Concept artist, Jake Lunt Davies, posted up some of his work back around August 2023. They were based on future R series astromech droids as possible design ideas.
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| Artwork by Jake Lunt Davies |
Checkout Jakes Wookieepedia page here: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Lunt_Davies
Role on to October 2024: Mike liked these designs and had the idea to combine the bits he liked best into a new 'JLD style Astromech'.
He asked if I could convert the images into 3D printable pieces. And when I say 'convert', what I actually mean is, drawing up in 3D CAD using only my interpretation [scale] of the images to the best of my abilities 😁😁😁.
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| Just two of the components I created |
Mike himself, started to build the body/legs/feet etc and created his own 'skins' for the body. These being different to R2's and are also a combination created, based on Jake's designs.
The foot shell's had to be designed up and scaled, basing them on 'standard' R2 style feet motors etc. He then asked about could I possibly draw up a spring....
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| Several attempts later..... |
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| a 3D printed spring [this one with a back, to allow flex, but not break] |
Just to show how springy this original one is, here's a link to my YouTube shorts. This was just regular PLA filament.
Here's some more progress pictures. Build credit to Mike B.
Material list: Wood internal frame and legs, other parts are 3D printed and assembled by Mike, inc painting.
Mike finished his build early 2025 and was able to introduce his JLD droid to the real JLD, this year at Droids @ Mshed event. Jake was most impressed that his designs had become a real working droid. Here's some of the pictures from the event.
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| Jake was kind enough to sign Mikes build |
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Big thanks to Lee Towersey and to Jake Lunt Davies.
