LiLmeFromDaFuture

Glue was only a demand for the knee connection to the legs, because it was very weak. Not that it wouldn't support the weight of the walker overnight, (just to think of it: you wake up in the middle of the night after hearing a loud noise and you look around to see what has happen, but to ultimately find that all your hard work into an AT-AT is in complete shambles—oh what a horror that would be ), however, this section would just crumble if not careful with bending the knees. Ankles would be a point of weakness. That was made clear after a plush Olaf decided to be a superhero and fly across the room to topple the gray beast into piles of pieces and save summer—"apologies Lord Vader, but the walker is not yet Olaf proof," is what I thought. Joking aside, to counter the weight on the ankles, I simply adjust the position of the shoulders with the gearbox function; diverting the emphasis of stress onto the shoulders. Since the shoulders are structured around Technic beams, the stress would not be a concern here, but it could take its toll on the mold of the 24 tooth gear.

I only wanted to glue the technic ratcheted knee joint to the leg segments, since it is only naturally connected by a couple of half technic pins, but the rest of the legs is quite sound without glue. I am pretty sure the strength of those hinge parts is familiar, with a weak connection like that, the legs from that point would just disintegrate; unless I always squeeze it together when adjusting, but that might result in accidentally bringing the walker to the ground. No I have not approach that part because it was not wide enough as desired, and since the utmost end of that element does not slope towards the center, it would negatively affect the aspect of that section from certain perspectives.

Hi, My initial suggestion is to change primary color from black to dark gray. Not only will it be more appealing, but will also be easier on you wallet, as most of the elements you utilized are moreover available in this color than black—if you plan to build it in real life that is. Overall black is excessively too stark as compared to the reference. I have seen black AT-AT's before and aside from the design, and to be honest in my own opinion, they are not that appealing, as it is literally difficult to see beyond the extremely dark color, and actually take into account the design and techniques implemented. All things considered, I highly recommend converting the color to dark gray, as I believe it will significantly improve the appearance of the walker. However, most importantly, this is your AT-AT walker, so the decision is left for you to find what is more appealing. Black or dark gray?

NEW UPDATES! Here are some photos of a footpad, leg, and with a stormie of course : ) It is hard to notice but there is a white arch that joins the ankle part to the footpad. It was this or lower the quality of the photo, which is already average with the use of iPone camera without any extra lenses attached. I will probably spray paint the arch to a gray that is close to LEGO's, but I will have to find a brand first. That Technic hole is to access the gearbox function and adjust it via a specially made crank. This system allows the possibility to adjust either the legs or shoulders and keep it in a fixed position, so therefore the overbearing weight of the body is not an issue that would result in a collapsed walker. Just have to crank it up more and the walker stands as desired. The legs can bend to a great extant, and if you also notice, they are not connected to the ankles by technic elements, modified bricks, etc., but merely latched to the ankle arch, to produced the authentic revolving motion like an actual AT-AT walker.

I see the downside of LEGO doing something like that, but I know for sure they will not go down that path to release parts that are molded exactly of some object, because that would be against the system that they have for their brand. I see the vehicles that Megabloks releases and they appear perfectly to that they are modeled after. I am fond of the different styles of modified bricks and other things Megabloks has produced, yet disappointed that LEGO has not made parts like that beforehand—they would have been quite useful if they were LEGO and in their colors.

Much appreciated. The head has no space for seating minifigures, unless you just throw them in there, for just the point of getting them in there—the whole thing is rigged with a sophisticated Technic infrastructure. The neck is less sophisticated with only using wheels and extremely long Technic axles, so I believe that section is sound for the most part.

I know right ! Likewise, I had several experiences where it would have been convenient if those wedge plates came in halves . I appreciate studs too in moderation, when placed ingeniously in a way that it is not too cluttered or too scattered. In regard for the legs of this MOC, compared to the smooth body, they are plagued with studs.

