[MOD] R2-D2 Retractable Middle Foot set 75379 MOD

[mcphatty]

Hi all! I've been busy modifying my 2024 R2 to store the middle foot inside the body. I'm convinced that the designer of this set intended the middle foot to be retractable, but for some reason the feature didn't make the final model, so this is my effort. Here's a cutaway render of the mod as well as a video of the work in progress version. I'll replace the video with one of the final design soon, I've also put together some free instructions with the extra parts only costing around £2.50.

https://bricksafe.com/files/ron_mcphatty/big-ships/mod-75379-r2-d2/MOD 75379 R2-D2 V1.mov

The mechanism is built around one of the 4x6 Technic Bricks included in the set, it contains an axle held under tension by a rubber belt (part x71) that pops out to hold the middle foot in either the retracted or lowered position. Tipping R2's body backward causes the red liftarm part to push the mechanism down and the middle foot drops, and if it doesn't drop all the way pulling it down will lock it in place. Pushing the whole middle foot forward slides the mechanism (and axle) out of it's locked position so it can be pushed up back into R2's body. Then by tipping R2 upright the red liftarm part moves back and allows the mechanism to lock in the upward position.

Despite being hollowed out R2 remains a strong build and the new mechanism works fairly well, but I would love for the middle foot to drop all the way down on it's own. That's something for me to keep working on, but if you guys have any suggestions at all I'd be very grateful to hear them. Thanks for looking!

Edited April 4, 2024 by mcphatty

[PaulPrime]

Amazing! That hollow inner space was surely asking to be used. As requested by my 5 year old nephew i repurposed it into a openable cockpit for the small R2-D2, but I'm very tempted to try your mod.

[mcphatty]

@PaulPrime your nephews idea is brilliant! I might see if I can find space in the head to do that myself

[PaulPrime]

1 hour ago, mcphatty said:

@PaulPrime your nephews idea is brilliant! I might see if I can find space in the head to do that myself

When I show him my creations his two questions are always does it open? and does it fire? So I may try to put some firing mechanism in the head instead of the pilot. Please show us if you manage to put a cockpit there!

[mcphatty]

I’ve been working on this little guy for a couple of weeks and now he’s finished! Chopper is heavily based on the new R2, built to the same scale of course, and features the same retractable middle foot/wheel. Instructions are also on Rebrickable, I’m now waiting for parts orders to arrive and will post photos once he’s built.

 

[Eki1210]

It Looks fantastic, Great Job!

Scalewise it fits perfectly to the r2d2 Model 👍

[mcphatty]

Just a quick video to give you an idea of how my R2 leg mod works. It's not super clear but to unlock the middle foot it needs to be moved forward, to the front of the droid, which slides the axle out of the pin hole at the bottom of the main structure.