[MOC] Imperial VT-RT Walker

[CommanderJonny1]

"Not as pompous as claiming 'All Terrain', we instead provide... variability." -Brickthana Engineering Executive

 

Following the increase in the numbers of Rebel groups, the Galactic Empire needed more equipment to deal with the new threat, and turned to numerous companies to fill the gaps. An alternative to the 'All Terrain' family of walkers, the Variable Terrain series was meant to be a cheaper, more easily produced addition to Imperial forces. Part of this initiative is the Variable Terrain Reconnaissance Transport, a group of walkers designed to supplement their AT counterpart in a variety of ways. While following a superficially similar design, Brickthana has tried, with varying degrees of success, to expand the mission capability of its walkers. To try and compete with Rebel designs, versatility was a must for these new vehicles being made.

 

First up is the initial prototype of the VT-RT concept, eventually getting the designation of 'VT-RT(L*)' and be the basis of the VT-RT(X). Although broad/blocky, a design 'flaw' inherent to many of the VT family, the aim of the designers were to add more protection to both the driver and the important components of the walker itself. Eventually these walkers would be replaced, seeing some use as turrets after modifications.

SW Imperial VT-RT(L) Prototype #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(L) Prototype #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The second walker of the RT series is the VT-RT Experimental. Being dubbed the 'Expendable' by its drivers, the VT-RT(X) was a further step in trying to get as much from its frame as possible, with four versions being created. While all had the same base model, they could be modified into the different versions to operate in different mediums- these being the standard land configuration (Experimental-Land), an amphibious configuration (Experimental-Sea), an aerial configuration (Experimental-Air), and finally one meant for use in space (Experimental-Vacuum). Issues plagued the RT(X)- from certain system malfunctions to poor handling, eventually forcing Brickthana to review the design and begin work on a new version of the walker.

Spoiler

While the second RT walker to be designed, the RT(X) was completed last, incorporating elements from the previously completed RT(L). The chassis was also lightened, to allow its various forms to be more effective.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

This is the storage/launch position. as opposed to the other RT models, the RT(X) was designed to be able to be stored on large racks. This feature was incorporated in the design of the RT(X-A) to allow it to be launched while in the air.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

This is the RT(X-S), being equipped with a pair of small repulsorlifts, along with propulsion jets. This version is designed to float in water [think of something akin to a jet-ski]; while equipped with a blaster cannon, it's in a fixed position, and therefore it's recommended to have a sidearm and/or a secondary armament (such as a projectile launcher) mounted.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #4 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #5 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

This was the prototype of the RT(X-A), but was deemed completely infeasible by the designers for a multitude of reasons. Although dropped as an RT design, it was shelved for later use as the basis for aerial patrol craft. Equipped with actual wings, and a pair of small but powerful twin jet thrusters, this fanciful design was envisioned to carry bombs or rockets, with the wings folding up for storage and launch alongside the legs.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X-A Prototype) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(X-A Prototype) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

This is the RT(X-A), being equipped with a pair of thrusters, as well as two small repulsor fins/winglets. As it was intended to be off the ground (and therefore possibly engage targets of similar altitude), its blaster cannon was put in a more articulated mount, and had room to have a weapons pod or missile underneath.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #6 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #7 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

This the RT(X-V), being equipped with two pairs of double thrusters, a forward light/sensor, and a glare reducing screen. This version was intended to operate in space, and so it's height was reduced, and magnets added to it's feet. This would allow its drivers to patrol dockyards, debris and/or asteroid fields, and space stations with relative ease. These could also be used to help construction or repairs in space, being able to attach to ship hulls.

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #8 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(X) #9 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The third walker of the RT series is the RT Heavy. The biggest of the three 'standard' VT-RTs, the RT(H) design was completed first. Meant to be a versatile infantry support vehicle, it ended up not performing to expectations, though it was still useful in its role. While it does have some amphibious capability, it was not equipped like the RT(X-S), and therefore is not as reliable in the water as its cousin. To compensate for some of its deficiencies, it is armed with a heavy blaster cannon and two detachable grenade launchers, as well as a more powerful transmitter.

SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The fourth walker of the RT series is the RT Medium. The RT(M) was something of a misplaced design, as originally there was only two sizes that the RT would come in. This changed when it was decided that a design in the works (a troop transport) needed better escorts, and the RT(M) was created. In addition, there was an explicit order to try and incorporate parts/sections of one into the other, to ease production and interchangeability. While it was initially proposed to have a rotating bottom, to be converted into a turret, this was denied. Though it was mounted on a pair of legs, the body retained some of its features as a turret, including its armored sides and controls that can fold forward.

SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The fifth and final walker of the RT series is the RT Light, the most direct counterpart to its AT compatriot. The RT(L) was designed to be a well balanced machine, combining decent armament, speed, and protection. Like its bigger brother the RT(H), it can float, however it wasn't designed with this explicitly in mind, and therefore has no propulsion; furthermore, if rocked too much, it can easily tip over and sink.

SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

A semi-addition to the RT project is the RT Droid, an automated bi-pedal walker. The VT-RT(D) is in a sort of grey area, and so is not fully included with the rest of the RT walkers. Instead, it's been put with other Brickthana droids, and may even have its designation changed.

SW Imperial VT-RT(D) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

 

If you want to build any of these for yourselves, here's the instructions:

VT-RT(X): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yff351-w3sy1eyjQWu0awe88lGsyM2Nk/view?usp=sharing

VT-RT(H): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wtnQpUb9V0GD_j1_cZuB9T0KiSRMrKJQ/view?usp=sharing

VT-RT(M): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gJOcc4ppMsbLF82g1kfIGiZ7wjpzxWR3/view?usp=sharing

VT-RT(L): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tipChHxhxKB54LxdCGOvqzqOZEkCfRVs/view?usp=sharing

As usual, any feedback would be most appreciated!

 

P.S. As far as the VT-RT(D) goes, you can see more pictures on Flickr, and I plan on including it in a topic with other Imperial Droids I'm currently working on.

[LiLmeFromDaFuture]

These look so weird   Especially the third one with the sharp taper. Its stance gives the impression of possibly falling on its long rear end.  Just imagine the occupants' frustrations when a group of attackers rushes and pushes the walker's on its back. 

Though the droid sports a more reasonable, possibly even intimidating, appearance—I like it 

 

[CommanderJonny1]

On 3/24/2019 at 10:48 PM, LiLmeFromDaFuture said:

These look so weird   Especially the third one with the sharp taper. Its stance gives the impression of possibly falling on its long rear end.  Just imagine the occupants' frustrations when a group of attackers rushes and pushes the walker's on its back. 

Yeah... the 'L' version is the culmination of the entire series (and as I said, the closest analogue to the AT-RT), so I don't mind the clunkiness of the others. I was more afraid of the other ones falling forward rather than backward (these are based off the Geonosis Walker set, and I found it was kind of easy to do that) so it was a balancing act between the the two. As for the taper, I considered doing a thinner profile, but I wanted to make sure I used that modified brick/modified plate combo and it ended up as that; I might rework the sides and post the updated version on Flickr.

[sander1992]

Nice to see different kind of shapes for the cockpit (is this the right word).

That is a real walker?

Ok.  I get more and more the feeling that I am a newby at Star Wars vehicles.

Perhaps I should play more video games.

Nice job!

[CommanderJonny1]

On 4/1/2019 at 3:42 AM, sander1992 said:

Nice to see different kind of shapes for the cockpit (is this the right word).

That is a real walker?

Ok.  I get more and more the feeling that I am a newby at Star Wars vehicles.

Perhaps I should play more video games.

Nice job!

Thanks! I think 'cockpit' would acceptable; I've kind of wondered too, and I've seen seat/saddle (though more to refer to a part of the whole). No, this isn't a real walker (maybe I should have labeled it more clearly) from Star Wars, and I added the 'quote' and such to give a bit of flavor- though they are meant to mirror, or at least imitate, the 'real' All Terrain walkers; 'Brickthana' is my own fictional lego counterpart to Rothana Heavy Engineering, a subsidiary of Kuat that makes military vehicles. I created the 'Variable Terrain', or VT, series as my own take on SW walkers, and it was originally an offshoot of another project which I'm not completely satisfied to post yet. The fun thing about Star Wars is that, vet or newbie, there's always more to learn. So if you don't recognize a vehicle (a *real* one, not something like these which are more likenesses), don't worry, as there are plenty even extremely knowledgeable fans don't know- though surfing through Wookiepedia may help if you have freetime .