I will have some photos of the legs soon, but because I am using those Technic ratcheted joints and trying to keep the width as thin as possible, I don't have much to work with except with technic half pins and modified bricks latched together with plates on their sides. I only glued together the join between the two leg segments, because the connection was so weak it crumbles when I bend the knee. I did reap the consequences for gluing some assemblies that I later on went back and changed. I always look forward to new parts LEGO has to offer, and if I see they can be implemented, I will change the design accordingly—though I might have to build new legs since a few parts are glued together. As for the AT-ST, I am glad you are interested in it—I feel compelled to start a new topic. I agree making the legs extremely thin is not doable, unless sacrificing significant amounts of detail and structure—I took the liberty to design them 2 studs wide (without details added the outside that is). Though I think it can be made possible in regards of mine if LEGO produces brackets in 1 x 1 & 1 x 2. Building this AT-ST recently, brackets have become my favorite element for exactly the techniques you described to make solid and basic assemblies, and I will be happy to share this later on… The wedge part I was referring to was this one: They greatly make up the plating on the legs, so it would be nice to have those with out studs.

Oh it is completely fine to exchange thoughts from both sides on that particular topic. Other purist (not here of course unless someone wants to object and mention otherwise ) act bluntly and kinda like a jerk, so it is completely accepted to be respectively candid. I enjoy LEGO the same way—that is exactly what I experienced with designing my snowspeeder. I am again experiencing it with that other AT-AT, and the MF AT-ST, and UCS AT-ST I referred about. One reason why is because the ingenuity around the techniques that are built in a small package (if that makes sense). In short I felt like it was destiny for those various elements to be manufactured for this particular time and be fashioned into these builds. In those moments I slide back in my chair and just astonished—impressed beyond words. I as well see it in this AT-AT MOC, which I have been building since 2012. I remember the main reason why I neglected working on it for so long was of how much issue I had with finding a design for the legs that was satisfactory. I am not ashamed of it as much as I am disappointed with how much studs there will exposed—I hope LEGO will manufacture those wedge tiles in LGB. I assume if I had not have glued, it will still be able to support the weight of the body and head, because of my special technique, which I will explain more later on. However, the most problematic issue was how prone the legs are to crumbling when I bend the knee joints, so the glue resolved this. And actually I think it does qualify for "Best AT-AT ever built purely from Lego bricks," because no other brand was used in the making this . The scaled down AT-AT is really impressive, but I am not going to get ahead of my and share it later. I actually like this scaled down version more than this minifigure scale one, because of how simpler, sturdier, and less studs it has, but the MF wins with the head and body. I am glad you like the the blue stripe. Before I wanted to make the sand blue color more pale by exposing it in the sun all day, but I became impatient of how long it was taking and was concerned of vandalizing squirrels .

Per request, a size comparison of the left side armor plating with a minifigure, yet with two other items too Comparison with ESB DVD! :D

For the concern of this AT-AT MOC, I am quite apathetic to labels it will receive due to unconventional approaches used to achieve certain details and durability, because the sole endeavor is to replicate most if not all details featured on this particular walker. Now that doesn't mean because a modified piece here and parts glued in the legs that I will just modify any piece I please, or just shell out tubes of krazy glue to keep everything from coming apart ever again. However I made the critical decision to ONLY glue the structural assemblies within the legs, because they are quite fragile due to their thin nature (I bend the knee joint and most of it crumbles in my hands). These limbs are not as thin as I intended due to how much studs wedge plates & 6 x 6 round plates are exposed, which is an aesthetic shame, but it was either what I have now, or monotonous legs from the omission of wedge plates, or legs thick as 4 studs wide, or just completely scratch everything else except for the head (because legs didn't qualify since they were "study" and glued). I assure, that everything besides the legs & and the 1 x 2 tile grille are unaltered/unglued assemblies. Though of course, I don't believe any matter of that would excuse my actions, because for some it wouldn't be beyond the fact that a piece was modified and parts were glued, but I apologize if any of yours' expectation happened to dwindle because of this truth. But I believe everyone will be excited to see another AT-AT I am also making, yet in LDD. It will be scaled down, less sophisticated, sturdier, and almost entirely studless : )

Much appreciated. I was always fond of a pale blue stripe on the side of an AT-AT; it contributes a favorable contrast to a wall of tremendous "greyness." The view port is actually quite narrow compared to various sources, but adjusting it in what ever way to widen it would manifest some unsightly gaps—and it is already problematic with continuous adjustment and reattachment of those triangle signs to reduce the gaps. Yeah, I have seen those in the season trailer, they are fascinating, especially the design of the legs. I can see a simple way of recreating the cockpit, if LEGO ever releases a set of it (I actually would want something like that), is to use this part in a LBG:

Well that is actually quite trivial to how much I did to keep the legs together , but I assure you, with exception to that modified 1 x 2 tile, the head is 100% unaltered LEGO.

