AT-DP (All Terrain Defense Pod) - R - Vehicles

AT-DPs (All Terrain Defense Pods) are ground attack walkers deployed by the Galactic Empire to quell any resistance to the Empire.

A new era of Star Wars collecting has arrived, and this time it’s in the form of Rebels. It’s a line look based on the brand new animated television series which focuses on stories that take place in between Episode III and Episode IV and will certainly focus on the development of the Galactic Empire and how they wreak havoc on those seeking freedom in the galaxy. Hasbro has developed a decent, yet modest line of collectibles based on this series, but it should be noted that it’s completely created with kids in mind. Although the products are a tremendous step forward from previous Saga Legends and Mission Series figures, the action figures are still simply articulated and the large products like vehicles are basically shells of their ancestors. Thankfully, the products aren’t terrible this time around, and with a strong nod to Ralph McQuarrie in the various designs for the show, longtime Star Wars collectors are finding it harder and harder to turn away from the series.

The inaugural wave of what we imagine are the current “Class II” vehicles, Hasbro introduces us to three vehicles that will be in the show, prior to their appearances. Something collectors always enjoy, getting sneak peeks at these prototype inspired vehicles is truly an exciting thing. We’re happy to report that they are not without merit and some may even find these very interesting pieces and buy them for their collections. We imagine that many will see, quite a few of the vehicles especially, these products as concept art pieces of the renowned Ralph McQuarrie, the esteemed Joe Johnston, and many, many others involved in the creation of the Original Trilogy Star Wars universe. The AT-DP (All Terrain Defense Pod) is a dead ringer for the scout walker concept art by Joe Johnston. So at worst, a hardcore collector can consider this as a concept art vehicle, and he or she should be relatively happy. The vehicle is well designed, has some weightiness to it and has a simple paint job without the possibility of sloppy operations to ruin it all. (It’s just highlighted with a few fine details and that’s it.)

Although the AT-DP (All Terrain Defense Pod) is a very simple vehicle in the Rebels toy line, it does take a few moments to completely assemble it. Directions are provided as well as a very small decal sheet. (The assembly is simple, it’s just more individual parts than we ever expected to see.) The joints, when fully assembled, are tight. But that might not be saying much since each leg ends up only having one point of articulation each (in the hips). The cockpit is designed very well. Hasbro added a great amount of detail to the vehicle in general, but the ridges, bumps and controls on the cockpit door are astounding. If Hasbro is adding this kind of detail for kids only, well, then we’re really shocked because this is collectors’ quality. The AT-DP (All Terrain Defense Pod) has one simple action feature, and that is its nose cannon can fire a projectile. The cannon and the head are articulated as well. Although you don’t get a full range of motion, it’s enough as far as we’re concerned. You might feel differently. With a strong nod to Original Trilogy concept art, we don’t know how any “old” collector won’t at least find this vehicle interesting.