The Energon Pub

News Credits: 2 · by **munkimus prime** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 1:04 pm

Since the moment I got him DOTM Sentinal prime has never made all the way to vehicle mode. Nothing seems to fit into place correctly. I usually end up getting angry and putting him in a box, He's still in the box I threw him in 6 months ago.

by **Optimum Supreme** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 4:31 pm

Oh man, I agree with many of the ones said so far (Sideburn, yowza!), and most of the rest are figures I don't have (like ROTF Optimus).

I'd also like to say RID Megatron, but for different reasons. He has so many damn modes, no way I could remember what moves where for what modes without a refresher with the instructions. Add to that his extra 4 modes that aren't even in the instructions and wow, what a hot mess it would be if I took him out of storage.

Alternators are always a pain for me. They look like they'd be simple G1 style transformations, but they're anything but. I only have two of them, but I rarely bother with them, cool as they are. Once every few years I'll pick one up, think "couldn't be as hard as I remember" and then spend the better part of a half hour struggling with it and swearing. Fortunately, there are similar Classics/Generations/etc versions to take the place of the ones I have, and they still look nice but also are mostly a snap to transform.

News Credits: 1 · by **Rodimus Minor** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 4:57 pm

1 DOTM Leader Sentinel Prime
2 ROTF Leader Optimus
3 Alternator Wheeljack
4 MP Megatron
5 MP Rodimus

they are my top 5

News Credits: 9 · by **Mykltron** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:06 am

paul053 wrote:How about FE Bulkhead? I got it last week and I thought his first time transformation without instruction was kind of hard. But he is super fun.

I wouldn't say he's difficult. I had quite a hard time figuring him out the first time (without instructions) but after the first time he's easy enough. Such a clever transformation though.

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:18 am

MP Megatron
THS-02
TFA Ultra Magnus
Beast Wars 2 Galvatron
MP Starscream

Honorable mention:

Big Convoy
Sideburn
Binaltech Convoy (once transformed, I just can't keep the panels in place.)

News Credits: 3 · by **Kibble** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:54 am

I have to admit, the first time I transformed ROTF Prime I tried to do it without the instructions at some ungodly hour of the night/morning...I couldn't figure out how the hell the arms to fold down all the way and could barely keep my eyes open by the time I gave up. The next morning it seemed easy enough, though.

The first time I TFed MP Megs, it took me about an hour and a half with the instructions.

I used to really love complex transformations, and I suppose I still do to an extent, but I've found I'm starting to become a wuss in my later years which I think has to do with the fact that I don't 'play' with my figs as much as I used to, and when I do, it's usually been so long in between, plus my collection is so much larger now, that I don't really remember how the transform process goes for each figure as well so the less intuitive ones tend to be more annoying than fun. Like HA Roadbuster, I have very little desire to dig that figure out and give him a whirl. Then again, I don't think I particularly enjoyed him the first go-round which is usually the most exciting. Probably because he turns into such a turd with parts just hanging off him. Yeah, that figure sucks...

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:30 pm

fenrir72 wrote:MP Megatron
THS-02
TFA Ultra Magnus
Beast Wars 2 Galvatron
MP Starscream

Honorable mention:

Big Convoy
Sideburn
Binaltech Convoy (once transformed, I just can't keep the panels in place.)

MP Starscream was hard to transform the first time around. Especially how to make his head go trough that metallic loop. Once I figured it out, I found I was able to transform the thing easely without instructions.

What's so hard about Animated Leader Ultra-Magnus? My guess is to fold his shoulderpads right to form the front of the truck. Appart that, he's pretty easy for me.

By the way, is Binaltech Convoy the same thing as Alternator Optimus Prime? Because if it is, that ugly robot change into a ugly pick-up truck with panels that refuses to stay together properly.

Website · by **RK_Striker_JK_5** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:46 pm

I transformed ROTF-Prime to truck mode once... and that was it!

I'll admit, like Kibble I'm not digging it when it's too complex anymore. All my HA figures are in robot mode and stay there. Same with a lot of my Leader-class toys. I don't mind breaking out the instructions, but for some of them they stay in one form or another.

News Credits: 9 · by **Mykltron** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 4:32 am

-Kanrabat- wrote:By the way, is Binaltech Convoy the same thing as Alternator Optimus Prime? Because if it is, that ugly robot change into a ugly pick-up truck with panels that refuses to stay together properly.

Yes, It's the same. I've never had trouble with the panels staying together once they're there but I really don't feel the result is worth all the effort.

News Credits: 7 · by **Zeedust** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 9:48 pm

Ultimate Optimus Prime is a pain in the ass to get back into trailer mode. Everything has to line up JUST RIGHT... Leader class Sentinel Prime is also a pain in the ass.