Thank you for the suggestions. I am fond of the idea for the backwards facing binoculars. I most likely will fashion them in that position to fill the gap, while still portraying, at least, a shallow recess—just going to need a lot them in LBG. It is a very small modification of a 1 x 2 tile, grille, with the center removed by a box cutter, and then placed upside down, so the bottom groove/lip is facing upwards, for added detail.

Thank you. With this I took it upon my self to set a high standard for this MOC and the others to follow, by endeavoring to capture every possible detail, correct angle, aspect superbly in LEGO. I am very proud and actually astonished with it myself.

It sure is—thank you!

I will be happy to get a photo of that—preferably soon.

I have seen that detail portrayed in a few scenes from the original ESB and it can be clearly seen exclusively on the left side of the body from this studio model, though it is more pale than LEGO sand blue: Link It is more vibrant on this mega scaled (1:24) AT-AT model: Link Maybe it would blend better if I used more old light grey elements for the overall weathered effect. It is not a traditional approach for AT-AT MOCs but it is one of the other things that will set mine apart from others. Though rest assured, the right side of the body will be completely in light blueish gray (with exception for that old light grey window frame).

Thank you everyone. While standing in a certain position the walker is a few measures short of 2ft/70cm. I plan on showing the feet and legs some time on…

Hmm… how so? I recall that cavegod's is larger than minifigure scale. The lowest side of its hexagonal shape is 14 studs wide, sides are 21 studs long from bottom to end, the height starts at 8 studs then tapers to 11. As for mine the lowest side of the hexagonal shape is 10 studs wide, sides are 17 studs long from bottom to end, and the height starts at 6 studs and tapers to 8. It is perhaps hard to fathom the size from the photos; it even appears narrower than it actually is, but it is considerably huge.

I'll share this: Details of the middle section from the left side of the body. What you should see are most if not ALL of the details that would be present on the studio model: here, where the pale blue stripe can be referenced. Additionally, I stylistically used light grey elements to represent weathered sections of the body, especially for the boarding hatch You should also notice I accidentally place the 1 x 2 stud jumper one stud too low . Much appreciated! I too believe it is safe to claim "this is the best……" though except with the lack of an interior. Needless to say, it was well worth the sacrifice.

I actually started with the paneling of the carapace (or body) and perfected the translation from studio model to bricks, but indeed many would consider the head the most interesting part to do and achieve the correct look, as it makes a remarkably awesome display piece. What I am currently working on is the infrastructure for the body; a particular task I have dreaded in past time because the thought of innumerable possibilities to get everything connected soundly together. I have been progressing somewhat with that task, but my fascination with techniques has drawn me to building another AT-AT, yet scaled down and less sophisticated!

