A Man Built a Full-Size AT-ST Walker and He Deserves a Medal

Nobody really knows why this man decided to build a life-size AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transporter) as seen in the third Star Wars movie (or is it sixth now?), Return of the Jedi. These poor vehicles didn't have such a flattering fate on the screen, usually being brought down by little furry creatures that used big logs to take advantage of the frailty of their legs.

Of all the vehicles available to the Empire, the AT-STs probably looked the least threatening. For all the laser turrets they came equipped with, they still resembled a man with no torso and a huge head. They may make you think of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex (and that was seemingly their creator's intention), but once you look at those two hatches as to being a pair of eyes, there's no turning back. It's funny how despite all the technology available, they still used the good old hatch to be able to see outside what was otherwise an armored unit. You'd think somebody in the Empire's design team would have come up with the idea of installing some video cameras.

Whoever did this - he insisted on remaining anonymous since he knows how Star Wars fans are and how long it would take for his backyard to become a pilgrimage place - went to a lot of trouble to recreate even the most minute details. If you are a bit disappointed (as I was too) that it doesn't move, just give yourself a good slap (as I did too) that will send you back to reality. But compensating for its lack of mobility is the AT-ST's ability to move its turrets around and even make the famous blaster sounds thanks to some speakers and a solar panel on top.

I'm not exactly a hardcore Star Wars fan and I'm still extremely impressed by what I see here. I can only imagine that someone with The Empire Strikes Back bed sheets would simply wet them with excitement. Which is exactly why they should never find out where this thing can be found.