Recommended music: Elton John – I’m Still Standing
It’s #StarWarsSaturday, and we’re back on the snowy plains of Hoth during The Empire Strikes Back. From the Hasbro The 30th Anniversary Collection, it’s another AT-ST Driver!
During The Empire Strikes Back, a probe droid stumbles upon the Rebel Alliance’s main base on Hoth. In response, Darth Vader plans a surprise attack, but Admiral Ozzel exits hyperspace too close to the planet, alerting the Rebels. Vader responds by sending snowtroopers and both AT-AT and AT-ST walkers to attack. The Rebels fire their laser turrets at the Imperial forces, and Luke leads his team against the walkers. Still, the Alliance is outmatched and must retreat. The Rebels manage to escape, leaving the Empire with a victory that feels both cold and bittersweet.
AT-STs (All Terrain Scout Transports) might only appear briefly in The Empire Strikes Back, but they play an important tactical and production role. While they’re better known for their part on Endor in Return of the Jedi, their use in the Battle of Hoth helped the Empire control the ground. AT-STs provide support to the larger AT-AT walkers, which are slow and have a narrow firing range. The AT-STs protect the legs and sides of the AT-ATs from Rebel soldiers and light vehicles.
The AT-AT’s heavy cannons are designed to take out bunkers and shield generators, while the AT-ST’s twin blaster cannons are great for dealing with Rebel troops and smaller targets that the big walkers might miss. The Rebels picked Hoth because its freezing temperatures and magnetic interference disrupted Imperial sensors and repulsorlift vehicles. But AT-STs use mechanical feet, so they can maintain grip in deep snow.
Hasbro released this AT-ST as part of the ‘Battle of Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack’ in 2007. This Target-exclusive set included eight figures and a new laser turret, all for just $49. Like the included kit-bashed action figures, the AT-ST features an upgraded paint job of the Imperial AT-ST & Speeder Bike set released in the Power Of The Jedi line in 2002. The AT-ST Driver’s helmet and blaster are a bit loose, and there’s a communicator molded into his hand, but he still fits in the AT-ST and can pilot it just fine. 😄
The Empire Strikes Back turned 45 last May! I “figure” there will be a new Episode V figure to share here for the rest of the anniversary year. Happy 45 years and counting to TESB!
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