Build Billy McCoy's AT-ST Walker

This is not my model. I came across this AT-ST Scout Walker by Billy McCoy on Thingiverse.

As you can see, it's pretty cool, but Billy's building instructions did not work so well - he'd improved the design, updated the files, but left the build instructions as they were. That made things a little confusing, so I decided to write some myself.

Step 1: Files & Glue

You can start by downloading the SVG or DXF file from Thingiverse, or you can use the ECP file I made for my own laser cutter (on this step). The only difference between Billy's files and my own is that I set the cutting order to drop out the scraps first, and added a small plaque to stand with the finished model.

It is scale to work with 3mm thick material - I used poplar plywood, MDF would also work well.

If you’re one of those folk who don’t have their own laser cutter, you can always use the Ponoko laser cutting service to get a set of parts for Billy’s Walker. Use the SVG file I’ve attached to this step and you can get a set of parts cut from a “P2” sheet of MDF for $43.

Since I used plywood, I used glue to fix the parts together.

Download Billy McCoy Walker 3mm P2.svg

Download Walkerv2.ecp

Step 2: Start With the Body.

The body is a simple box, but you need to be careful about which way round you fix the parts - the etching on the side will guide how you fit the legs later.

You also need to make sure that the cross-shaped hole is at the right end, for fitting the neck & head.

Step 3: Roof and Neck

Set the body aside - as it dries, you can put together the cabin roof and the neck.

Be careful not to glue the disc with the cross-shaped hole into the roof, and it forms one end of the neck.

The neck parts slot & glue together, then the disc glues on the end furthest from the wide section.

Step 4: The Hips

Look for the six small oval-ish parts.

They glue together to make two spacers - pay attention to the slight bulge on one end when you are lining them up.

Step 5: Legs, Part One

Find the parts laid out in the first image.

Turn the bird-shaped parts over, then glue the longer part on top at the circular part - there are two etched lines to help you line them up.

Step 6: Legs, Part Two

Another find-the-parts-and-glue-them step.

Use the etched lines and small holes to line up and glue them.

Note that the longer parts have been turned over between the first and second photos.

Again, set them aside to dry.

Step 7: Legs, Part Three

The sections you constructed in the previous two steps now get glued together.

You should end up with the bird-shaped parts, and the shorter parts, sandwiched between two longer parts.

Step 8: Legs, Meet Hips

The bird-shaped section at the top of the legs has an engraved shape.

The non-bulged end of the hips glues to this shape. This is one of the joints that will bear the weight of the finished model, so you should clamp it while it dries.

Step 9: Feet