Also, RiD Galvatron. Not too complicated going from certain modes to others, but with TEN modes, you WILL screw up at least once and have to go back to the last mode you had him in and try again. You will need the instructions.

by **Dean ML** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:23 pm

Can't comment on any MPs as, unfortunately, I don't own any. But, as others have said, leader RotF voyager Mixmaster. He's a genius design to resemble his concept art nearly to the T, but almost every step of his transformation requires you to concentrate and line things up precisely right, especially from robot to truck.

DotM leader Sentinel Prime, also a genius design, is fine until you the last quarter of his robot to truck transformation. Getting his arms inside his lower legs and then getting all the panels to line up was a bitch. I only did it once and I'm not really looking forward to do it again.

RotF leader Prime, which must be one of the best TF molds of all time, is very intuitive except for those damn forearms! Everything's fun about his transformation except for his arms. His legs are especially fun. Really amazing how those things fold and unfold. Also, I feel like I'm breaking to break those ribcage panels everytime I untab them. Apparently there have been reports of breakage, which really deters me from transforming him again anytime soon.

All TFs I own are much more difficult to turn from robot to vehicle. Easier to unfold than fold. Are there any that are harder to turn from vehicle to robot?

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:04 am

Dean ML wrote:All TFs I own are much more difficult to turn from robot to vehicle. Easier to unfold than fold. Are there any that are harder to turn from vehicle to robot?

THIS.

Anyone up to the challenge for answering this? Because I have no idea at all.

News Credits: 9 · by **Mykltron** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:05 am

Nemesis Primal wrote:Also, RiD Galvatron. Not too complicated going from certain modes to others, but with TEN modes, you WILL screw up at least once and have to go back to the last mode you had him in and try again. You will need the instructions.

I've never used the intructions but I do need to refer to pictures. It's always a problem when things don't tab or lock into place but just have to sit at a particular angle.

-Kanrabat- wrote:
Dean ML wrote:All TFs I own are much more difficult to turn from robot to vehicle. Easier to unfold than fold. Are there any that are harder to turn from vehicle to robot?

Anyone up to the challenge for answering this? Because I have no idea at all.

I can't think of any. I've always had this opinion and I don't think any figure in my collection has disproved the statement.

News Credits: 7 · by **alldarker** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:20 am

-Kanrabat- wrote:
Dean ML wrote:All TFs I own are much more difficult to turn from robot to vehicle. Easier to unfold than fold. Are there any that are harder to turn from vehicle to robot?

THIS.

Anyone up to the challenge for answering this? Because I have no idea at all.

Logical: it seems to me that 'unfolding' to robot mode will almost always lead to parts gaining more degrees of freedom (articulation) during the transformation, whereas going back to alt mode leads to articulation and freedom of movement for parts getting more and more restricted to non-existent, eventually.

I have to say, modern Transformers which I try to attempt to change from alt mode to robot for the first time and without instructions do often give me problems with finding the starting point of the transformation, just because that is the exact fase in which there are no movable parts in the transformation yet. I've felt (and probably looked) like a frustrated monkey, turning Transformers like Universe Sunstreaker or Generations Wheeljack over and over in my hands and pulling at doors, roofs or bumpers without a clue as to where the actual intended starting point is.

by **DaftFan** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:31 pm

[quote="WolfDawg"]

However, I'm going to list some different figures:

1. RID Skybyte
2. Alternators Ricochet (Those legs...)
3. Warbot Defender
4. DOTM Sentinel Prime
5. Classics Galvatron (I've yet to transform this guy without him falling to pieces)[quote]

#5 I 100% agree with. Especially when you are transforming him from tank to robot and those stupid missile pod things tab into the little slots on his treads and they peg in SO DAMN TIGHT! :BOOM:

My other 4 would have to be

1. Generations Junkheap/ Wreck-Gar. (I personally struggled the first time getting him back into motorcycle mode, and still do occasionally)
2. Universe Octane. Not really challenging, but his little propellers scare me every time because I always worry about them breaking.
3. RID Sideburn. I have to agree with that one. So fidgety.
4. Generations Cybertron Bumblebee. His panels have to be JUST right to all fit, and when putting them together, they always seem like they will break.

by **Autobot-Hellstriker** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:47 am

Her's my list

1. ROTF Battle Blades Prime...those damned legs.
2. Movie 1 2008 Camaro Bumblebee
3. Cybertron SmokeScreen..whoever designed the side panels/hip-blaster on the car needs to be shot for this.
4. Animated Jazz...he's hard to transform from vehicle to robot, mainly because of the legs in the trunk section.

by **Valandar** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:06 am

Why does nobody believe me?

The hardest EVER is Under3!

http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Lion/lion.htm

News Credits: 1 · by **Marcdachamp** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:15 pm

RhA wrote:Why is leader Sentinel Prime not mentioned? Aligning those panels into truckmode invokes primal rage.

Honorable mention: RiD Sideburn. Not that it's such a monster (though complex)... That toy made me lose my luch when I tried to transform that guy for the first time while being extremely hung over.

Bad day, that.

