Hero of a Thousand Devices [R2 Build Log]

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:01 pm

I'm a few years into my R2-D2 Build, figured I'd share some photos/videos. I started in late '23/early '24; then took a long break to some personal stuff. I jumped back in late last year after about 1 year off, and am currently re-printing the center body for a few reasons. I'm hoping to get a lot of progress done this year, especially since I've done a ton of the hard work along with the electronics while I let the physical form languish for a bit. He's 3D Printed, and while some of the plans are out there the electronics are mostly my own creation - in no way would you consider this a "kit build":

The dome, with lights!

Here's his head mounted on (what is now his old] body - with spinning head and sounds:

I've been spending a lot of time condensing all of his electronics down to a board that fits in the body though:

And here he is, in the "3D Printing Lab" I've set up in the house - Don't fret the helmet on the left side of the table there, just another project I'm working on :

ukimalefu · Post by **ukimalefu** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:34 pm

Whoa! That R2 is big!

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:55 pm

ukimalefu wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:34 pm
Whoa! That R2 is big!

He's full size, 1:1 to the one from the movies.

ukimalefu · Post by **ukimalefu** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 7:12 pm

ConnertheCat wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:55 pm
ukimalefu wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:34 pm
Whoa! That R2 is big!

He's full size, 1:1 to the one from the movies.

cool!

ame · Post by **ame** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 9:10 pm

That is badass.

reefdog · Post by **reefdog** » Tue Feb 17, 2026 10:30 pm

ConnertheCat wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:01 pm
Don't fret the helmet on the left side of the table there, just another project I'm working on

As good a time as any for an "I don't work for no two-bit Nazi" refresher. ❤

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Wed Feb 18, 2026 12:17 am

reefdog wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 10:30 pm
ConnertheCat wrote: Tue Feb 17, 2026 6:01 pm
Don't fret the helmet on the left side of the table there, just another project I'm working on

As good a time as any for an "I don't work for no two-bit Nazi" refresher. ❤

Indeed! I have the jetpack in pieces as well; and was sanding down the helmet when it became Hoth-like outside. I hope to get that done later in the spring.

Post by **obvs** » Wed Feb 18, 2026 3:25 am

Whoa. That is incredible!

LCGuy · Post by **LCGuy** » Wed Feb 18, 2026 8:43 am

This is awesome!

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Wed Feb 18, 2026 6:13 pm

Thanks for all the kind words folks! I hope to have him on his feet this summer and driving around. I'm currently printing out the new body, ideally that will be all set for paint this spring (April?). I have an issue of perfection on him I'm working to get over; most people aren't going to look at small seams from an inch away on something this size yet I still must try to get it perfect.

Long term, I'd love to do an all metal one with all the bells and whistles; and now that I've sort of set that in mind getting this one out the door can tide me over and help me perfect the drive/control systems.

I also want to make a Chopper. And a BB8. And a Wall-E.

…

Please send help.

ukimalefu · Post by **ukimalefu** » Thu Feb 19, 2026 10:43 am

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Thu Feb 19, 2026 12:45 pm

ukimalefu wrote: Thu Feb 19, 2026 10:43 am

That may or may not have solidified the Wall-E build for me someday lol. It was interesting to hear the control system they are using (Kyber), as that's an R2 system.

dv · Post by dv » Thu Feb 19, 2026 6:37 pm

Very cool.

SUPERTRAMP · Post by **SUPERTRAMP** » Fri Feb 20, 2026 4:59 am

That rips. Have fun.

Link · Post by **Link** » Mon Feb 23, 2026 12:15 am

That is extraordinary! I really wish you could find a way to give him artificial intelligence and R2s personality.

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Wed Mar 18, 2026 10:22 pm

I've spent the last month or so reprinting the body; and just started painting it. The white section is removable; which is why it was done in isolate. This was the first finished white I've done on him (since his head doesn't have); think it's coming along nicely.

ukimalefu · Post by **ukimalefu** » Thu Mar 19, 2026 10:03 am

Have you tried using The Force?

ConnertheCat · Post by **ConnertheCat** » Thu Mar 19, 2026 11:39 am

ukimalefu wrote: Thu Mar 19, 2026 10:03 am
Have you tried using The Force?

Nope, but I have tried lots of time ha ha. The blue pieces are:

2 coats filler primer
1 coat gloss black
2 coats silver
3 coats blue
2 coats clear coat

I give each coat at least 2 hours to dry… so you can see it takes some time.