Review: 7657 AT-ST
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has revisited the classic Imperial AT-ST on several occasions, employing new elements and building methods. 7657 AT-ST therefore exhibits appealing alterations, succeeding 7127 Imperial AT-ST and demonstrating how designs changed between 2001 and 2007.
However, this rendition seems unusual because notably few design features are shared with previous or subsequent minifigure-scale AT-STs. The model instead presents an entirely unique approach to the famed Imperial scout walker.
Minifigure
Following the appearance of Chewbacca with 7127 Imperial AT-ST, an accurate AT-ST Driver was developed for this model. The minifigure looks absolutely brilliant, sporting an exceptional helmet that was introduced here. The printed head underneath corresponds with the helmet as well, including a strap beside reflective goggles.
Satisfying detail continues across the driver's uniform. This light bluish grey colour looks good and I love the creasing on the torso, which was somewhat unusual during 2007. However, the reverse lacks decoration, substantially distinguishing this minifigure from modern counterparts. The driver wields a standard blaster rifle, which was new when 7657 AT-ST was released.
The Completed Model
Accuracy has become increasingly important as LEGO Star Wars has developed, hence this model appears excellent. The shaping and proportions are outstanding and closely resemble more recent renditions of the AT-ST, particularly across the legs. These are constructed using click hinges rather than Technic elements, but feel sufficiently strong.
Furthermore, this model is considerably taller than its predecessor, measuring 20cm in height. While smaller renditions are certainly closer to minifigure-scale, I think increasing the size was worthwhile because the detail has so noticeably improved. Modern sets can balance extensive detail with accurate scaling more easily, as the selection of smaller elements has expanded.
While click hinges remain, the legs have otherwise been completely overhauled. They appear substantially stronger and more accurate than those from 7127 Imperial AT-ST, even including blades on each footpad with simulated joint tensioners placed behind each leg. The decorative 1x1 round plates and 1x2 grilles look marvellous too.
However, articulation remains problematic. Even though several adjustable joints are included, they cannot move forwards which dramatically restricts display options. The cockpit can rotate though, controlled using a Technic gear behind the engine housing. That function has returned on several subsequent models, including the upcoming 75322 Hoth AT-ST!
The cockpit module is traditionally constructed using bricks and slopes, creating a reasonably authentic shape. The front seems particularly effective, integrating articulated blaster cannons with round elements depicting the rotational joint underneath. Furthermore, I like the flaps over the viewports, although they cannot close which is slightly disappointing.
Extensive detail continues across the sides and rear, where two decorated tiles represent the ventilation system. The side-mounted weapons look splendid as well, comprising a cylindrical concussion grenade launcher on the right and a light blaster cannon on the left. Each weapon rotates smoothly, as expected.
The opening top hatch is formed using a trapdoor assembly, which works nicely. Reaching the interior is therefore quite simple and one seat is situated inside, beside a clip where the AT-ST driver can store his blaster. Whereas the previous model included an exclusive printed display this cockpit contains a single trans-red 1x2 grille component instead. Nevertheless, the interior features adequate detail.
Overall
LEGO Star Wars entered a transitional stage during the mid-2000s, as designers increasingly prioritised accuracy above the functionality which defined earlier models. 7127 Imperial AT-ST and 7657 AT-ST exemplify such development as this vehicle includes much greater detail than its predecessor, while excluding any extraneous functions.
Unlike the version from 2001, I owned this AT-ST as a child and absolutely loved it. I think the subject piqued my interest, particularly given the addition of an exclusive minifigure. Moreover, the price of £19.99 or $19.99 provided impressive value. While later designs have undoubtedly surpassed this AT-ST, I believe the 2007 rendition was ahead of its time!
Our review of 7127 Imperial AT-ST is available here.
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32 comments on this article
One of the first Star Wars sets I think I owned and still a favourite to this day!
This was my first star wars set. I loved it back then.
mmmmm yellowish grey.
