Project started: November 2022.
Forum www.rebeldroids.net is where you can find other builds, and blueprints of different idea variation's.
So if you don’t know a Treadwell Droid is a model manufactured by _ _ _ _. This model is the WED-15, the 77 designation is what builders refer to for the one seen (or actually, cut from) a New Hope. It did appear in an electronics magazine article which covered all the new droids from Star Wars, including R2-D2!
Link to a PDF of the magazine.
This build started off with me being able to 3D print larger components using an Ultimaker S5 (works printer). Using the blueprints as a guide, ref: rebel droids forum, I drew up in AutoCAD 3D Inventor the 'head/eye's units, and then worked my way through the brackets require to fit all the pieces together.
I also used screenshots and behind the scenes pictures as well as information other builders had posted up in their own build blogs on the forum.
I had a plan to build a Treadwell droid years ago out of wood, but now with access to a larger 3D printer print bed, I’m able to print most of this build on it. The base is constructed out of wood.
Below are CAD drawings and 3D printed progress pictures.
Below is the head and mast assembly.
I drew up the mast to scale and also in sections. This was so they could be individually printed off. I based them on being fitted over a 40mm diameter PVC tube, to give lightweight, structural support. Each section was glued to each other.
Printing of the larger components was mostly done overnight or at weekends on the Ultimaker S5.
The above picture shows the sections printed so far up to the end of December 2022.
The above picture shows sections being test fitted on the PVC pipe.
Claw Arm:
The arm pieces were 3D printed and have carbon fibre tubing to strength of the piston parts.
This next image shows the testing of the idea, with a piece of steel tube, instead of a carbon fibre rod.
The Claw test operating in the above picture, utilises a bowden tube spring 'wire' effect. First attempt was using a cannibalised vintage camera shutter release cable. This wasn’t strong enough though, so went with a strong servo, pivot and arm linkages:
Next up was painting, replacement servo, utility arms 3 & 4. This is a big Blog post with LOTS of details and pictures:
This Blog update was with YouTube video links of the head movement:
More YouTube videos along with the head eye/lenses and details:
More paint work along with the base build (woodwork):
Mast work, creating the wheels, lenses pt2, arm servo linkages:
Lens work Pt3, servo Claw being wired up:
Lens work Pt4, base build & top panels (woodwork), drawing up in CAD & 3D printing of 'logic' panels
Logic housing work, top panel supports:
Base spray painting, 3D printing off wheels:
This is where the fun begins lol, making rubber tracks as well as more panel woodwork, 3D printing of antenna, mast work etc:
The rubber track making continues:
A little side project was to build a storage/transportation box for Treatwell's head.
2024:
This is another long Blog post, containing servo's, woodwork, electrical, metal work machining and 3D printing:
Spray painting the base, wheels and more:
Making rubber tracks:
Transmitter and servo connections, and setting things up:
Another side project, for being able to transport WED:
If your into your FunkoPOP's or just want to have your own mini version: FunkoPOP Treadwell Droid WED-15 (Version 3C)
Back on with the Treadwell build, this post is one that got side lined due to other things, so rather than it be out of sink, it was posted up.
There are still some bits left to complete so I will update
this page with the links as and when.
I hope you find this helpful.
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