Hi. This is something that I have wondered about for a while, and although it applies to all flavours of Transformers, I thought that the Radicons would give a variety of opinions.

Essentially, it is possible to build a Transformer in a number of different ways, and they could be very simple. For example, a Transformers alt mode of a Gorilla could just stand up and rotate the head 180 degree.... Robot!

So, what do you think are the unwritten rules of a Transformation, a set of guidelines and ideas for a good Transformer/Transformation. (Apologies if this has already been discussed.)

For example,

Thou shalt not take parts off the alt mode or have a set of additional pieces that are only used in one mode, except for weapons in some cases.

Thou shalt not simply unfold the alt mode to reveal a robot inside (shell forming).

 

I don't think there are unwritten rules other then.
If you see an idea you like & it was inspired from someone else's idea give props to that person.

Some people frown upon Partsformers & Shellformers.
I, myself don't see a problem with them. I own quite a few.

Kitbashing is so open to interprition. What one person sees, another may not.

Ultimately, my opinion of my work is really the only one that matters to me. If everyone else diggs it, it's a total bonus.
(no offense meant to anyone)
Some people are to thinned skinned with it comes to bashing.
The goal is to have fun & make something you think is cool.

 

And that is the only unwritten rule!

 

I'll quote this too....if you ain't having fun doing it....it ain't worth doing.

Remember its for you....if you like it in the end, that's all that matters....if we like it, that's just a bonus  

 

oh that is so true. it doesn't matter what other people think about your work. most infamous artists created art that was completed frowned upon by their audience. Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt. Scientists too, Galileo, Einstein, Newton...and on and on. These guys and many more didn't appeal to the direction of societies cog wheels, they went in their own direction, and became who they are because of that.

I personally love parts-formers. I love lots of extra parts. I would prefer a killer bot/alt mode with 20 extra parts over a weaker looking version using 1 part.

Exactly what PK said too, if other artists here like it, that's the bonus. its impossible to make everyone like something.

 

I just can't fathom why parts formers are frowned upon here.

 

I was in TRU yesterday, and realized the entire success of power rangers is built upon part-forming toys.

 

Because the thing that makes transforming them fun is that they're not legos.
Partsforming is acceptable to me in small amounts and if the parts are attachable in either mode though.

 

Interesting. I knew that I would get some unconventional thinking over here. My own personal goals are to make these things as 'realistic' as possible (as much as that can be applied here!). To me, that means a minimal number of additional parts. I also want to stay away from shell-forming as I prefer mechanisms that are more interesting.

 

I think you mean "famous," not "infamous;" those guys are considered to have been pretty talented. Then again, most of those were indeed infamous in their time!

Now we've written all these rules! They can't be UNwritten rules once we write them down! ARGH! Now we have to make new unwritten rules!

 

Don't front...Legos are cool.

 

If it's a custom......anything goes.

 

Two of my favorite toys are RiD Prime and Magnus. If they're not partsformers, I don't know what is.

Generally, I prefer TFs that don't partsform, but I'm not totally against it. Imo, as long as something is done really well, everything else is second.

As far as this board goes, I'll continue with my line of thinking. Basically, like I said, if you do something, do it well. This isn't just the project, but the whole shebang. Taking/editing photographs, the grammar in how one posts (we're not English majors, but I assume everyone here passed 6th grade English), how one interacts with others, and everything surrounding the project itself (the paint, the engineering, the treatment of characters, etc.). We do try to have these things written down though (such as in the gallery submissions thread).

I think that there are some unwritten things about the characters themselves. While many people enjoyed my Alt Seekers, there were some who just did not like the idea of the Seekers as street racers instead of jets. I've absorbed criticism such as not being "a true G1 fan", despite my history with the fandom. If someone doesn't think a character is treated well, they'll let you know really quickly, though!

As far as transformation goes, I think the history of Transformers shows that just about anything goes. What's liked more (such as less partsforming) may be a different story. I think the relatively of this has been clearly discussed better by the other Radicons though  

 

I understand what you're saying, Rhinox. But I do agree with F_R on this. Parts-forming is necessary in most kitbashes, but not all. Hell most of G1 was either bricks or parts-formers. Sometimes it just can't be helped. I usually prefer something with minimal parts-forming, but I still enjoy them all. As for the combiners, I feel that most have a better look and feel to them with the added forearms, waists, etc. If the extra parts can be connected or used when not in combined form, that's a huge bonus. Either way, G1 combiners (and most larger transformers were all parts-formers.........Ultra Magnus, Omega Supreme, and even up to Car Robots/RID with Fire Convoy and God Magnus), so I'm cool with the whole parts-forming issue. Would Ptitvite's Devastator and F_R's Defensor look better with relatively stiff arms? All I'm saying is that it is needed sometimes.  

 

Is 4th grade OK for me ???

 

When I get something that I want to put on display in my collection, hell if I want a bunch of extra stuff that I have to keep track of when in another mode or something.

 

Sure. IRRC, students are still required to construct complete sentences there as well  

 

Couldn't have said it any better. I try to fall in love with all my customs no matter how horrible they may be to others! Hehe.

 

Unfortunately, no. Apparently simply trying is enough.

 

I don't think there are any rules really, just go with your gut. Bottom line, Ive seen cool partsformers, cool TF's that don't TF and LEGO/Soda can TF's. Just do what YOU think is cool. You cant go wrong with that.