Shows I need to get out more...I thought this was a new version haha. I thought it looked a little dated compared to what I'd expect out of the company.
Interesting comparison and review.
Hope we get reviews for the rest of the AT-STs, and a picture of them all lined up, from oldest to newest :)
As for some people here, it was one of my first Lego sets as a kid, and definitely the one which got me to collect Star Wars sets ever since ! It remains one of my favorites up to now.
Which one of these is the most proportional to 75313, anyway?
I still love this minifigure and the set. Great review.
please keep classic reviews coming.
I have this AT-ST as part of my forest detachment, amazing walker.
The one I love.
I'd forgotten just how small 7127 was; seeing it beside 7657 is kind of funny
@ohrmazd said:
"please keep classic reviews coming."
THIS, yes please!
This was the set that brought me back from my dark ages! :D
It's rather blocky, but in its own way quite effective. A sturdy build too, and I think the rotating head is a superior play feature over the two different walking functions that have been tried.
Are we gonna see the one from 8038 next week?
I had this as a child; once my brother got 8038 though it went straight into the parts bin.
I like the smoothness of the surfaces on the cockpit module. All the subsequent versions have studs facing outwards on every surface. I'm not against exposed studs, but the recent AT-STs have a lot of studs on the outside and this one definitely looks better without them.
kind of amazing how much the AT-ST in 8038-1, released just two years later, completely upstages this set
I have two of these. The design was dated by 2009 when the endor playset came out, but I still love this design, and not for nostalgia; I think it legit looks good. Good scale, good price, appropriate figure.
I'm enjoying these hindsight reviews. Please do more - not just Star Wars if you like - and keep including the related sets in the photos for comparison
Such an amazing little set for its time!
Unfortunately I never really much collected LEGO, much less Star Wars, until the 2010's, so I missed out on all the goodies.
I'm really excited for the 75322 because it'll be my first AT-ST ever!
Personally, I really don't care for this set. Honestly, it feels like the head is just ginormous, the legs are too thick and they can't even articulate and allow it to stand up, something that even the previous version was able to do without the shuffling function. I like it more from how I obtained it.
In 2012, the Ewok Village was revealed, and I wanted to prep for its arrival by reviewing every Endor playset set that took place on the ground for my YouTube channel, but I didn't have this AT-ST. My friend did though, but it was in pieces and thrown throughout the unsorted loose parts. He and I spent a good day digging through all his parts to reassemble this, and I think I was still missing the helmet for the minifigure that I later got off BrickLink. I don't even really remember how much I paid for it, not a lot, but probably still more than I should, but it was worth it to me to have the set. I was able to review it, it's on display behind the bunker from 8038, and it helps fill out the scene. But it is still mostly hidden behind that bunker and is often obscured by the center support for the bookshelf.
7127 FOREVER!
This & the Droid Battle pack were my first Star Wars sets!
I think this set looks better than the latest versions. More Lego-play-set looking, if you know what I mean.
Honestly I think this is one of the better AT-STs; the later ones go a bit overboard on details and greebling imo
This set is way better than new version.
- Cleaner look
- Only one minifig (SO price is better)
- Legs can actually pose
Personally, and I know I'm in the minority here, but I really don't mind that most Lego AT-STs have leg articulation. In my opinion stability is far more important, and the design really doesn't lend itself to walking poses whatsoever. I have the most recent Hasbro 3.75" scale version which has full articulation in every joint. Honestly, it's a nightmare to balance in any pose, let alone a walking motion. The design is so top heavy, that any forwwrd motion will inevitably result in it toppling onto its face.
Can we get a picture of all these little AT-STs lined up next to the UCS AT-AT?
I honestly thought this was a really ugly attempt at replicating the vehicle's look at the time, especially after 8038 .
IMO this one is best AT-ST.
Its kind of ugly..
3rd model in a Creator 3 in 1 set?