A dedicated Star Wars enthusiast has spent £9,000 and three months constructing a seven-meter-long replica spaceship in his backyard, fulfilling a long-held ambition.
Chester Walsh, a 29-year-old prop maker and lifelong fan of the American media franchise, began the ambitious project in June of last year. The finished structure, which he named 'The Halikon,' measures seven meters in length and three meters in width.
Walsh, who has been crafting his idea for years, admitted that his fiancée initially had reservations about the unconventional garden feature. She worried it might appear too imposing. However, she has since come to appreciate the finished product, with Walsh noting that while it's not subtle, their large garden allows for it to be accommodated without dominating the space.
The construction involved a frame covered with plywood and rubber, with fiberglass used for exterior detailing. The concrete base proved to be the most costly component, contributing significantly to the overall £9,000 expense, alongside other supplies and decorative elements.
Inside 'The Halikon,' Walsh has installed monitors, a PlayStation, and a seating area that can convert into a single bed for guests. The name 'The Halikon' is a tribute to a now-closed hotel in Florida that offered an immersive Star Wars experience.
Walsh previously worked at a law firm before quitting his job over two years ago to pursue his passion for art and props full-time. His other creations include costumes such as a human Shrek costume and items from Ben 10. He particularly enjoys making flexible urethane rubber costume arms and plush wire-frame poseable cats.
He shares his building process and creations on Instagram under the handle @chaptersofchester, where he has gained over 46,000 followers. While he has no immediate plans for more large-scale projects, Walsh expressed a desire to one day build a Lord of the Rings-inspired pergola.
