Recommended music: George Baker Selection – Little Green Bag
It’s #StarWarsSaturday! Today, we’re heading back to the snowy plains of Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back. From the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection, it’s the AT-ST!
In The Empire Strikes Back, a probe droid discovers the Rebel Alliance’s main base on Hoth. Darth Vader plans a surprise attack, but Admiral Ozzel exits hyperspace too close to the planet and alerts the Rebels. Vader sends snowtroopers, AT-ATs, and AT-STs 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 escape, leaving the Empire with a victory that feels cold and bittersweet.
AT-STs (All Terrain Scout Transports) appear briefly in The Empire Strikes Back but play an important tactical role. While 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 support 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 handle Rebel troops and smaller targets the big walkers might miss. The Rebels picked Hoth because its freezing temperatures and magnetic interference disrupted Imperial sensors and repulsorlift vehicles. AT-STs use mechanical feet, which help them 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 for $49. Like the kit-bashed action figures, the AT-ST features an upgraded Hoth paint deco on the sculpt of the 2002 Imperial AT-ST & Speeder Bike set from the Power Of The Jedi line. It also has a large, easy-to-use button behind the cockpit for the charging leg attack action feature, which can be locked into place to pose the legs neutrally in your display.
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!
#ActionFigurePhotography
#EmpireStrikesBack45
#ESB45
#ToyPhotography
Dale's Toys 