(maybe i should note about my earlier post,that i only count objects that don't go anywhere in one mode as partsformers.)

I try to avoid partsforming in my customs, but if I feel it will improve both modes I'll give it some serious thought. For instance I think that I actually prefer two good looking modes with a little partsforming over an unsightly pile of back-kibble.

 

But I guess it depends on what you mean. I think of partsforming as removing parts from one mode, only to add them to the other mode. I think it has to actually aid the transformation. For instance I don't really think of G1 Megatron as a partsformer as the gun turret and stuff isn't part of "him", if you know what I mean.

 

I found this very interesting, I hadn't really verbalised any of these ideas before!

I don't mind minor partsforming. Weapon? S'okay. Fists? Well, I'd consider it "okay" only if it's a situation like G1 Sunstreaker, Inferno, Trailbreaker, etc, where the hands could be replaced with missiles (something we don't see much anymore). Roof comes off to form a shield? Well, perhaps. Legs completely remove from the figure to form a part in a totally different part of vehicle mode? That's more than a bit too far - time to redesign the transform scheme, even if it means sacrificing one mode or the other slightly.

I see things like this:

 

Transformers started out as "partsformers", so I see nothing wrong it, in the end. I agree that sometimes it is necessary to obtain a great bot mode. Everyone has the freedom to create customs as they see fit, so if someone doesn't like a partsformer I might make (which I've actually done a bit of not long ago), so be it. It doesn't bother me in the least and I just keep cranking out what I want to see and what I love. Not all customs will be adored or worshiped, but I honestly don't see what the big deal with the whole "partsformer" thing is. As long as it's not more parts than Transformer, it's all good--especially if you're trying to attain that perfect vision of what you see in your mind.

 

Also, I'd say we're all "professionals" when it comes to creating our own customs. I just don't do it for the money. I do it for fun, I do it for the love of Transformers, and I do it because Hasbro/Takara failed to deliver what I wanted (whether that is a simple repaint or an all-out kitbash). I'm not knocking those who do it for the money, so don't take it the wrong way. I think it's cool some of you can create some great Blot that others line up to try and get. I just can't bring myself to part with any of my customs. I've been an artist for years--drawing, inking, painting, sculpting, carving, you name it, and I've never sold anything I've done. I like to hold onto everything I do, especially drawings and sketches. I had an offer to buy my Classics G1 Ultra Magnus, but turned it down without even hearing the offer because I love to keep my work. Maybe I'll test the waters and sell some customs someday, but for now, I'll hang onto 'em.

 

back on topic............Partsformers need love too, so don't discriminate!

Yes the transformers molds started out as partsformers as early as way back in the seventies,(diaclone era)

In my opinion,rehashing G1 is great,except if by that they mean "using technology that's outdated by about three decades".

on partsforming...

 

armor :thumb

headmaster :thumb :thumb

weapon :thumb

combiner :tfdance

 

removing a head, or anything with multiple joints :tdown

really any removable part that actually form the main bot :tdown :tdown

 

I say if it cant stay together its a partformer ( I.e. Unicron's ring/wings)

so i guess it's okay but i prefer not to have removable peices but eh , if it happens

 

I think its just wrong to have a non-combiner break into more than 3 peices. ick

It depends on the figure, IMO.

More often then not though, I think it turns out poorly.

 

I find partsforming tends to work best when the parts have places to go/be stored in both modes.

RiD Prime, for example. Non of his pieces just lie around. They're either part of his truck mode, forming his battle base, or forming his super mode armour.

Partsforming really fails when you have pieces that just lie around useless in one mode or another.

I just have to say that this is a VERY GOOD TOPIC IMO! Keep it up.

it depends WHAT you are parting, 80% of transformer dont have a place to store weapon on alt mode

 

 

but in all seriousness I kind of draw the line at hands and weapons, (g1 for life) but f I need to dissasemble the transformer to transform it NO WAY

 

I agree.

 

Partsformers are weak, but that's not saying it's not a Transformer per se. Examples such as G1 Omega Supreme is a good example of a good Transformer, bad execution. The more parts needed to "Transform" a figure means that you got to look at the main/core figure and see how much work is put into its design. While I can excuse G1 Omega Supreme for its relatively poor execution to non-partsformers because 1.) its main body can stand on its own, i.e. a tank, and 2.) it houses all the electronics, both the light and motor for the walking gimmick, and its parts are used to create a kickass base. RID Optimus Prime, however, don't have the same factors to forgive its weak design - the main/core robot of the figure is a fire engine cab with two wheels?!?! The parts are just cobbled together to give you a wobbly body of the remaining part of the fire engine. While one can argue that the parts are really its armor parts for the super robot, PMOP did it with much less kibbles and less puzzle forming.

I would also like to add, kitbashing a tf takesalot of work, if one were to make a Homage to an older character/mold, and the original was a partformer, it can work to benefit the 'bash(i.e. ptitvites' devastator is 100 times more awesome/accurate than the original,or any since G1)