July 3, 2007 - Names

(from my Star Wars Blog)

OK, I've not done much of anything but the seven P's on my astromech. What? "Seven P's"? You don't remember the Seven P's?

Proper Prior Planning Prevents P***-Poor Performance

Or, as Norm Abram would say, "Measure twice, cut once."

I laid out the template for the legs of my R2 unit, and found out that I was an inch off. Why? Because I wasn't taking into account the differences between aluminum and plywood in the blueprints for the legs and ankles that I downloaded. Better to catch these things now, than when I get to building, right?

I have a handful of resin parts (thanks, Ken!), and am awaiting my Sintra skins (thanks, Andy!). There are still quite a few things to order, though...

In the meantime, I have decided to name my astromech RD-22. This is what my mother used to call R2-D2, before she passed away in 1990. She understood my Star Wars obsessions, but never really got it. Nevertheless, she was there for me, so this is my way of honoring her.

My plan at this point is to build a "prop" two-legged droid to start with, hopefully, by Christmas. After that, it's on to the third leg, but still a prop. Once I get the mechanical stuff down pat, I'll move onto the electrical and RC stuff. I might be able to see you at Celebration VI with this guy fully working!

I'll have some pictures shortly. Just don't expect miracles yet. I'm not that good at measuring twice and cutting once.

Bob
July 3, 2007