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AT-AT Imperial Walker 01

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Master Replicas Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker Replica - Signature Edition (Phil Tippet autograph) # 693/750.

Replica from my own collection: [link]

Master Replicas has now made their famous AT-AT model available for the first time in a signature edition signed by Empire Strikes Back model animator Phil Tippett! This fantastic die cast AT-AT Walker is truly a site to behold.

- Signature edition limited to 750 worldwide
- Custom display case, numbered plaque, plaque stand, and certificate of authenticity
- Recreated from the original studio models
- Display size measures 27"x11"x22".

Recreated from the original studio models used in Empire, this exquisite new edition includes an all new custom snow-covered display base and crashed snowspeeder, recreating the scene in which Luke finds himself, and co-pilot Dack, at the mercy of the AT-AT's crushing gait.

Like the original, the head and body of this finely crafted AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) replica are cast from high-quality resin, with many of the parts reproduced from injection molded plastic to ensure intricate detail. The legs are made from solid, high-strength thermo-plastics and die-cast metal for long term durability. This incredible replica is comprised of over 230 separate pieces to maintain the high level of detail that is expected from a Master Replicas piece.


BEHIND THE SCENES

The walkers seen in The Empire Strikes Back were realized as intricate stop-motion animation models. In stop-motion, an articulated model is filmed one frame at a time. The model is slightly re-posed between each frame. When the film is projected at normal speed, it appears as if the model is moving on its own.

An unfortunate side-effect of this technique is lack of motion blur, since the camera is always capturing a perfectly still image. This results in a jerky, staccato-like movement. Given that the subject matter in this case, the AT-AT walker, was a mechanical vehicle and not a meant to portray a living creature, the staccato jitter was deemed acceptable. To properly capture the motion of hulking quadrupeds, ILM studied the movement of elephants.

Model-makers crafted a number of AT-ATs of various sizes, to meet different camera requirements as dictated by the live action footage shot in Finse, Norway. The smallest walkers, required for distant horizon shots, were a scant 6 centimeters tall. The standard AT-AT walker stood about 50 centimeters tall.

Originally, the plan was to shoot the walkers separately, and then composite them into the live action backgrounds plates shot in Norway. Early tests failed to deliver satisfactory results, as the compositing limitations of the time caused the walkers to look shallow and transparent. Instead, the walkers were mostly filmed on miniature sets featuring gorgeously realistic painted backdrops by artist Mike Pangrazio.

THE MOVIES

The All Terrain Armored Transport, or AT-AT walker, is a four-legged transport and combat vehicle used by the Imperial ground forces. Standing a towering 15 meters tall, these walkers are intimidating, and are used as much for psychological effect as they are for tactical effect.
An AT-AT has blast-impervious armor plating, and resembles a gigantic beast as it moves across the battlefield. An AT-AT's head carries the main armaments, a pair of light blasters located on the walker's "temples," and heavier, twin laser cannons mounted on the walker's "chin."

The command crew pilots the AT-AT from the walker's head, which is connected to the main body by a flexible neck. The crew consists of a commander, a gunner, and a pilot. Additional crews and troops can be carried in the walker's main storage bay.


Master Replicas AT-AT archive: [link]

Youtube: [link]
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Theta-Xi's avatar
With deviations like these you make grown up people squee like little hyperactive happy girls ^^