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“R2-D2 is nearing completion. The parts you have received are used to support the motor that turns the dome, and transfer its drive smoothly via a shaft running in two ball bearings. You will receive the dome drive motor itself in [Issue] 96.“

Contents

Parts

Materials: Everything in this issue is metal, except for the Cable Retainer which is plastic.

Magazine

• Building The Galaxy – Creature Design
• Droid Directory – R2-D2 Astromech Part 16
• Understanding Robotics – ETH Zurich Robotics Research
• Build R2-D2: Model Instructions

Build

Assembling the Drive Shaft

Steps 1-3

Press the Small Bearing down into this recess of the Dome Drive Shaft until it is flush:

Steps 4-6

Fit the Bearing Retainer over the Small Bearing as shown, and secure it into place with two (2) 2×4 mm silver screws:

Steps 7-8

Fit the Large Bearing into one of the Bearing Housing Half parts, as shown:

Steps 9-10

Fit the other Bearing Housing Half over the Large Bearing, aligning both halves together so the bearing is enclosed inside:

Step 11

While holding this assembly together, align the Cable Retainer over these two holes (NOT on the hexagonal recess side):

Step 12

Fit a nut into each of the two hexagonal openings, as shown.

I am doing these next few steps out of order as it seemed easier this way:

Step 13

Fit a small Spring Washer over the ends of two (2) 2.5×10 mm flanged silver screws, as shown:

The Spring Washer should be on the side with screw, not the nut:

Steps 14-16

While holding the nuts in place, drive these screws through the assembly from the other side and into the nuts, as shown.

Make sure the nuts remain flush in their hexagonal recesses after these screws are tightened:

Thoughts

These are some sturdy little parts, but they have to be to support the heavy rotating dome. Keep the Dome Spindle and Dome Motor Support Plate nearby – they will be installed in the upcoming issues.

Next Up

 Issue 96 – Dome Drive Motor/Cover, Motor Cable