I finally solved the issue with the hip on the model, it took some additional fudging around but it looks like there is a column that goes through the leg which it rotates on that way.
Moving past that I have begun construction of the main body of the mech, the "Can" of the DD. lots of details have gone in it; looks like its a combination of electricity and gas power. I figure when I get a final version ready for animating I'll have the motors mounted on its back (currently their just boxes) shake and sputter for a secondary animation.


Life Sketch assignment below