The port city of Geelong, Victoria, in the deep south of Australia boasts a whole lot of beautiful sights and sounds. Its lush location hugs two bodies of water, offering both beaches and countryside attractions. Oh, and it’s the closest city to what may be the only life-size AT-ST in the world.
The Star Wars: Return of the Jedi battle vehicle was spotted last year by an Imgur user going by the name Mr. Kernish, who was working in the neighborhood and just happened to see what he thought was a cubby or treehouse minus the foliage. Only by zooming in on the structure did he notice that the ladder leading up was attached to an AT-ST (not to be confused with the larger AT-AT). His photos got the attention of Imgur users all over the world.
Star warsTwo months later, he’d mustered up the courage to talk to the maker of this glorious chicken walker. The man who built the AT-ST wants to remain anonymous, so Mr. Kernish has taken to calling him Kuat.
It’s a sly nod to a land of shipyards not unlike those dotting Geelong. Kuat is the planet of industry where AT-ST and other vehicles are built. Its residents would undoubtedly be thrilled at the mystery man’s own fabrication—even if its weaponry is only good for sound effects.
The Kuat behind this AT-ST has taken to calling it “Tempest Scout 2” in reference to the AT-ST that Chewbacca and two Ewoks wrested from an Imperial Army lieutenant during the Battle of Endor. This life-size version breathes new life into a combat vehicle so overused that it basically turned into a glorified janitor once deemed obsolete. Needless to say, Kuat’s AT-ST is simply breathtaking inside and out.
Despite Mr. Kernish uploading videos of the vehicle half a year ago, Kuat’s AT-ST has only now taken the Internet by storm. It’s certainly inspired a whole lot of Star Wars fans. The man reportedly got all his specs online, which means you too can be the proud owner of an AT-ST. All you need is a little bit of ingenuity and—judging by the looks of Kuat’s property—a whole lot of (ship)yard space.
H/T The Verge