Sorry for what's probably a rudimentary question as far as forum lingo goes, but I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what the terms "partsforming" or "partsformer" mean. Thanks!  

 

Here you go  

Partformer - Transformers Wiki

 

Partsforming traditionally refers to a figure that doesn't feature a "perfect" transformation, in that, when converting from one mode to another, parts either have to be removed or added in order to complete the mode. The G1 seekers are a good example, in the way that their fists have to be removed when going to jet mode, or the landing gear has to be removed for robot mode.

 

"Partsforming" generally refers to the activity of partway or fully dismantling a Transformer in order to get it from one mode to another.
Examples include G1 Omega Supreme, Kre-O, BTR, Constructbots, G1 Ultra Magnus, G1 Metroplex (To an extent), G1 Reflector, the G1 Seekers, and many others.

 

Partsforming for robotmode accessories such as weaponry and to limited extent, decorative armor is acceptable.

Partsforming for limbs and body of robotmodes is not acceptable for contemporary standards
of TF engineering.

 

G1 Omega Supreme is probably the ultimate "partsformer".

 

Like a "Build A Figure" more than actually a "Transformer".

 

Fantastic.

 

IIRC, RiD Ultra Magnus was also quite the partsformer. You had to take his legs off to transform them into the "trailer"...

 

Maketoys Giant is the very definition of parts forming especially in comparison to his much better engineered cousin.

Any Fansproject popular adds-ons including that  crossfire set...

 

Not just them, but a lot of combiners. Probably the only ones that don't parts form to an extent are RID Build King, that train one, and FOC Bruticus/Ruination, but, even then, you had to tear off weapons and reconstitute them as part of the gestalt form.

 

Most combiners are parts formers.

 

Beast Hunters Abominus doesn't Partsform.

 

It's also something that has been around since the beginning but people try to act like it wasn't and it's horrible.

Technically, if a Transformer has a weapon that you take off or other accessories it is a parts former but don't tell anyone that.

 

g1 shockwave is a good example of a partsformer, as if I remember correctly, his gun form's barrel tip is removed for transformation and furthermore, alot like combiner kibble, has no actual place to store in his robot mode. in which style see also: 95% of the transformers animorphs crossover line. To an extent, you could consider headmasters/powermasters as intentional partsformers if you don't consider them gestalts. the thing that annoys people most about them these days is they've gotten REALLY GOOD at avoiding the need to partsform, so when one does come along, it frustrates people.

Also, not a partsformer, but consider cybershark/skybyte an honorary one as it's nigh impossible to transform that mold without something getting removed on accident in the process  

 

Ignoring the two posts above this

I think that was a joke about the combiners parts forming - rather than a literal description of having to add fists, head and chestplate and foot plates on a special team combiner (for example).

 

to me it just means making something out of a pile of parts like g1 omega supreme. I don't consider the seekers or anything where you just take off the hands or armor to be a partsformer. but that's just me.

 

Completely disagree from a combiner viewpoint. Incorporating hands and feet into a limb would create too much of a compromise in robot/alt mode.

I personally don't see the problem but I'm all for the end result....not for how you get there.

 

You just can't have a good combiner without partsforming.

 

FOC Bruticus suffered terribly as a result of this I think.