So I was admiring my collection and moving a few things around when I stopped to gently flip through the small set of mini kenner catalogs I have. I got to one of my ESB ones and noticed on one of the pages that the AT-AT pictured looked quite different the actual production vehicle. Upon further inspection the description reads "available summer 1981." So I guess I wonder why the changes, as parts of it seem to be more movie accurate, any ideas? Also just out of curiosity are there any known prototypes of the AT-AT in existence? Lastly does any one have a pic of a ROTJ catalog that might have the AT-AT in it. I am curious to know if they changed it to match the actual production piece.

The photo is most likely just a prototype version of the AT-AT used for catalog photography purposes. A lot of times the actual production toys weren't finished and ready at the same time Kenner had to get the packaging prepared. So they used a lot of protomold's and hardcopies for photography purposes.

If you look carefully at the backs of the 65 backs you'll notice most (if not all) of the new figures for that line are in fact hardcopies with metal pins.

It's a cool spot though! I don't think I've ever paid attention to the vehicles in the photos.

RebelChris wrote:

The photo is most likely just a prototype version of the AT-AT used for catalog photography purposes. A lot of times the actual production toys weren't finished and ready at the same time Kenner had to get the packaging prepared. So they used a lot of protomold's and hardcopies for photography purposes.

If you look carefully at the backs of the 65 backs you'll notice most (if not all) of the new figures for that line are in fact hardcopies with metal pins.

It's a cool spot though! I don't think I've ever paid attention to the vehicles in the photos.

Thanks for the interesting info. It didn't occur to me that they might do the photography before the production pieces were finished. I also didn't know that about the 65bks. I am now curious to see if there are more photos with prototypes rather than the actual production vehicles.

One of the best places to go for seeing prototypes in photography are the Toy Fair catalogs. This last year I've finally picked up a couple of them and they are awesome. Here's a few pictures from my most recent one which was from '85 which also shows a few packaging updates that never happened. However, if you want some great info along with pictures, I'd highly suggest getting this book.

Thats Awesome

Shawn I just recieved that book in the mail yesterday cant wait to get reading!

I will have to look into getting myself one of those toy fair catalogs. They look pretty cool. As far as getting into protos right now I probably won't be. I have told myself that I will not get side tracked from finishing my loose set as I don't have many left but after that I will be finding a focus...maybe something to do with protos...