SMN update:
Here’s the LEGO take on the company’s upcoming Star Wars release: “Presenting the iconic R2-D2 as you've never seen him before! Everyone's favorite droid from the Star Wars galaxy is now part of the Ultimate Collector Series and features fantastic detailing, such as retractable third leg, front panels that open to reveal a universal computer interface arm and a circular saw, rotating head...”
More details
Whoa, there LEGO, your PR department sounds like it’s had too many energy drinks: “... and two fold-out front spacecraft linkage control arms. With the included fact plaque and R2-D2 minifigure, this diminutive model is the perfect addition to your LEGO® Star Wars™ collection!”
Designing a new LEGO kit
Still, as avid Star Wars fans since the first movie soared across the silver screen back in 1977, we have to agree with LEGO that the little bot is definitely: “the best-loved droid in the Star Wars galaxy!” As you’ll see from the LEGO YouTube video (below) a lot of thought goes into producing a new kit.
Ace kit, high price
The R2D2 kit looks fantastic actually, with a humongously-huge 2127 parts-count that builds to make a detailed robot, standing more than 310 mm (12 in) high. It’s not cheap mind, with a US price starting at $179.99 USD (£149.99 GBP) which makes it a rich dad or confirmed Star Wars fan purchase - no wonder LEGO targets it at ages 16-plus. The LEGO R2D2 arrives in May 2012.
LEGO Star Wars R2D2 stats (exclamations courtesy LEGO):
• Measures over 12″ (31 cm) high and 7″ (18 cm) wide!
• Features retractable third leg!
• Front panels open to reveal a universal computer interface arm and circular saw!
• Features realistic rotating head!
• R2-D2 features 2 fold-out front spacecraft linkage control arms!
• Includes fact plaque and R2-D2 minifigure!
• Ultimate Collector Series R2-D2™!
• Measures over 12″ (31 cm) high and 7″ (18 cm) wide!
• Features retractable third leg!
• Front panels open to reveal a universal computer interface arm and circular saw!
• Features realistic rotating head!
• R2-D2 features 2 fold-out front spacecraft linkage control arms!
• Includes fact plaque and R2-D2 minifigure!
• Ultimate Collector Series R2-D2™!
Nifty blueprint of R2D2 (above) from The Official Star Wars Blog here.
LEGO Space site here.
More LEGO Star wars stuff here.