Ha! I was like 16 when I picked up that Side Burn figure. It was my first TF since Beast Wars had ended (didn't buy a single figure during Machines) and I was so excited to crack him open and get him transformed. I think it took me an hour, but I was persistent.

These days, I have very little patience for the really tough to transform figures. I just don't even bother.

News Credits: 11 · by **kirbenvost** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:38 pm

In no particular order, the ones that still give me trouble are:

MP-05 Megatron - a LOT of small, fragile parts that take some force to get in place, not mention he's big and heavy...it's just not a fun process.

Alternator Grimlock/Wheeljack - I dunno what they were thinking with this, the shoulder bits are just a huge pain to transform and takes way longer than it should.

RiD Sideburn - The parts just always get in the way of each other.

RiD Omega Prime - He's so big and his joints can barely support the weight, so you have be really coordinated to get it all together and standing without him falling over and apart.

Mykltron wrote:MP Rod. Contrary to popular belief his car mode fits together perfectly well. I have the original release.

Oh, I forgot about him. Seems I blocked out the traumatizing memories. :HEADHURTS:

What's your secret? I usually get it in the end after a LONG period of fiddling (usually 2 evenings), but I still don't know what the key is. I know you have to make sure the ankle joints are properly positioned but the hand placement still boggles me. And now I'm experiencing unsightly gaps in the front end of the car mode as well.

Website · by **RK_Striker_JK_5** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:26 pm

One thing mentioned I hate are those damned... panelformers? The ones where if you don't get every single damned panel and tab lined up just so... it falls apart on you. :BANG_HEAD:

News Credits: 4 · by **craggy** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:26 pm

Classics/Universe 2.0/"could try harder" Galvatron is a great example of this.

It's almost like all of his pieces are intended to tab together and form some kind of actual alt mode, but they never do. I'm not entirely unconvinced that it's not the basis for the trap that Picard used on The Borg in Star Trek that one time.

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:26 pm

Speaking of panels, I finally gave in and bought HFTD voyager Payload today. I was always put off by his ugly head and his too bayformers desing.

After months in a dark corner of a big-ass music and movie store... he was STILL 30$ + taxes. The need to fiddle with something new was overwhelming. He felt so lonely.

I decided to bail-out Payload from that place and take him home.

In hand, he's a pretty nice robot. Surprisingly thin and slim for such a massive altmode.

But then, to transform him... Panels... panels everywhere. The hardest part was to figure out how to make all that front-end fit together. I fought for at least half and hour on that part alone.

Anyway, I magaged and the end result is a pretty nice looking and MASSIVE miner truck. No kidding, these things are HUGE. So he's going to be in perfect scale in my DOTM Cyberverse battle scene. I think NOW the Decepticons will finally have a fighting chance against the Autobots!

News Credits: 37 · by **SlyTF1** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:36 pm

1. TF Armada Unicron
2. ROTF Leader Optimus
3. ROTF Jetfire
4. DOTM Sentinel Prime (Still never transformed him right!)
5. DOTM Skyhammer (Whatever that Voyager helicopters name is. Never transformed him either. I don't believe in using instructions.)

by **MGrotusque** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:36 pm

WFC BB is the biggest pain in the ass that i've ever experienced thus far. That fuc@*r ENRAGED me! Panels didn't fit, I couldn't get things to fold up right. A nightmare!! I gave him away to my friends daughter. Couldn't stand to look at him. I went over for Xmas dinner and still couldn't do it. She can't either so he will forever remain in half transformed mode.

I had a hard time with Animated Prowl. I could never get the configuration of the legs proper when getting him into alt mode. Drove me bonkers. Gave him away too. To the same girl. SHe loves em.

Universe Onslaught i have a tough time with for some reason.

WFC OP is a bit of a doozy as well. Lots of little panels. I got him down now but it seemed a little overwhelming at the time.

I'm dying to try the ROTF leader OP though. He sounds like the hardest from what i've heard.

I was nervous about my Magnaboss but i remained steadfast and focused when dealing with Ironhide so as not to get confused because he's a little incoherent to say the least.

by **RAcast** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:46 pm

monstergrotusque wrote:I had the hardest time with Animated Prowl. I could never get the configuration of the legs proper when getting him into alt mode. Drove me bonkers.

Universe Onslaught i have a tough time with for some reason.

WFC OP is a bit of a doozy as well. Lots of little panels. I got him down now but it seemed a little overwhelming at the time.

I'm dying to try the ROTF leader OP though. He sounds like the hardest from what i've heard.

I was nervous about my Magnaboss but i remained steadfast and focused when dealing with ironhide so as not to get confused because he's a little incoherent to say the least.

ROTF Leader OP is COMPLETELY worth every second of it, and when you're done (whichever way you're going with the transformation), I'm always quite satisfied. You *will* be fiddling with him a bit, but once you find the trick to getting the arms back in place you'll love it.

He's really easy to find too, which is great; my only gripe is that I have the ROTF version, since I got it in a good bundle deal with MP Starscream, which means no Hooks.