The Xarkon Fox Scout Walker
LEGO by: Justin R. "Saber-Scorpion" Stebbins
Model Name: PM3-X4R "Velociraptor"
Weight Range: Medium
Speed: Very Fast
Armaments: 3 small laser cannons, 1 heavy starfire cannon, 1 blazer ballistics launcher, 2 missile racks
Capacity: 1 Pilot
Other: Starlight engine jump jets, radar jammer antenna array, motorized claws for stability when firing heavy armaments

The Velociraptor was developed as a super-modern future-tech walker to replace the current Medium build in Xarkon's lineup, the Coyote. A dozen prototypes were built before Xarkon terminated the contract and decided not to replace the Coyote, citing issues with the Velociraptor's balancing and turning. The walker is extremely fast, but cannot turn to face foes as quickly as some walkers due to its lack of a rotating "waist." The balance issues arise from its difficulty to regain its footing if it falls on its side.

The cockpit for the Raptor is very cramped and relies on instruments or neural interfacing for forward visibility. On either side of the head are small energy cannons than can be used for quickly damaging whatever the pilot is currently viewing without having to engage the arms. On the back of the head is a fold-down antenna array equipped with sensor-jamming technology to help the walker infiltrate enemy lines undetected, or escape from tense situations using its extreme speed.

The signature claws on the Velociraptor's feet are used for stabilizing its standing position, especially when firing heavier weapons. The walker can be equipped with a heavy cannon or rail gun on its back to make better use of this feature. The guns on its arms can be easily replaced at the pilot or mission commander's discretion.

In addition to its impressive running speed, the Raptor is equipped with a pair of powerful engines on its tail that enable it to jump. When combined with a running start, the walker can fly for short distances to take foes by surprise. The armored flaps on the back of the legs open when the missile racks are being fired, allowing exhaust to escape.

The Raptor's design is singularly striking and impressive. So impressive, in fact, that Xarkon frequently uses the walker in military parades, infuriating military buffs everywhere by misleading the public into thinking it actually sees battlefield use. Nevertheless, High Command sees the Raptor as a symbol of the impressive, futuristic technology of walkers and claims that it has inspired many new recruits to join the walker corps.

About the LEGO: I actually built this walker several years ago, but never posted it due to the lukewarm response the Work In Progress photos recieved on my forums. After seeing it sitting on my shelf collecting dust, I decided to brush it off, finish it, and improve several aspects. I lightened up the body to make it stand and pose better and finished the guns on the arms. I'm not at all happy with the way the guns turned out, but, well, I'm just not as good at that as some builders. The yellow highlights and flaps are meant to represent the "feathers" on a real velociraptor. The various raptor-like elements of its design seemed a bit ridiculous for a military mech, so I decided to make it just a prototype. Prototypes are always the coolest, anyway.