The Transformers: the FAQ! [1/5]
Metroplex by way of gpallen@bgnet.bgsu.edu (Metroplex)
Frequently Asked Questions
Greetings! This is the brand new Transformers FAQ. Hopefully
it will be useful in eliminating all those questions that we see
posted a zillion times.
Since this is the first one I'm putting together, suggestions
would be greatly appreciated.
Version numbers will have the date in MM/DD/YY format and a
FAQ revision number. So, all you have to do is look to see if one has
a later date than the next. When all the missing files finally have
something in them, they will be given the same revision number as the
rest of the FAQ to avoid confusion. All new material added to the FAQ
will be marked with a | at the beginning of each line.
Version 6/30/94
Revision 2.
CONTENTS:
1. What is a FAQ?
2. Common Abbreviations
3. How do I cut/past/line wrap with my editor?
4. What the heck is a Transformer?
5. What is alt.toys.transformers all about?
6. Where can I FTP transformers related files?
7. I don't have FTP access! Is there another way I can get the files?
8. Are there any online TF games?
9. Are there any other TF computer games?
10. Where can I get the movie soundtrack on CD?
11. What transformer videos have been released?
12. What is the difference between the video and LD versions of the movie?
13. Where can I get episodes that were never realeased on video?
14. Just what colour IS Rumble/Frenzy, anyway?
15. Who played Unicron in the movie?
16. I've heard rumours about a Unicron toy. Is this true?
17. The comic contradicts the TV show! Which is right?
18. The TV show contradicts the TV show? Which version is right?
19. What happens to Prime's trailer whenever he transforms?
20. Are there any TF conventions?
21. Is there any TF related fan fiction available?
| 22. Where did Cybertron's moons come from?
| 23. Given the technology, why is Cybertron so low on energy?
| 24. Just how big/dense/massive is Cybertron, anyway?
1. What is a FAQ?
It is a list of Frequently Asked Questions specific to each newsgroup
that have been discussed many times before. Before you post to any
newsgroup, it's best to read it for a while and read any FAQs that
they have available. Just because something is listed in this FAQ
doesn't mean that the topic is closed for discussion. If you feel you
have something new to add on a subject, by all means, go ahead, but if
someone flames you for "bringing that up AGAIN!", don't say you weren't
warned. If you have something you'd like to see added to any of the
files in this FAQ, mail me at alum...@camins.camosun.bc.ca and it
will probably be added to the next revision.
2. Common Abbreviations.
Here's a list of some abbreviations which are common to all UseNet news
groups, as well as a few terms and abbreviations that are specific to
alt.toys.transformers:
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions. Usually refers to the list itself.
FAQL - Frequently Asked Questions List.
IMHO - In My Humble Opinion.
IMNSHO - In My Not So Humble Opinion.
FWIW - For What It's Worth.
OTOH - On The Other Hand.
TF - Transformer, The Transformers.
'bot - robot, Autobot.
'con - Decepticon.
Op, OP - Optimus Prime, Autobot leader.
Megs - Megatron, Decepticon leader.
| FIBRIR - Frenzy Is Blue, Rumble Is Red.
FIRRIB - Frenzy Is Red, Rumble Is Blue. A movement started by Scott Wells.
| MUSH - Multi-User Social Hangout/Shared Hallucination.
TF-MUSH - A MUSH dedicated to TFs. More on this in question 7.
squishies - a derrogatory "pet name" given to humans on the TF MUSH.
3. How do I cut/paste/line wrap using my editor?
If you don't know how to do at least one of the above with your editor
of choice, then read this section very carefully. Some editors crop off
lines that are over 255 characters (mine included), and most people on
the net (myself included) get... "irritated" when they see quotes of an
entire message (or close to it) with very little added information.
EDT:
Using EDT, you can delete a line/word/character by using * (PF4 on VAX
keyboards), -, or + on the numeric keypad respectively.
To paste, use "(" (PF1 on VAX keyboards) before the delete key.
