Mshed Museum, Bristol - Sunday 5th July 2026

 The droids will be returning to the

Mshed Museum, Bristol

Sunday 5th July 2026

💥 Look out on our socials for updates an please share. 💥

#bristolevents #bristol #mshed #mshedmuseum #droids #r2d2 #r5d4 #astromechdroid #freeevent

From concept to reality - JLD Droid

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.

Artwork by Jake Lunt Davies

Checkout Jakes Wookieepedia page here: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Lunt_Davies

Role on to October 2024: Mike B, liked these designs and had the idea to combine the bits he liked best into a new 'JLD style Astromech'.

He asked if James F, 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 his interpretation [scale] of the images to the best of his abilities 😁😁😁.

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 could it be possible to draw up a 3D printable spring....

Several attempts later.....

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 James'  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.

Jake was kind enough to sign Mikes build

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thanks to Lee Towersey and to Jake Lunt Davies.

Droids @Mshed Bristol 2025 - Thankyou

Event round-up:

Thankyou to the five people who responded to this link. Like a certain shop says '.....every little helps!'

This link will be being shared on the event page for the wider public who attended to respond. Thanks again everyone who came along to Sundays event.

Here is Mike's round-up and final total raised:

YouTube to James' R5-D4 channel

Only a few more days till....... Droids @ The Mshed 2025

 Some of you may notice a few visual changes, due to circumstances, Johnny 5 won't be attending, but all your favourite droids WILL still be there.

#SWDB25 #DROIDBUILDERSUK #MSHED #BRISTOL

See you all Sunday!!

Droids @Mshed Bristol 2025 - official website updated

 We asked before but it didn’t happen [due to technical issues], but this year, with mere weeks to go…..

....they’ve managed to get the event added to their website’s official events calendar!!

Click on the image above to take you to website,

or

copy and paste this link:

https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/m-shed/droids-m-shed/

Droids @Mshed event 2022 [Previous event]

With this years event approaching, July 6th 2025, thought we'd share the previous years video's created from the day.

Here's the 2022 event video link: Click here

Another great day had by all who came along.

Video credit goes to @marcdanbury2556‬

Meet the South West Droid Builders: Jamie

 Find out about the South West Droid Builders:

Droid Builders UK is a 'club' set up to cover and include ALL droid Builders, not just those who build Astromech's , R2-D2's. This way everyone can attend events and not feel left out.

A few years back when the website was launched, members were asked to answer questions about themselves as an introduction.

Jamie's R5 seen at last years Mshed event

Here is the link to Jamie

Meet the South West Droid Builders: Paul

Find out about the South West Droid Builders:

Droid Builders UK is a 'club' set up to cover and include ALL droid Builders, not just those who build Astromech's , R2-D2's. This way everyone can attend events and not feel left out.

A few years back when the website was launched, members were asked to answer questions about themselves as an introduction.

Picture taken at Celebration Europe 2023, Paul, his R2 & Ewan 

Here is the link to Paul.

Meet the South West Droid Builders: Nik

Find out about the South West Droid Builders:

Droid Builders UK is a 'club' set up to cover and include ALL droid Builders, not just those who build Astromech's , R2-D2's. This way everyone can attend events and not feel left out.

A few years back when the website was launched, members were asked to answer questions about themselves as an introduction.

Here is the link to Nik.

Nik is a designer, so check out his work here 

www.groovypearldesigns.com

Meet the South West Droid Builders: Mike

Find out about the South West Droid Builders:

Droid Builders UK is a 'club' set up to cover and include ALL droid Builders, not just those who build Astromech's , R2-D2's. This way everyone can attend events and not feel left out.

A few years back when the website was launched, members were asked to answer questions about themselves as an introduction.

Here is the link to Mike's.