Okay, long story short. I got an email from McMaster saying that there was an R2 Builders gathering/dinner up in San Rafael this weekend. Of course I was going but was a little curious/suspicious on why it was all the way up in San Rafael (i.e. LFL’s backyard) when most people were coming from down south.

My suspiouns were confirmed when I arrived tonight to find that Don Bies will be there.

Of course I was prepared and had something ready for him to sign. Here’s me and Don while he signs my Aluminum Radar Eye from DroidStuff. Over dinner there was some discussion on the accuracy of the eye, but Don commented that it’s much nicer than any eye that was ever made for a screen used R2.

It was really good to meet some fellow builders and talk thru some issues.

oh! and I got to meet THE Victor and Mike Senna who drove up from LA and arrived after most people had left – but we got to hang out for at least another hour or so in the parking lot talking shop and running Mike’s R2 around 🙂

Big thanks to Michael McMaster and Kevin for organizing the event.

Well I’ve taken the plunge and ordered my first parts. Money has been sent and now the wait begins.

A set of metal outer feet from Jerry (JAG) which should arrive in January 07.
Feet Detail from TomD

Dome resin parts from Azman, including holo projectors, radar eye, and logic surrounds.

A shopping list of aluminum parts from Daniel at DroidStuff.

• Leg Hubs
• Utility Arms
• Horseshoes
• Shims
• Radar Eye
• Booster Covers
• Retraining bolt on/off kit
• Pocket Vents

and finally a laser cut aluminum dome from Ron and Jason (R&J)

Welcome to my new R2D2 Astromech blog. I’m hoping to document and share the build process of my new astromech.

My name’s Chris and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of you may know me as Bothan Jedi on The Replica Prop Forum (RPF) or as TK721 with the 501st Golden Gate Garrison.

Over the last few years I’ve gotten burnt out on costuming and looking for another creative outlet. I’ve mostly been collecting and building Star Wars props, but thought it was time to think about R2 again.

I’ve been lurking on the R2 Builders Group for years, and even had one failed attempt at buying an R2 Kit. Unfortunately UPS managed to mangle him in shipping. So I put the idea on the back burner till now.

A lot has changed since I first joined the builders group back in 2001. Part are more readily availability, of higher quality and more accurate. In some ways I wished I’d jumped back in after Celebration III as it seems like that was the sweet spot for availability of some hard to find Aluminum parts.

So the plan is to build a mostly aluminum R2 with all the bells and whistles, including remote control.

If you’re a fellow local builder drop me a message. Would love to meet up and share.

So that’s it for now.

oh! and don’t forget to check out my gallery for photos.