To delete a range, select the start of the range with "." on the keypad,
and select the range you want to cut using the arrow keys. Hit 6 on the
keypad to delete the selected range.
To paste the range you just cut, hit "(6" on the keypad.
To set your line wrap, type "set wrap 72" before you change to full
screen mode. Any number can be substituted, but 72 is the "standard"
value, since this allows several people to quote replies without the
quoted text going over 80 columns.
4. What the heck is a Transformer?
Good question. The INCORRECT definition (from Webster's) for this
newsgroup is:
A device employing the principle of mutual induction to
convert variations of current in a primary circuit into
variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit.
Now, before you fall asleep, the correct definition for this
newsgroup's purpose is:
A robot that changes its outward appearance.
We're talking about the toys that changed from a humanoid shape to a
car or a gun or something else. Sometimes they got really silly.
5. What is alt.toys.transformers about?
alt.toys.transformers was created for all of those people out there
who still think Transformers were a cool idea. The newsgroup is for
the discussion of Transformers toys, stories, comics, pictures, fan
groups, etc. Basically, if it has to do with Transformers, it is
welcome.
6. Where can I FTP Transformers related files?
The FTP site is located at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.
The hostname is:
You can FTP this site anonymously. To use anonymous FTP, contact your
local sysadmin or computer consultant. It is not too difficult to
figure out.
Generally, you just have to type:
At your system prompt and then login as "ftp" and use your email
address as a password.
Once connected, simply change into the directory /pub/transformers
and you're set!
7. I don't have FTP access! Is there another way I can get the files?
There are at least 2 other ways of getting the files.
1) Send mail to bit...@pucc.princeton.edu, with "help" (no quotes) by
itself in the body of the message. The postmaster at princeton will
send you a massive message giving complete instructions on using FTP
through the mail. A word of warning - this site is VERY slow, and it
| can take up to 2 days for it to send you the requested files. Also,
| when you uuencode binary files for transfer, it likes assuming that
| the encoded version is only as long as the original file, instead of
| about 1.6 times as long as it should.
2) Use gopher. From the main gopher menu, there should be a selection
"Other Gopher and Information Servers". Select it, and then select
"Search Gopherspace with Veronica". If the Veronica search item can't
be found here, then go hunting through the menus until you find a
search item which mentions either "archie", "Veronica", or "Jughead".
With Archie, select it and type "Transformers" at the prompt, and then
look through the items presented for one with "vela.acs.oakland.edu"
in it. With Veronica, select "Search Gopherspace at <wherever> and type
"Vela" at the prompt, and select any item on the new list that doesn't
mention a specific directory. With Jughead (and presumably Betty,
Reggie, Ethyl, Grundy, Weatherbee, Lodge, etc,etc, etc), you're on your
own, but it should be pretty self explanatory. When you're connected to
the site, select the "pub" menu, and then either "jjhoxsey" or
"transformers". Then go hog wild! :-)
8. Are there any online TF games?
Yes. There's a game similar to a MUD (Multi User Dungeon) dedicated to
the Transformers at madness.wais.com. To connect to it, type:
telnet madness.wais.com 1064
The 1064 at the end is CRUCIAL. If it's not entered, you merely get a
generic Unix login prompt instead of the game. The game allows you to
take on the role of your favourite TF and interact with a massive world
simultaneously with other people. Unfortunately, some sites may not be
able to connect to the site, so you may have to hunt around for one
that does connect.
9. Are there any other TF computer games?
Yes, there are, but I'm not aware of any for current computers. There were
2 different ones for the Commodore 64. The original, merely called "The
Transformers", was a basic platform game. Your mission was to find 4
energon cubes which were scattered throughout the level and bring them
back to your home base. The Matrix was also in the game, but I don't know
of anyone that actually managed to get it, or if it was even possible to
get it. The second one, "The Battle for Cybertron", was set after the
movie. Your mission in this game was to stop the Decepticons from taking
over various places on Earth, and to stop them from building their
ultimate weapon.
