MPC / ERTL - C3-P0 (Kenner 1978)

[Karl]

Hi Chaps,

 

To follow on from my recent R2-D2 build I've started on R2's counterpart; C3-P0. Again this kit dates from around 1978 and is the MPC/ERTL kit under the Kenner label and is approximately 1/8th scale.

 

The kit was purchased as a part started model (two kits came in the box, one built and one in bits) so I chose the best of the parts to build one good C3-P0 and still have enough parts left over to build another C3-XY variant droid if i feel like it in the future.

 

 

 

The first thing I did was to disassemble the built kit and go through the parts and clean them up.

 

And that's it, my finished model diorama:- The C3-P0 scrap pile scene on Cloud City from 'The Empire Strikes Back' Thanks for looking.....

 

 

Oh well, seriously I'd better sort through the scrap pile....

 

 

That's better. Better start gluing....

 

Karl

 

 

 

 

Edited April 14, 2019 by Karl

[Karl]

More progress on C3-P0.

 

It has to be said that this is a fairly simple kit, so building C3-P0 was a fairly quick process. Most of the time was spent cleaning up the old joints and filling in any gaps or replacing broken or missing parts.

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to remove the moulded in restraining bold on his chest.

 

 

The original kit used moulded in hooks at the ends of the arms and head (like an old fashion doll) to allow for articulation of the joints. These had all broken off in my kit so I installed some plastic tube across the inside of the chest and one for the head. On the arms I drilled a hole on the end of the arm and used a length of bent brass rod to hold it into the tube inside the chest, this allows the arms to move. The head is held on with a short stubby rod that allows the head to turn.

 

 

 

After I was satisfied with the assembly, it was time for some primer.

 

 

 

The primer revealed some areas that required remedial filling and shaping work and then more primer.

 

 

 

Thanks for looking.

 

Karl

 

 

 

 

[ElectricLightAndy]

Looking good Karl, I find It quite satisfying working with older kits like this, I find that the extra effort involved in  fit and assembly makes you put that little bit extra into paint and finishing because of the extra time you have invested in it, I look forward to the next update.

 

Andy.

[Karl]

11 hours ago, ElectricLightAndy said:

Looking good Karl, I find It quite satisfying working with older kits like this, I find that the extra effort involved in  fit and assembly makes you put that little bit extra into paint and finishing because of the extra time you have invested in it, I look forward to the next update.

 

Andy.

I Completely agree, there is just something special about these older kits where I'm happy to go the extra mile during building and painting.

 

Karl

[ElectricLightAndy]

Indeed, eagerly awaiting the next update 😋

 

Andy.

[Karl]

Last update before completion!

 

As C3-P0 is gold in colour, the best undercoat for that is a smooth coat of black paint. I've used Halfords satin bumper black spray paint.

 

 

 

I think he looks quite good as a 'Stealth' protocol droid!

 

Next to be sprayed is the Alclad II 'Pale Gold' - to be revealed in the RFI post!!

 

Karl