Creator Showcase – TJ & AT-ST 301st Recon Division

We had the chance to chat with TJ from Kuala Lumpur, one of the top-voted builders at the DeToyz Modelers’ Meetup 2025. His custom Star Wars AT-ST captured imaginations with both storytelling and scratchbuilt detail.

Combining his love for the Star Wars universe with serious modeling chops, TJ brought to life a what-if story of Imperial remnants still lurking in the forests of Endor. The build featured electronics, weathering, and even a mini diorama base. Here's what he shared with us during the event.

Model Name: AT-ST 301st Recon Division
Model #: 08

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi I’m TJ from Kuala Lumpur. I’ve been building model kits seriously since 2016. My favourite models are the snap fit kits from Bandai, particularly the ones in the Star Wars and Gunpla lines.

What inspired this model?

My love for Star Wars definitely inspired this build!

I imagined this AT-ST as a member of the remnant Imperial garrison left behind on the forest moon of Endor following the destruction of the second Death Star.

Isolated from the larger Imperial war machine, these forces operated independently, forming pockets of resistance determined to exact a heavy toll on any remaining Rebel Alliance forces in the sector.

The AT-STs of the 301st Recon Division were specifically outfitted for high-speed pursuit and anti-infantry operations. With enhanced targeting systems and a weapons loadout tailored for intercepting Alliance speeders and other fast-moving craft.

Any special techniques or materials used?

For this build, I applied all the model building techniques I knew:

• Weathering
• Electronics
• Scratchbuilding (missile pod, cargo rack)
• Kitbashing
• Airbrushing
• Hand painting
• Basic diorama making (base)

Favorite kits or dream projects?

Too many to mention! But for now there are two:

• A motion-sensitive BB-8 (1:2 scale) from Star Wars
• HG Dendrobium (1:144 scale) from Gundam

Anything you’d like to say to fellow modelers?

Keep building, observing, learning, experimenting!

Builder Info

Name: TJ Tee
Model #: 08
Model Name: AT-ST 301st Recon Division