Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

A Transformers-themed pub is in the running to be crowned Britain’s Best Home Bar, in a competition being run by Liberty Games. The winning bar, chosen… [more]

Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

This last weekend saw yet another Transformers convention take over the Metropole Hilton, in Birmingham. These weekends have become a staple of my summer… [more]

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Every year, since 2011, the nerds from TheTF.Net forum (now a Facebook group, because running a forum proved too much like hard work) have met for a weekend… [more]

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

This weekend saw our annual forum meet being held in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Each year we meet in a different town or city in the UK, alternating… [more]

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001

Almost 18 years ago (crikey, has it been that long?) we wrote a review of our visit to Transforce in August 2001. It was a seriously hot day, but a great… [more]

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001 Video Footage from Transforce in 2001
 

Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on June 17, 2020 | News |

A Transformers-themed pub is in the running to be crowned Britain’s Best Home Bar, in a competition being run by Liberty Games.

The winning bar, chosen from proud home-bar owners who have submitted their own photos, would win the accolade of being named Britain’s Best Home Bar and they would also win a year’s supply of beer for their owner.

The Transformers-themed pub, named The Grimlock Inn (a pun based on the popular pub name ‘The Lock Inn’) features an decorative pub sign coloured by Transformers artist JP Bove, and drawn by legendary comic artist Geoff Senior.

Based in Ellesmere Port, just outside Chester, the home bar features all of the usual things you would expect from a well-stocked pub. It has an old mahogany bar, a coin-operated pool table, a dart board and a 90s arcade machine, featuring the Michael Jackson classic Moonwalker.

Most importantly – it also features draft beer using one of the Perfect Draft systems which have become increasingly popular during the UK’s lockdown, with regular pubs being shut.

For Transformers fans, it isn’t just the name and pub sign that makes the bar a Transformers-themed pub. The bar also sports an Optimus Prime bust, carved by local chainsaw artist, and world-renowned tree carver, Simon O’Rourke. The bust, which is carved in the shape of the original Generation One Optimus Prime, is made from the tree as the lion from the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Other Transformers elements of note include some display cabinets crammed with ‘collectibles’, and a number of Transformers dotted about the bar. The theme is mixed with Star Wars, as a large coffee table houses the humongous Lego Ultimate Collector Series Millennium Falcon.

The competition, from Liberty Games, closes at the end of the month with the winner being crowed Britain’s Best Home Bar and receiving a year’s supply of beer, worth over £300.

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on August 20, 2019 | News |

This last weekend saw yet another Transformers convention take over the Metropole Hilton, in Birmingham. These weekends have become a staple of my summer over the last 15 years or so, and 2019’s was probably the best yet.

Some years ago, probably around the last Auto Assembly (before TFNation was a thing) I was starting to lose my love of the big summer ‘cons. The nerds (sorry, friends) I had grown with over the last decade and a half had mostly stopped coming to the convention. A new breed of fan was emerging, a breed of fan I didn’t know. Like most Transformers fans, meeting new people wasn’t something I particularly wanted to do.

However, since TFNation took over from Auto Assembly the quality of the convention has gone through the roof. It’s bigger, bolder, slicker and much, much better. I strongly advise anyone who has dropped off the ‘com scene and hasn’t been to a TFNation to come along next year – you won’t be disappointed.

So what stood out this year?

First off, my youngest came along for his first taste of a Transformers convention – and he thoroughly enjoyed it. I also enjoyed sharing the whole experience with him, and introducing him to some proper nerds – the sort of nerds who can identify a particular Transformer’s accessory just from a photo.

The cosplay competition, which was always memorable, became the highlight of the weekend as the winner of the mech category demonstrated an incredible act of generousity by gifting his award to a young girl who received an honourable mention. He explained how people like her grow up to be people like him, and that she deserved it. An already great cosplay contest became a lesson in humanity – from a man in a Thunderclash suit.

We discovered that a cheap Fireman Sam toy that Transformers into a fire engine would draw more attention than this year’s must have toy, Siege Jetfire. Everyone wanted to see Fireman Sam!

The Gundam Wing proved hugely popular, as they gave away free kits to show people how easy it was to put together a Gundam figure. This proved shrewd business as different members of our nerd contingent completed the free kits and then bought additional sets to take home. Great business lesson there!

I managed to pick up some original G1 Marvel comic art and, as an added bonus, the money I spent on it went to charity thus supressing my usual buyer’s remorse.

My TFNation 2019 haul

I also met Gregg Berger, voice of Grimlock, many times over the weekend. This, for me, is why TFNation beats other conventions. It’s the access you have to the guests. At a Comic Con, or other UK convention, you’re lucky if a guest is ushered past you at speed before being encased in their booth where you have to pay, handsomely, to meet them. At TFNation there is no charge to meet the guests. No charge for photographs. No charge for autographs.

