Getting on top of things

After...well, too long, I finally started on my dome :)  This was the first purchase for R2, and one of the last pieces I've started working on!  So first things first, I marked up where to cut

 A neat trick is to use a washer and run a pencil along the edges.  I need to have a lip on the inner dome so that when the pie panels close they don't fall through into the dome!

 After marking them up, I used a knife to cut along the edges.  I was planning to use a drill to cut out the corners, but I'd like to keep the cut out from the inner dome to use as a backing on the pie panel.  Adds extra strength, and should look pretty cool.  Does make things a bit more time consuming though.

First panel out!  Bit rough, but nothing sand paper won't sort out :)

Target practice with throwing my knife across the room.  Good shot!

After cutting out the first two pie panels, I marked out where the top holoprojector goes.  I had to put the outer pie panel in place and I was happy with the position, used a pencil to draw around the hole  (no washer needed, this hole is the right size).  This piece does not need to be saved, so I used a drill

 Cut out the gaps between the holes

And filled!

All top panels cut out!

Next up was the cut out for the rear logic display.  To mark this out, I used some spray adhesive that I've been using to attach the plans to the styrene.  This held the pieces in place well enough for me to draw on the inside where I needed to cut.

Mainly down to how awesome I am, the cuts are tight enough of a fit for the logic display surrounds to fit in place with out being attached.  They will of course be attached, to stop them being poked through, but for now they're fine

R2 before and after a lobotomy. 

Happy that my work was going well, I removed the outer dome again, and used the inner dome as target practice again, this time for my 9mm pistol.  perfect shot every time.

Cutting out the gap between the holes as before, working some magic with a file, bish, bash, bosh and R2 suddenly has a less ghostly face!

Oops missing a utility arm.  But a well timed shot of the front PSI changing 

And for your viewing pleasure...