10. Where can I get the movie soundtrack on CD?
At your local record store. It is still available. Simply ask for it
by name or look it up in that big yellow book that is ,usually sitting
out at most record stores. There's even a chance that it will be in
stock under the store's "Soundtracks" or "Movies/Shows" section. Be
sure to look under "T". It retails for about $13. It was released by
Scotti Brothers Records.
11. What Transformers videos have been released?
All of the "unnamed" episodes from season 1 have been released, the
movie, The Five Faces of Darkness, The Return of Optimus Prime, and
a first season three pack which included the episode War Dawn.
Unfortunately, all but the movie and post movie episodes have been
discontinued. The tapes that are still produced can usually be found
at any store that specializes in movies. You can also order it from
Blockbuster video. It retails for around $10. Look for them under
the "Animation" section or even the "Children's" section. It was
transferred by FHE onto VHS. It is a production of Marvel/Sunbow.
12. What is the difference between the video and LD versions of the movie?
Since I haven't seen the disk myself, I'll just let Ryan Gavigan
explain for me.
> In article <1993Oct13....@pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu>
> gav...@venice.mps.ohio-state.edu (Ryan P. Gavigan) writes:
>
> It's available on LD as an import bilingual disc from Japan. It's not
> letterboxed, it has kana subtitles when charcters first appear, and a
> Star-Wars-ian scrolling intro not in the us video release (don't know if
> it was in the theatrical version, I missed the opening when I saw it) which
> I doubt was added just for japan since it's in english ^_^.
> Ryan Gavigan
> gav...@venice.mps.ohio-state.edu
The laser disk was due for a re-release recently, but has apparently been
discontinued because of lack of interest.
13. Where can I get episodes that were never released on video?
Ask on the net. Several people have all the North American, Japanese, British
etc. episodes that they taped off of TV while the show was on. Here's some
addresses for you to try:
unicr...@aol.com - has most North American episodes, would like Japanese.
gpa...@bgnet.bgsu.edu - has Japanese episodes, would like any american he
doesn't have.
14. Just what colour IS Rumble/Frenzy, anyway?
Egads, the eternal question, thanks to Scott Wells. In the cartoon, Frenzy
is red and Rumble is blue. In toy form, Rumble is red and Frenzy is blue.
In the movie, both were somewhat purplish. In the comics, Frenzy is black
and orange. I'm not sure what colour Rumble is. It all depends on which
source you take as "the" canon.
15. Who played Unicron in the movie?
In the credits, it was listed as Orson Welles. However, Orson died before
the movie was completed. If you listen carefully, you will here two
distinct voices for Unicron. A friend and I decided to settle this once
and for all and sampled some clips with an audio digitizer and sped them
up. The other voice was none other than Leonard Nimoy.
16. I've heard rumours of a Unicron toy. Is this true?
Indeed it is. Here's a letter that was sent in to Action Figure Digest:
---
Yes, Virginia, There is a Unicron...
Dear AFD,
After reading Don Ferguson's letter in issue #12, I was surprised to find
your information regarding the Transformers character Unicron was
incorrect. A Japanese book, "Transformers the Movie: Special Data Book"
(distributed by Takara) shows that there were two prototypes. The first
was rather small, while the second was about the size of Fortress Maximus
(about 21.5 inches). The larger one said ten phrases in Orson Welles'
voice.
According to my friend in Japan, the article says Hasbro USA did not like
the first prototype, thus Takara produced the larger one (shown above).
I'm guessing Hasbro rejected this one because it would cost too much to
produce.
---
Even on a black and white photocopy, the figure looks impressive. To give
you an idea of the sheer enormity of the model. Rodimus Prime in robot
mode doesn't even reach its knee. I'm currently trying to get a friend to
scan the included photograph. Once it's scanned, I'll post it to the net
so you can see for yourselves.
17. The comic contradicts the TV show! Which is right?
The basic concensus is that the TV show and the comic take place in two
different universes. Therefore, BOTH are right. Just pick whichever one
you like best.
