mm | Silver | Pan | Metal |
| Screw | 3 | 2.5x8 mm | Silver | Pan | Metal |
| Nut | 3 | 2x4 mm | Silver | ||
| Screw | 3 | 2x4 mm | Black | Pan | Plastic |
| Screw | 12 | 2.3x6 mm | Black | Pan | Plastic |
| Screw | 7 | 2.3x6 mm | Black | Flanged | Plastic |
Magazine
- Building The Galaxy – Starships and Vehicles
- Droid Directory – R2-D2 Astromech Part 2
- Understanding Robotics – Robot Assistants
- Build R2-D2: Model Instructions
Build
Fitting the Side Details
Steps 1-3
Press the pegs of the Shoulder Seal firmly into these holes:
Step 4
Fit the post on the back of the Heat Exhaust Grille into the matching hole of the Heat Exhaust Shell:
Step 5-6
Secure these parts together from the rear with one (1) 2.3×6 mm black screw:
Steps 7-8
Align the two notches of the Front Internal Plate with the two tabs of the Front External Grille and press together. The two posts should fit up through the holes, as shown:
Steps 9-10
Fit the tabs and posts of this assembly into the matching holes of the Left Front Body Panel and press it into place, as shown:
Step 11
Secure this plate/grille assembly from behind the panel with two (2) 2x4mm black screws:
Steps 12-13
Fit the Heat Exhaust assembly to this location behind the body panel, align the lugs over the matching posts, and secure the assembly into place with two (2) 2.3×6 mm black screws:
This is what the body panel should look like now:
Fitting the Dome Screws
Steps 1-2
Retrieve the dome assembly from Issue 66. Then, remove the six (6) Allen Screws from the sprue:
I recommend using sprue cutters or a sharp hobby knife here for nice clean cuts:
Steps 3-5
Retrieve your Dome assembly. As we have done before, screw the Allen Screws into the six (6) locations shown below.
I mentioned this back in Issue 64, but I did not use the supplied plastic Allen screws. Instead, I used stainless steel versions:
Thoughts
More details make this a better build. I am on the fence about weathering anything, but you never know. Keep the dome handy as it is will be used in the next issue, however, the panel assembly won’t be needed until Issue 78.
Next Up
Issue 77 – Left Leg Support, Leg Support Bracket, Cable Ties/Tube, Allen Screws