So do the components "plug" into the openenings on the outer dome or do you need to do more work to the dome before it get's added to?
Also, what's the purpose of the inner dome?
I'll try to answer these questions with my limited knowledge of the subject.
Components don't just simply plug into the openings, as everything is custom made from either aluminum or some type of plastic, so there can be slight variations. There can be a lot of work needed to get a proper fit for each of the components. Apparently, there is a ton (a ton) of sanding involved in utilizing aluminum components and dome. More on sanding later. So, what I've learned so far about "more work" is that I'll need to countersink some fastening screws to any of the areas where those accessories are mounted. There are the three obvious holo-projectors, and also two PSI thingys (which are the flat lighted areas on from and back), and then the three logic displays (two small on front, and one large on back). There are other items as well, just not as major. I guess the radar eye is pretty major, but that is on it's way already and simply attaches to the outer dome via four countersunk screws. I think.
The dome as it comes is fully customizable. Obviously, it's simply a laser cut piece of aluminum. So the builder has decisions to make about which doors to create, and painting techniques, etc.
The inner dome is somewhat imperative for a couple of reasons that I can ascertain. If you look at images of R2, you'll see the second layer of the dome beneath each of the cut out panels. Some panels (i.e. the "magic" panel) are taken out of the outer dome entirely, so the inner dome shows through completely. The other very important reason for the inner dome is to have a fastening surface. Screws and mounting hardware are countersunk into the inner dome, so that the heads are flat beneath the outer dome and ultimately covered by that outer dome. So items are mounted to this inner dome and poke out through the corresponding outer dome openings. Make sense? One additional reason for the inner dome is to create a lip for each of the opening panels to rest upon while closed. Each panel a builder wants to open has to be transcribed onto the inner dome (once a good fit for inner to outer dome is achieved), and cut out of that inner dome.
Initially, I wanted to have all of my doors open. But after more research into all of the work that goes into it. I've almost decided to have just the pie panels (on top) open up and leave almost all of the side panels sealed. I'll probably hinge just one of those side panels, a larger one, to have good access to the interior of the dome.
I was going to wait for more components to become available and have them on hand. But I just can't sit here and look at this dome sitting on my dining room table, and not work on it...
So, I'm planning on going out today to get a few tools to start working on the outer dome. Cutting out panels, and filing, maybe even some sanding. But again, it's going to be very slow going. Whenever I make progress, I'll post pics of what is going on with a description.
So, concerning sanding. It is said that on the dome, you:
1. cut the panels out.
2. file the edges.
3,4,5,6,7,8,9... sand, sand, sand...