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Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker Loft Bed

video Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker Loft Bed
This is a loft bed I made for my son that resembles an AT-AT Imperial Walker.
I searched the Internet and found scale models, cakes, legos, baby strollers and costumes resembling an AT-AT, but never found a bed that resembled an AT-AT. So I made one.
Since it is made from materials readily available at Home Depot or Lowe's, I thought I would post a video/slide show of photos I took during the build process.

Hopefully this will be helpful to someone else who might be considering a Star Wars project for their young jedi!

May the force be with you!

Updated 7/26/2009:
First I would like to say thanks for viewing the video and posting such wonderful comments.
I had no idea it would generate this much interest. Many, many thanks indeed!

I would also like to acknowledge John Williams and his orchestra for the powerful Star Wars theme music.

Second, you have my sincere apology for including the galacticly-incorrect transformer bedding. This anomaly will be vanquished in Episode 2.
For the record, I have also personally apologized to Lord Vader for giving him the wrong light saber. My son knew it was the wrong color, but I didn’t think anyone would notice

And for those viewers wanting to be adopted, regretfully I must say no. The household budget is maxed out. Do you realize how much it costs to feed a young, growing Sith Lord?! If you are still serious about wanting to be adopted, maybe you should talk to Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie. I hear they are expanding their brood.

In response to some of the more serious viewer’s questions, here are a few more details about the project:

The City Museum referenced in the opening crawl is located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Link: http://www.citymuseum.org

As far as prior experience, I have built a wooden swing set from a Home Depot kit and used foam for making Halloween props for my lawn. But that's pretty much it. I'm not a carpenter or special effects guy or something of that nature.

From start to fully operation AT-AT, the project took about six weeks. The basic frame is just a typical college loft bed that can be built in a few days. But figuring out the leg and body panel dimensions took some trial & error. I used cardboard mockups first, before making a single cut. After that, most of my time was spent sanding, painting, sanding again and painting again to give a smooth, splinter-free finish.

Stenciling of the body panels, undercarriage and legs was done with Sharpie markers of various widths. It was much faster than painting and permanent too.

How did I get it out of the basement? George Lucas offered to come over with a chainsaw, but I declined. Seriously, I made it to be assembled and disassembled in pieces, just like a college loft bed. Permanent pieces are screwed together, then those pieces bolted together to form the frame. Then the body panels are bolted to the frame. The legs are just plywood facades, so they are just fastened to the frame with screws. Mounting the head to the body was a dilemma solved by the local plumbing expert at Lowe's. She suggested fastening a threaded cap to the body panel and an adapter fitting to that. This adapter is threaded on one end for the cap and receives regular pipe or adapters on the other end. That way the neck piece could easily slip right onto the non-threaded end of the adapter.

For finishing the sculpted foam head, I used Foam Putty, made by Woodland Scenics. I found it at a local Hobby Lobby store. It helped fill in the gaps and smooth out the bumps. It goes on like cake icing or lightweight spackle. When it dries, it has the consistency of foam and is easily sanded smooth. Never used the stuff before, but it worked great. It's made for model railroad enthusiasts, who build their own scenery. The head itself is constructed using the pink Owens Corning Foamular insulation board from Home Depot. I just cut pieces and layered them. The pieces are bonded together with 77 spray adhesive by 3M, which is formulated not to deteriorate the foam. It too can be found at craft and hardware stores.

Hope the tidbits help those considering their own AT-AT project. Would love to see another AT-AT posted!

Thanks once again!
88 comments
1-40 of 88next »
Dec 26, 2011. 1:56 PMagibbs3 says:
I just had to say that is awesome! I would totally do this for my son if I was any good at carpentry, and unfortunately my husband doesn't "get" Star Wars enough to want to build something like this.
Nov 22, 2011. 8:17 AMdsammut-bryan says:
That is by far the coolest thing I have ever seen. I think I might have to somehow block this though so my son could never see it!!! You ever want to get rid of that or build another, let me know.. LOL. It is awesome, that took some great thought and some serious craftiness! You Rock!
Oct 3, 2011. 10:51 AMmgreco1 says:
Great Job!
Aug 23, 2011. 9:03 AMjdevisser says:
The most incredible bed I've ever seen. I've been a rabid Star Wars fan since 1977, and I'm sure that had I harassed my father enough, I could have had one just like it!! Very nice work, now you have me thinking about a full-sized, adult version of it for my own house!!
Aug 15, 2011. 9:01 PMszraccoon says:
This is the most amazing thing i have ever seen in my entire life. You = My hero. I cant wait to build one as a playscape in the back yard thank you.
Jul 10, 2011. 8:49 AMDannytheGreat says:
next do an at-st dresser
Jun 2, 2011. 7:19 AMtinker234 says:
wow i would love this in my home hey could i use fiberglass on the outside to thicken it up a bit make it more chunky
Apr 17, 2011. 8:54 AMdbkalyn says:
That is just awesome. The details using the pvc was over the top. most wouldnt even think that necessary. 5 stars to yo my friend.
Apr 1, 2011. 6:53 AMvelorna says:
Love this very creative.... I am the same way, when you can't find it, build it yourself...
Mar 6, 2011. 6:23 AMjuz4kix says:
That was inspiring! Your a good father and an example to others what a good father should be. Your son is a very lucky boy. I hope he enjoys his loft.
Nov 30, 2010. 2:16 PMsuper elephant says:
that is sooo cool!
NEXT PROJECT-
-Add lights to the ends of fte guns
-Add a controol box to make the lights liglt up
-Make bins for under the bed and a trunk above for toys
Nov 21, 2010. 10:47 AMmartin.osburn says:
That was so frickin' awesome. My son and I thoroughly enjoy seeing what you've done.
Nov 7, 2010. 2:54 PMShintoryu1 says:
YOU ROCK!!! Great job. Something that might be cool, add some LEDs to it for some night lights/ambient look.
Oct 7, 2010. 3:32 PMbgepp1 says:
bow bow - I am not worthy!
Feb 27, 2010. 7:20 AMgeckojb says:
Our family has decided to build an AT-AT bed for our son.  Actually my son's grandfather is taking up the project.  Please feel free to follow our progress through our blog.  www.ourpadawans.blogspot.com.

