15
Sep 17
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MEGA-SCALE (in 1:24) Imperial Walker “AT-AT”

Standing nearly 38 Inches Tall (while walking), this beautiful Imperial Walker is the second I have had in my Collection. The first was built by artist Mark Elkins, and resides today in a major Collection in Hong Kong. This fine piece seen here was made from Parts created by artist Mike Salzo, then beautifully built by artist Dan Grumeretz to resemble what we viewed in the 1980 film, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! This build of this specific model actually is it’s second incarnation of the model. We originally had it positioned to be like the AT-AT that we see stepping back with it’s left rear leg, and turning it’s head to the left in order to shoot down a Rebel Snowspeeder. That position was simply to hard for the model to hold in a display, as it placed much pressure on the right rear leg for nearly three years before we decided to make that change. It was best in order to preserve the strength integrity of the model. The reason it was originally positioned like that is due to it being part of a huge diorama that never came to be…. a 20 foot by 20 foot Hoth Snow Battle Scene. We have two more Salzo 1:24 AT-AT’s that have yet to be built that were to be included in this scene. I am sorry to report that I am simply unable to follow through with said display at this time. It is well, because these AT-AT’s stand as AWESOME displays on their own. Now this piece is obviously stomping it’s way forward. It’s right-front leg lifted toward it’s next step, and it’s head looking slightly to its left as it scans the horizon for Rebel activity. It is ominous in every way. Mike Salzo did fantastic work in his creation of these parts, and Dan Grumeretz brought it to life for me… twice! The cockpit window glows read with the push of a button hidden among the details on it’s back. Inside we see actual slides of the two AT-AT Pilot’s driving the beast as General Veers stands behind them in the center. The weathering is purposefully done using 1970’s ILM techniques to make it look like the original filming miniatures. Early ILM techniques are world-class (truly legendary), as those amazing model makers changed everything for the art form and industry world-wide in the works they produced. I am eternally grateful of them. Dan has done what he always does, and made it look classically marvelous utilizing their proven techniques. I LOVE THIS PIECE!

Kurt Kuhn
Kuhn Global Incorporated