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"Not as pompous as claiming 'All Terrain', we instead provide... variability." -Brickthana Engineering Executive Following the increase in the numbers of Rebel groups, the Galactic Empire needed more equipment to deal with the new threat, and turned to numerous companies to fill the gaps. An alternative to the 'All Terrain' family of walkers, the Variable Terrain series was meant to be a cheaper, more easily produced addition to Imperial forces. Part of this initiative is the Variable Terrain Reconnaissance Transport, a group of walkers designed to supplement their AT counterpart in a variety of ways. While following a superficially similar design, Brickthana has tried, with varying degrees of success, to expand the mission capability of its walkers. To try and compete with Rebel designs, versatility was a must for these new vehicles being made. First up is the initial prototype of the VT-RT concept, eventually getting the designation of 'VT-RT(L*)' and be the basis of the VT-RT(X). Although broad/blocky, a design 'flaw' inherent to many of the VT family, the aim of the designers were to add more protection to both the driver and the important components of the walker itself. Eventually these walkers would be replaced, seeing some use as turrets after modifications. SW Imperial VT-RT(L) Prototype #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(L) Prototype #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr The second walker of the RT series is the VT-RT Experimental. Being dubbed the 'Expendable' by its drivers, the VT-RT(X) was a further step in trying to get as much from its frame as possible, with four versions being created. While all had the same base model, they could be modified into the different versions to operate in different mediums- these being the standard land configuration (Experimental-Land), an amphibious configuration (Experimental-Sea), an aerial configuration (Experimental-Air), and finally one meant for use in space (Experimental-Vacuum). Issues plagued the RT(X)- from certain system malfunctions to poor handling, eventually forcing Brickthana to review the design and begin work on a new version of the walker. The third walker of the RT series is the RT Heavy. The biggest of the three 'standard' VT-RTs, the RT(H) design was completed first. Meant to be a versatile infantry support vehicle, it ended up not performing to expectations, though it was still useful in its role. While it does have some amphibious capability, it was not equipped like the RT(X-S), and therefore is not as reliable in the water as its cousin. To compensate for some of its deficiencies, it is armed with a heavy blaster cannon and two detachable grenade launchers, as well as a more powerful transmitter. SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(H) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr The fourth walker of the RT series is the RT Medium. The RT(M) was something of a misplaced design, as originally there was only two sizes that the RT would come in. This changed when it was decided that a design in the works (a troop transport) needed better escorts, and the RT(M) was created. In addition, there was an explicit order to try and incorporate parts/sections of one into the other, to ease production and interchangeability. While it was initially proposed to have a rotating bottom, to be converted into a turret, this was denied. Though it was mounted on a pair of legs, the body retained some of its features as a turret, including its armored sides and controls that can fold forward. SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(M) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr The fifth and final walker of the RT series is the RT Light, the most direct counterpart to its AT compatriot. The RT(L) was designed to be a well balanced machine, combining decent armament, speed, and protection. Like its bigger brother the RT(H), it can float, however it wasn't designed with this explicitly in mind, and therefore has no propulsion; furthermore, if rocked too much, it can easily tip over and sink. SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr SW Imperial VT-RT(L) #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr A semi-addition to the RT project is the RT Droid, an automated bi-pedal walker. The VT-RT(D) is in a sort of grey area, and so is not fully included with the rest of the RT walkers. Instead, it's been put with other Brickthana droids, and may even have its designation changed. SW Imperial VT-RT(D) #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr If you want to build any of these for yourselves, here's the instructions: VT-RT(X): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yff351-w3sy1eyjQWu0awe88lGsyM2Nk/view?usp=sharing VT-RT(H): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wtnQpUb9V0GD_j1_cZuB9T0KiSRMrKJQ/view?usp=sharing VT-RT(M): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gJOcc4ppMsbLF82g1kfIGiZ7wjpzxWR3/view?usp=sharing VT-RT(L): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tipChHxhxKB54LxdCGOvqzqOZEkCfRVs/view?usp=sharing As usual, any feedback would be most appreciated! P.S. As far as the VT-RT(D) goes, you can see more pictures on Flickr, and I plan on including it in a topic with other Imperial Droids I'm currently working on.