18. The TV show contradicts the TV show! Which version is right?
This one is a lot harder to explain, since all the episodes should be in
the same timeline. There are other files which will be added to this FAQ
later which will show the internal inconsistencies of various sources in
greater depth than I could hope to cover here.
19. What happens to TF weapons whenever they transform?
| Although it wasn't ever explained in the TV show, there are several
| explanations for this. One is that each transformer has its own
"compartment" in subspace, in which they could teleport anything to
and out of at will. Each transformer is apparently "frequency locked"
to a certain pocket of subspace, so there isn't any possibility of of
a transformer stealing weapons that were placed into subspace by
| another transformer. Another one is that each Transformer has a
| matter replicator/teleporter allowing the TF to create or
| teleport anything from some place (theoretically) known only to him.
| Yet another says that each Transformer carries around each weapon
| broken down into its basic componenets, and is reformed whenever
| needed. Whatever your pet theory is, it can be "verified" by
| episodes such as Demon's Swamp, when Kickback's gun suddenly
| materializes in his hand in plain sight for no apparent reason, or
| Aerial Assault, where the same thing happens with Slingshot's gun,
| and, of course, any episode where Optimus Prime transforms and his
| trailer goes flying off to who knows where.
20. Are there any TF conventions?
There's going to be one called "BotCon" starting up this summer, to
celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Transformers. For more information on
this convention, see the "Conventions" file in this FAQ.
21. Is there any TF related fan fiction available?
Several. The ones I've seen so far are:
| Return of the Nightbird.............................Raksha
Assimilation..........................................Lizard
Apocalypse
The Slag Maker
2001..................................................Lizard
Escalation
Ghosts of the Past.............................Omega Supreme
Insecticons
TF vs. Aliens.........................................Lizard
Sale of the 24th Century..............................Lizard
Recall
Fall of the Mace
| Mistaken Identities............................Robert Jung
| Sabotaged Identity..................................Raksha
| Dr. Grimlock, M.D......................................Hex
| The Fallen Star................................Robert Jung
| A G2 Story............................................Fang
They are not yet available for FTP, so ask for reposts on the net if
| you've missed them. If you know of any other fan fiction that's not
| on this list, or something here is improperly credited, please send
| me a message so I can update this list.
|
| 22. Where did Cybertron's moons come from?
|
| If you're a Primus fan, then there's no problem: the moons were in the
| comic right from the very beginning. However, they weren't in the TV
| series until the movie. One theory is that they were there all along
| and were just never shown. Another is that they were built by the
| Autobots to spy on the Decepticons, and completeed them just before the
| movie. Or perhaps they were somehow picked up as Cybertron travelled
| through space while the Ark was inactive on Earth. Just about anything
| could be used to explain it, but only Hasbro knows for sure.
|
| 23. Given the technology, why is Cybertron so low on energy?
|
| Cybertron's been at war for at least the last 9 million years. Surely
| that would be enough to drain the resources of any planet. Even if
| Cybertron had ways to manufacture energy or collect it from space,
| one of the first targets in any war is the enemy's supply lines, so
| it's quite possible that each side completely destroyed the other
| side's energy producers/collectors. Given the all consuming nature of
| war, each side may not have been able to spare the necessary
| resources to create new ones.
|
| 24. Just how big/dense/massive is Cybertron, anyway?
|
| If we assume that Cybertron is the size of the moon (approximate
| from The Ultimate Doom) and that its gravity is Earth normal (humans
| can walk on it with no problem), then the mass of Cybertron would be
| about 1/6.76 times that of Earth, and its density would be 0.62
| times Earth's. If you have other pet figures for Cybertron's gravity
| and radius, then M(c/e) = g[r(c/e)]^2, and the density is
| 3/4pi[r(c/e)], where g is the gravity (Earth normal = 1), M(c/e) is
| the ratio of Cybertron's mass to Earth's, and r(c/e) is the ratio
| of Cybertron's ratio to Earth's.