Off topic - two week break

A little off topic, but I finished my other project last night. Took me almost two weeks to complete. My family participates in our church's Awana program. Both of my girls are clubbers, my wife and I are leaders in different clubs. The group that I lead participates in a pine wood derby grand prix every November, and not just the clubbers, but leaders from most of the groups as well. Last year, my first year, I was challenged by the Commander that she would take best of show. I built a version of Lightning McQueen from the movie, Cars. This year, I was challenged by the Commander and my co-leaders as well to "up the ante".... So, I just had to choose Mater.

Umm.... did I mention under body lighting??? I have issues...

Hmmm..... Maybe next year, something StarWars...

Ok, back to building a droid.... During my time off, I was able to complete my radar eye. The lens was made from a 2 liter pop bottle and looks great!!! I didn't have time last night to get a picture of it, but I'll update the site soon.

Dome Work Continues

I made progress this past weekend with the great weather we had here in NY. I clear coated the metallic coat of the dome and all seems to be holding nicely. Took several coats to seal the paint, but it hardened pretty well overnight. I was able to add the blue on the bottom ring and the top of the dome. Here's some pics of the panels that I have painted taped to the inner dome.

I have yet to cut the base and the inner dome. I have another project to work on in the next two weeks, so progress on Artoo will slow down for a little while. I hope to get the base cut and ready to paint in about two to three weeks.

The Race Is On!!!!

I woke up this morning to frost and 30 degrees outside of my house. Not much time left to finish my painting this year. Last night, I put some base coats of chrome on the outside dome. Two coats and a night to rest it. Weather was a little on the cool side, close to dropping below 50 degrees while I was painting. Might hit the 60 degree mark this week, but I'm estimating that this will be my last week to paint for the season.

Anyway, here's what I have from last night. Nice reflection from the chrome paint. I'm using Kelly Krider's suggestion of the Rustoleum Chrome Metallic, but I didn't care for the clearcoat on the test strip that I did. This paint doesn't recommend a topcoat finish, but I may need something to match the sheen to the blue panels.

Dome Work

Finally finished cutting all pieces out of the dome. I put a coat of primer on yesterday and let it dry overnight. The weather is starting to get cooler, which increases dry time, so my painting process is slowing down. I'm hoping to get the chrome color on today and let it cure for a while before I mask it off to apply the blue areas (top of dome and ring on bottom). Here are the latest pics. The panels are just set in place and not centered.