R2-D2 (Red Markings, Gray Head)
sw0217 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode IV-VI / LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game Era · Released in 2009. It debuted in the 80th anniversary year of LEGO (general era) but specifically in set 7751 Ahsoka's Starfighter and Vulture Droid to accompany the Clone Wars wave.
Figure ID
sw0217
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2009. It debuted in the 80th anniversary year of LEGO (general era) but specifically in set 7751 Ahsoka's Starfighter and Vulture Droid to accompany the Clone Wars wave.
Rarity
Uncommon. It is specific to only a couple of sets from the late 2000s and features a printing variant that differs from the mass-produced blue-domed R2-D2.
Head
Dome 2 x 2 Inverted (R2-D2) with Dark Gray base color and Red/Silver printing. Includes the logic function display and processor state indicators in red.
Torso
Large specialized R2-D2 body mold in white with detailed front printing. Printing includes metallic silver panels, red power indicators, and gray utility vents. No back printing.
Legs
Two standard white R2-D2 'legs' (part 30361), which are non-articulated but can rotate at the hip connection. No printing on legs.
Accessories
None officially included with the figure itself, though it is often displayed with R2's third leg or attached to a starfighter's astromech socket.
Color Scheme
White, Light Bluish Gray, Dark Gray, and Red. Specifically features the 'Red' indicator version of the astromech which is rarer than the blue standard.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the dome and front torso. The quality is typical of the 2009 era—sharp but lacking the 360-degree dome printing or back-torso printing found in modern 2020s versions.
Variants
This is the specific variant with red accents (sw0217). It contrasts with the standard blue sw0213 and the flat-silver dome versions.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV. The dome printing is prone to 'off-center' alignment issues commonly found in this production era. Check for 'neck' cracks where the dome attaches.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $9; New/Mint: $12 - $18. Prices vary based on the crispness of the silver and red paint.
Price (New)
Set 7751 (where it appeared) retailed for $29.99 USD in 2009. The minifigure was one of four in that set.
Compatible Sets
7751 Ahsoka's Starfighter and Vulture Droid (2009).
Character Background
Representing the iconic astromech droid R2-D2. While R2 is usually blue, this specific red-printed motif reflects his appearance in various lighting conditions or specific starfighters in the expanded universe/Clone Wars media of the time.
Design Notes
Uses the 'Inverted Radar Dish' dome style which has since been updated. The lack of a hole in the top of the dome for accessories (like hats) is characteristic of this generation of droid.
Similar Minifigures
sw0028 (Classic R2-D2), sw1085 (Modern R2-D2), sw0527 (R2-D2 with Flat Silver Head).
Collectibility
Medium. Essential for completionists who want every R2-D2 variant, but less iconic than the standard blue version. Stable market value.
History
First introduced in this colorway in 2009. This version marks the transition period between the early 'classic' droid molds and the highly detailed 'modern' prints.
Interesting Facts
Despite having red markings, LEGO still classifies this as the primary R2-D2 character rather than a separate R-series droid like R4 or R5.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for display in the astromech socket of a Jedi Starfighter or alongside an Ahsoka Tano (Clone Wars) minifigure.
Modification Potential
Limited due to specialized molds. Often used by MOC builders to create custom astromech droids of different designations by swapping domes.
Overall Assessment
A solid 7/10 for collectors. It is a unique color variation of the most famous droid in cinema, making it a distinct and affordable piece of LEGO Star Wars history.