Furthermore, the guests socialise with the attendees in the bar, and over breakfast. We were lucky enough to have the lounge access at the hotel where we bumped in Gregg Berger many times during the weekend, and even had him test out a joke on us that he would go on to use the next day during his panel. That’s the sort of access you don’t get at other conventions.

Below is a gallery of the photos taken at the event, so you can see what goes on when nerds unite at a hotel in Birmingham. A big thanks to all of the staff who made the event happen and, of course, to Billy. He knows who he is.

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on March 8, 2019 | News |

Every year, since 2011, the nerds from TheTF.Net forum (now a Facebook group, because running a forum proved too much like hard work) have met for a weekend of plastic robots and beer. The meet was agreed after a drunken night at Auto Assembly where we realised we needed to see each other more than just once a year.

Our Annual TheTF.Net Forum Meet was born. This is the story of what happened…

2011 – Birmingham

TheTF.Net 2011 Forum Meet, in Birmingham

Despite Auto Assembly being held in Birmingham, we decided our first meet up should also be in Birmingham. Accounts from these early meets are sketchy, at best, as they all Blurr into each other (see what we did there?).

Our first meet involved some belly dancing in a restaurant, while Daz and Jon Jerry-rigged a pool table in Subside to offer free play as they wanted beer not food.

Horrifically-coloured Micromasters were purchased by all from Poundland.

2012 – Birmingham

TheTF.Net 2012 Forum Meet, also in Birmingham

Much the same things happened this year – with the addition of a hunt for Karaoke, for some reason. Instead of Karaoke, a bar run by the Triads was stumbled across.

Daz also believes this was the year he stole borrowed a Jack Daniels bar runner.

2013 – Birmingham

TheTF.Net 2013 Forum Meet, in Birmingham again? We need to get out more

2013 was the last year in Birmingham. The city had lost its appeal – probably related to Daz being absent and in Las Vegas. A new plan needed to be formed… the forum meets had to roll out!

2014 – York

TheTF.Net 2014 Forum Meet, in York

For 2014 we finally moved away from Birmingham, mainly because Jon was bored with the place, and headed north to York. We were followed around York by a Channel 4 documentary TV company filming Daz for a TV episode called ‘The Complainers’, although we struggled to get out of the York Tap at the train station.

We discovered that Daz hates cats almost as much as Colin loves trains. Colin dragged everyone to the National Railway Museum, and we had one of the biggest forum meet turnouts yet as everyone wanted to be on TV.

The TV episode never aired.

Omar was late.

2015 – London

TheTF.Net 2015 Forum Meet, London

2015 saw a visit to London, and a chance for the Essex massive to attend as it was within the M25. We barely left the Wetherspoon’s, and managed to start a Facebook war with another forum meet taking place at the same time.

2016 – Chester

TheTF.Net 2016 Forum Meet, Chester

Chester was one of the most popular meets of recent years, where we learned to never follow Jon’s advice on booking a hotel, and that Alex always stays in a palace regardless of how little he pays. We were joined by Nick, from the Deva Brewery, who talked us through Oatimus Prime while we drank it.

Omar was late.

2017 – Brighton

TheTF.Net 2017 Forum Meet, in Brighton

Brighton saw the first TheTF.Net hike, as we traipsed around the town looking for a curry house. Cheap pizza, fish and chips on the pier and an absence of Billy were the main takeaways from this weekend.

This photo of Alex Classic is the best group shot we have from the weekend.

Colin refrained from eating fish and chips on the pier as he believed it would be disappointing.

Omar was late.

2018 – Bradford & Leeds

TheTF.Net Forum Meet, 2018 in Bradford

For the first time in TheTF.Net Forum Meet history we tackled two towns in one weekend; mainly because nobody was convinced Bradford could entertain us for three days. We were wrong. Strong ale houses and a fire sale at the soon to be closed Toys R Us meant more merchandise was purchased at Bradford than at any other meet up. We also had the largest naan breads in the world.

Omar was late on time.

TheTF.Net Forum Meet, 2018, in Leeds

A quick hop to Leeds on the Saturday allowed us to pick up Spare Alex, as Alex Classic was unable to join us this year. Fudge was forced to Photoshop himself in from the previous night, as he wasn’t allowed to stay out late two nights in a row.

Omar was late early.

2019 – Cardiff

TheTF.Net Forum Meet, 2019 in Cardiff

2019 saw our first international meet, as we visited Cardiff on St David’s Day. We enjoyed our second forum hike, making a group of nerds and a five-year-old boy walk almost two miles for a disappointing array of toys.