We want to thank the original designer for his inspiration. While we originally set out to design a totally different vehicle we couldn't find one that adapted to a bed as well as the AT-AT.
Sep 9, 2010. 8:52 AManibioman says:
those legs are super duper realistic i hope the rest of the bed follows along tha same lines.
Sep 9, 2010. 10:16 AMgeckojb says:
Thanks. Grampa got a new job a few months ago and has taken a break from the bed. I think it's time to nudge him.
Apr 8, 2010. 10:56 AManyoldmouse says:
What a show-off your dad is. 7 routers...Still, very cool. I'm sure that Jack will love it.
Sep 9, 2010. 8:47 AManibioman says:
you are now the best dad ever in your sons eyes
Jul 24, 2009. 12:05 PMscooter76 says:
5/5 brilliant. Death Star play room next?
Apr 8, 2010. 11:03 AManyoldmouse says:
How about a Death Star Treehouse?
Sep 5, 2010. 10:04 AMrdm_box says:
That's no moon! It's a treehouse!
Aug 27, 2010. 5:19 AMCracknel says:
This video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds. :(
Sep 3, 2010. 10:00 PMspdoug123 says:
well good then dont report it so we can enjoy it
Aug 17, 2010. 9:56 AMdafettman1919 says:
BEST FREAKING DAD EVER
May 28, 2010. 8:31 PMkmpres says:
Very nice indeed!  The closest I got to such a thing was a college loft bed I made with some used lumber a few years before the Star Wars movies came out.  It served a different purpose than intergalactic conquest, though!  Kudos on the ability to disassemble and erect it in a different place.  Always a good idea, as, I'm sure, your son will outgrow the AT-AT someday.  Also, great job on the video.  How did you do the opening dialog, may I ask?
Jul 21, 2010. 12:57 AMSky Coyote says:
I have no idea who would ever outgrow a bed a bed that looks like an AT-AT. I would still love one of those. :P
May 29, 2010. 9:54 PMmanutea says:
That's cool !!

thanx for sharing this
May 28, 2010. 10:33 PMliftcadet says:
awesome project.
You get my vote as dad of the year!
Mar 9, 2010. 11:57 AMjasonkala says:
Very cool. Please check out my progress as well. I plan to go big and detailed. Thanks for the inspiration. And check out my 9' toddler speeder bed too.

jasonkala.wordpress.com
Apr 8, 2010. 10:53 AManyoldmouse says:
That's a HUGE bed. The landspeeder bed is cool too. How did you make the jets?
Feb 5, 2010. 7:14 AM--= Excogitate =-- says:
 I'm 21 and... I want one. My wife won't let me though :( I guess I'll just have to get busy and make a little boy, raise him on star wars and then build a bed 'for him'.
Mar 22, 2010. 2:47 PMMetal Crave says:
LOL!!!
Well I think this bed fits into almost everyone's dream somewhere.
Feb 14, 2010. 9:31 AMWaffle Ninja says:
Whoa. Pretty awesome. My friend would go crazy over this.
Oct 21, 2009. 5:03 PMblake77 says:
 Wow thats so cool that you would do that for your kid he must love you.
Oct 21, 2009. 4:58 PMblake77 says:
 oh and by the way 5 stars i love it
Oct 8, 2009. 8:57 AMzab chev says:
Pottery Barn Kids is currently selling Star Wars bedding!

Um, my son is freaking out next to me 'cause he wants one....(JUSTLIKETHISONEOHMOMMYPLEASE OH MOMMYMOMMYPLEASE!!!!)
Oct 8, 2009. 7:21 AMRufda Camen says:
Hi my name is Daniel from Argentina and my son see it and now its make me crazy. Would you maind post the plans? My son (4 years) really apreciate your job because its excellent!!!
Sorry for my english! ;P

MTFBWU!!

Sep 11, 2009. 10:17 AMac30kev says:
fantastic. well done, sir. what a great vid. i want one...
Oct 2, 2009. 8:52 PMKnexFreek says:
i agree comletely and also... 5 stars!
1-40 of 88next »

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