The Head - No, it is not the understated as just another AT-AT, because it won’t be, but for the matter of this topic, it is, momentarily, just a head. Though merely a head, it makes a rather astonishing display piece by itself. Aside from the towering height and lumbering movement of this terrifying machine, the head is quite formidable in appearance, resembling that of a fearsome beast. - In the course to build my original creation of the greatly revered imperial walker of the grand army of the empire, I amass a wealth of reference material concerning studio models, replicas, on-screen images, artwork, etc., to meticulously build the perfect LEGO incarnation that is indubitably authentic to the movies. I have been building this minifigure-scale AT-AT for quite some time—I recall since 2012 with the start of the body section. However, as of recently, since early 2015, I have built the head for this admirable tool of destruction. - Furthermore recently, I have been constructing the infrastructure of the body, acquiring additional parts & correct colors, making considerable amount of alterations, but I have postponed most of this to venture off and design my original minifigure-scale T-47 Airspeeder (Snowspeeder) in LDD, which turned out into a successful MOC and will be a great companion. I planned after that to resume progress with the AT-AT, but after I was inspired by anothergol’s innovative use of paint rollers and mudguards for the waist of his articulated AT-ST, I was just motivated to jump ahead and create my own creation of the imposing “chicken walker” beforehand. Mine, which will implement those techniques of his that I mentioned early, but also the 5 x 5 Scala dish. Interestingly, my own creation first turned out MF-scale, then evolved into UCS scale, then separated into two projects: a MF-scale and UCS scale! A considerable amount of progress has been completed on both projects, with the MF-scale almost finished and the UCS scale having feet and the waist finished. However, for concern of the UCS model, I have postponed its progress to focus on the MF-scele—to complete that and finally resume progress with the MF-scale AT-AT walker. - Regarding this MOC of the AT-AT head, you should notice that I deliberately took some liberty in the greebling located at the bottom. This was a compromise due to the thickness of some elements and from the lack of elements that could properly represent those tiny details, in this scale, authentically. I was as well tight on space for building the main cannons. I originally wanted to attribute a sliding action to them, as if they were in action, but this was unfortunately omitted due to a number of things, which includes: space, structure, scale, parts, etc., which also brought them closer together than intended. Along with other things, like the lack of other small details on the face and others things, that is practically as far as inaccuracies go for it. Nevertheless, one extra detail I have included, which I have not seen previously before represented, are the light fixtures atop the medium support blasters mounted on the cheeks. Then among other characteristics, I can grasp the head by the neck and jerk it around without any parts coming undone, with exception to the roof because it is not fixed together (kinda like other @@ heads I know of ). That rigid likability is attributed to the infrastructure constructed exclusively with Technic & modified plates (w) Technic elements, which also clutches the sides securely in place and almost seamlessly with other aspects. For this fact of such a packed, robust, complex infrastructure, there is no interior, likewise for the whole body—I never had intentions to include such luxuries anyway, but I congratulate those who did. - To determine the dimensions of a MF-scale AT-AT walker, I first acquired theorized dimensions of the actual walker from an in depth survey of its structural components, capabilities, practical role, and tactical uses: here. Wookieepedia is informative in some areas, but it claims the walker is taller than it is longer, which it is clearly not. Besides the overall dimension of the walker’s height and length, this technical commentary also provides a reasonable measurement of its width, diameter of the footpads, and other aspects like the height of boarding hatch. I also found this useful: here. To find the MF-scale, it took some little conversion of average human being height, minifigure height, dividing, multiplying, then more multiplying, but it came out to be around 20in/50cm. Some time on, I took the actual height of my model from toe to the main section of the body and acquired the measurements around 21in/53.34cm, then rework some steps back to get the plausible measurements of 85ft/26m. For the footpads, each are 12 studs in diameter and its height a few measures above a minifigure's chin. So the model is rather on scale for minifigures’ height, as well other aspects in general scaling, as according to the probable height of an actual AT-AT walker. - If there is any misconception about the visor of the command viewport being transparent red, I have some valid reasons to put those to rest. At first, if you notice the moment when five imperial walkers are advancing towards echo base, only the lead walker exhibits a red visor. During the scene, where General Maximilian Veers oversees the battlefield through the viewport the visor is transparent clear. Logically, if the visor was transparent red it could not beam as so bright as it did in a cloudy, snow filled day—not even in a sunny day. Though it appears black this is due to the overcasting shadow from the outside portion of the viewport. Therefore, the red lighting is believably a system for operations in low light periods or environments, to preserve the crews vision in these circumstances, while still being able to function about in the walker. - Well, if you are still reading, I am done for expressing this MOC, for I believe I have covered everything concerning the model and relating to it that was on my mind to say. So, you can finally enjoy the photos and express your own thoughts, criticisms, questions, etc. below. However, bear in mind that I will not be giving out any form of direction that will describe or depict how it is built—I appreciate that this is understood in advance of your comments. Much appreciated, LiLmeFromDaFuture

Nice! I honestly would prefer the light gray hinge plates—I think it highlights the handy use of these elements and portrays an interesting contrast in the color scheme (like the contrasting black panel in the middle of the wings. The ears are a nice touch too. I assume the practical function are as some kind of sensor array, comms array, or targeting systems?

Fascinating creation! I am fond of the initial smoothness, though I assume you are going to revisit to add a bunch of little details in some places? Love to see more views of this—the curvature of the wings appears intriguing!