The Tiny Rebel bar provided some much needed good quality beer. Nerds who had not been before joined us, Colin had successfully engineered a realistic femmebot.

Omar was late. Twice.

2020 – ???

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on March 5, 2019 | News |

This weekend saw our annual forum meet being held in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Each year we meet in a different town or city in the UK, alternating between the north and the south. We do this to make it easier for people to get to at least one meet every two years, and because we like to experience new things.

I say new things, I mean new bars, new beers and new toy shops.

Previous meets have been held in Birmingham, London, Brighton, Bradford, Leeds and Chester. This was our first ‘international’ meet of sorts.

Anyhow, the meet kicked off in The Prince of Wales pub, by Cardiff train station. After a few pints, as is tradition, we took in a few toy shops while we awaited the arrival of more nerds.

Coming from all over the country it’s impossible to all arrive at the same time, especially when one of the nerds (no names will be mentioned here, but he knows who he is) is late every single time and, this weekend, managed the unprecedented feat of being late TWICE.

We visited shops such as The Galactic Attic, Magic and Mayhem, The Entertainer, The Lego Store, The Disney Store, Hamleys as well as the much maligned trip to The Pumping Station to see the various toy stalls in there.

Note to other geek meets in Cardiff, it’s not really walking distance from the centre. Especially if one of your party is five-years-old. Additional note, if you do walk to The Pumping Station you may find you miss any boats that may or may not have been planned, angering those who wanted to ride on a boat. She knows who she is.

The pub visits were more successful, with impressive numbers of pints being consumed in the Waterguard and the Tiny Rebel bar, as well as many others besides. Our meet climaxed, as it always does, with a curry on the Saturday evening at The Purple Poppadom – again something of a walk from the centre, especially when the Welsh weather is being particularly Welsh.

In all we managed to lure 14 nerds to the meet up, which is pretty impressive seeing as we have a core nerd base that won’t travel north of Watford. There are more nerds in our ‘collection’, and we’re hoping for an even bigger turn out next year.

Plans for our next meet up, probably February/March 2020, have already begun, with destinations suggested of Edinburgh, Dublin and Blackpool. I do hope these places are ready.

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 28, 2019 | News |

Almost 18 years ago (crikey, has it been that long?) we wrote a review of our visit to Transforce in August 2001. It was a seriously hot day, but a great UK convention.

We’ve recently uncovered some video footage from that convention, which features dealers’ tables, lots of toys and interviews with the guests.

If you were there all those years ago, you may spot yourself in this video.

https://www.facebook.com/thetransformers/videos/2373598019526912/

Join our Autobot Alliance on Transformers Earth Wars

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on May 3, 2017 | News |

If you play the mobile game Transformers Earth Wars, and you’re looking for a good Autobot Alliance to join, then seek us out in the game. We’re called The TF Netters and we’re a super friendly bunch with players of all levels. We’ve some level 15 HQs and some newcomers to the game, and all we ask is that you try your best and take part in the wars and events.

TheTFNetters-Alliance-Image

We hope to see you there.

TheTF.Net Northern Meet

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 16, 2014 | News |

It’s been six months since we last bothered updating this site. Not because we’ve lost our love for Transformers, but because we really can’t be bothered to post. We have other things on, such as socialising and drinking. That being said, we’re up to some socialising in February for any Transformers fans who’d like to come along, meet with a group of nerds and drink – while talking about Transformers.

Our ‘Northern Meet’ takes place in York (lots of pubs) on February 22nd and 23rd and everyone is welcome. We’ll be meeting in the York Tap at 12:00 noon on the Saturday, where we’ll be having a few before moving on around the city. Leave a comment if you’d like to come along, or just turn up – you’ll easily spot us: big group of nerds drinking and playing with toys.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron trailer featuring Metroplex

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on July 5, 2012 | Video Games |

Activision has just released a new trailer for Transformers Fall of Cybertron on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. This trailer features the city sized Autobot Metroplex, getting very angry and stepping on Decepticons.

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

You can see this video on our Facebook page too, as well as some images of the packshots and join in the debate.

Gregg Berger and Peter Cullen to provide voices for Transformers Fall of Cybertron

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on June 14, 2012 | Press Release,Video Games |

We just received this press release from Activision for the new Transformers video game, Transformers Fall of Cybertron.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIGH MOON STUDIOS PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS
WITH LEGENDARY VOICE TALENT IN TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON

Original Voice Actors for OPTIMUS PRIME and GRIMLOCK
Headline a Stellar Cast in the Most Epic Transformers Video Game Yet

Santa Monica, CA – June 14, 2012 – High Moon Studios is creating the most authentic TRANSFORMERS game ever with the announcement that fan-favorites Peter Cullen and Gregg Berger, the legendary voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and GRIMLOCK from the original TRANSFORMERS animated TV series, will reprise their roles for the upcoming TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON video game. Set to launch on August 28, 2012 from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON will allow gamers to experience the final, darkest hours of the war between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as they vie for control of their dying home planet.

TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON will also feature the talents of voice-over veterans Nolan North (BRUTICUS, CLIFFJUMPER and BRAWL), Troy Baker (JAZZ, JETFIRE and KICKBACK), Fred Tatasciore (MEGATRON, RATCHET and METROPLEX), Steve Blum (SHOCKWAVE, SWINDLE and SHARPSHOT), Isaac Singleton (SOUNDWAVE) and more.

“This is the definitive TRANSFORMERS video game, and we absolutely had to have these iconic voices onboard in order tell this story,” said Peter Della Penna, Studio Head, High Moon Studios. “Because it’s an origins story, we were able to explore some of the coolest characters in the lore for TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON, and then go after the best and most authentic voice talent possible to do the franchise right.”

“There is no mistaking the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and GRIMLOCK, and we are so happy that fans will get to experience a game featuring the distinctive voices of many of the most iconic and popular TRANSFORMERS characters,” said Mark Blecher, SVP of Digital Media and Marketing, Hasbro. “The development team at High Moon Studios did a phenomenal job hand-picking the cast for what is by far the most diverse character roster ever in a TRANSFORMERS video game.”

TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON challenges fans to fight through both sides of the TRANSFORMERS’ most epic battles that culminate in their legendary exodus from their home planet. With the stakes higher and scale bigger than ever, players will embark on an action-packed journey through massive, war-torn environments designed around each character’s unique abilities and alternate forms, including GRIMLOCK’s nearly indestructible T-Rex form and the legendary COMBATICONS combining into the colossal BRUTICUS. Taking the franchise’s competitive multiplayer to all-new heights, the game will allow fans go head-to-head in blistering AUTOBOT vs. DECEPTICON matches after creating their own unique characters with the most in-depth, advanced customization ever before seen in a TRANSFORMERS video game.

TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON is being developed by the acclaimed team at High Moon Studios for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC, and is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB. For more information and exclusive updates, fans can visit www.facebook.com/TransformersGame or www.TransformersGame.com, and follow the team via Twitter @HighMoonStudios.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Eight Weeks Until Auto Assembly 2012

Written by Duh_Prez on June 6, 2012 | News |
Eight Weeks Until Auto Assembly 2012
It’s hard to believe that we are now just eight weeks away from Auto Assembly 2012, Europe’s Largest Transformers Convention. It feels as if Auto Assembly 2011 has barely been behind us, but with the convention nearly upon us we wanted to give everyone a reminder that the convention is fast approaching and that tickets are selling faster than ever this year and that we are on target for a total sell out!
We’re now entering our “rush period” for ticket sales – the time of the year where we traditionally sell over 50% of our tickets for Auto Assembly – so if you haven’t already booked up, now is the time so you don’t miss out. If you still haven’t made up your mind, check out the website for all of the details about this year’s event or watch the first part of our recap video on our youtube channel here:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nign7-lENd0 and you can see our current trailer video here:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWy4HPlZT80
With seventeen guests, our biggest ever line-up of dealers, a massive new four-star venue, great free gifts for attendees including a magazine, lithograph and comic, what more could you ask for?
Auto Assembly 2012 is located in Birmingham in the centre of the UK so it’s easy to get to from all parts of the country. If you are travelling from anywhere in Europe, there are affordable flights from most of Europe to Birmingham International Airport (which is on the same site as the convention hotel) and for those of you who are travelling from further afield, flights to the UK are a lot more affordable than you might think…
Registration for the full weekend (which includes access to EVERY part of the convention including all our workshops, panels and free autographs with no additional charges) is just £45 for adults and hotel accommodation is just £50 a night for a single room or £60 for a twin or double making the convention affordable for everyone!
We’ll be bringing you a lot more updates over the next few weeks as the convention draws closer including great news about our displays, dealers, the cosplay competition and we’ll be announcing the return of our Non-Attendee Package for those of you who can’t make it. We may even be bringing you some news about Auto Assembly 2013…
For more details on Auto Assembly 2012 which is taking place over the weekend of 3rd – 5th August 2012 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel or to book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, visit the website at www.autoassembly.org.uk
Hope to see you there!
The Auto Assembly Team
Auto Assembly is sponsored by
Toyz And Gamez – www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
TF Source – www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom – www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon – www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com – www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net – www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books – www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics – www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables – www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store – www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys – www.xybertoys.com
Older Posts »