Jesse's Fix instructions:
Ironically right after I took some quick new pics, I found all the oldies.
Anyway, you get the new. I need to rewrite the old article and add to it I suppose. Onto the details...
First, you need a few tools... A SMALL philips head screwdriver, and pin-type tool that's thin enough to fit a hole smaller than your screwdriver's diameter but firm enough to push on without bending. I used a small dental pick tool I have around for customizing. An awl or even a finishing nail would work.
Next, this is the pose I go with on my AT-ST's because this is actually film-accurate, gives the vehicle the right height, etc. Some delicacy is involved but mine hold their pose even with 2 troopers inside, or even Chewie and the Ewoks.
This closer side-shot helps show how the hip and upper leg joints line-up incase you're curious how mine are standing.
Also, you need TWO 5/16 Internal Lock Washers... Pictured here. These fit the best I've found, and create some extra pressure in the joint we're trying to tighten up. I bought a set of lock wasters from Harbor Freight for like $2 or $3 in a big assortment, but you could get 2 individuals at Lowes or whatever. Cheap stuff.
This is the joint we're working on... It's the lower leg section's highest joint, where it connects to the mid-leg section.
This is the screw to remove... The screw goes into a pin, which fits very specifically into the leg. We'll talk about the pin's removal and replacement in a second as it is the only trickier part, or rather it can be.
Once the screw's out, take the "pick" tool (nail, whatever) and it must fit inside that screw hole. You don't want something too thick because you don't want to widen that hole or you'll strip it or at the very least make it not fit the screw that just came out as well.
You push the tool into that hole so it pushes the pin out the other side... Sometimes the pins come easy, sometimes not so easy. When it's out, the lower leg will slide right out of the mid-leg portion so be careful not to drop it and lose parts.
Note the pin coming out of the opposite side.
Here, you see it dismantled... notice that on the inside of the lower let piece, there is a specifically cut "disc" of sorts. Leave it in, just like it is. The pin has to line up on that disc exactly. It's not a huge issue if it falls out, you'll probably easily figure out how it goes back in when lining up the leg parts, however it's the one area that might confuse you if the parts fall apart I think. You can see in the picture just how they go, and how the leg pieces were posed when I took it apart as well, as a guide incase you need it.
Now, in this final picture you see me lining the washer up with the hole... It's a snug fit (that's the point) and when you slide the lower leg back into the middle leg portion, the washer has to fit in the slight gap between them. It strengthens this joint, which is a joint I never really use much anyway, with a little tension.
I can, however, still move the joint I've noticed, with no issues... It's really not a big deal. I'm sure I could probably make more permanent fixes but I just haven't.
Once the washer is in, put the pin back in, lined up exactly how it needs to, to fit into the lower-leg's little disc piece, and then just reattach the screw, and it's good to go.
That said, other people have mentioned issues with the "hips", if you will. this is the little arm that connects the main body portion to the legs... That, I have another fix for, if you have problems with this joint. It's weaker plastic there for sure.
If you guys are having any issues hit me up, and I'll try to help out as best I can.
I'd be lying if I said this thing still isn't capable of falling forward easily if it's bumped. Honestly I think some weights in the feet would do it wonders. It's just a top-heavy vehicle. Not a very practical design by the Empire.
Mine are standing pretty well though, and I hope to fix the "hip" issue soon.
The AT-TE had a similar issue, and fix, where you could put PVC pipe into a hole to create better tension on the joint within the leg. The AT-ST is the same basic issue at the hip, though I don't find that problem to come up too often. It could be fixed with small styrene rods though, or small metal all-thread or something.
If you have hip issues with them let me know and I'll try strengthening one of mine and snap some pics of what I did.
Sorry to be chatty guys, just wanted to be thorough for you!
