Jaguarshoes Collective have put on an exhibition called Industrial Origami that is currently running in Shoreditch here in London England that features some work from Transformer designer Alex Kubalsky (Classics Mirage, Animated Black Arachnia, Real Gear High Score).  Alex will be holding a Q&A as well as a presentation this Thursday (September 24th) about transformable toys. The exhibition runs through November 1st. You can find more information below.

As part of London Design Festival and the Shoreditch design triangle 2015, Alexander Kabulsky will be showcasing an all new transformation design, a personal work for JaguarShoes.

Destined to be produced by a toy company later this year the new design will feature as part of Alex Kabulsky's product showcase and talk during design week, titled Industrial Origami at old Shoreditch and subsequently as part of an exhibition at DreamBagsJaguarShoes.

FREE FOR STUDENTS or BOOK A TICKET through Eventbrite

For more than 30 years transformation has been a staple part of the pop cultural landscape in the shape of Rransformers a toy and movie franchise, born in 1984 which grew from Japanese designed Takara toys, rebranded and distributed in the USA as Transformers.

However, the art of transformation design is an ancient practice, rooted in the well documented paper folding traditions of origami.

Today this highly specialised practice is permeating the design of both purposeful and frivolous objects in society. Since metropolitan living grows increasingly dense within it's confined spaces, it is an art form that will continue to grow across all mediums.

JaguarShoes Collective believe that this design practice is long overdue some well deserved admiration and celebration. Therefore we will be hosting a talk and Q&A on 24th September alongside an exhibition of work by prop and toy designer Alexander Kubalsky.

An accomplished product designer Alex specialises in the art of Transformable design and is commissioned by numerous commercial clients inc. Hasbro, Warner Films and many other multinational toy and film franchises.

For anyone with a love of Transforming, a desire to introduce this art to their practice or to pursue and career designing transforming objects' we recommend that you book a ticket in advance.

The  Taiwanese Transformers Fan group on Facebookhave posted two photographs of the Year Of The Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal on the shelves of Taiwan.

Thanks to an Autobase Aichi for the initial report

One of the latest Japanese hobby magazines, probably Hyper Hobby (we need to confirm) has a silhoute image of a new Transformers Masterpiece Hot Rodimus toy (Hot Rod).  The figure is said to be built in the same scale as the post MP10 Masterpieces, making the new MP Rodimus around the size of Prowl and Sideswipe.

Several fans complained about the quality of the original Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy and have been clamering for a new, in scale, improved version of the character.  With 2016 celebrating the 30th anivsersay of Transformers: The Movie this may be the first of a few TFTM themed Masterpieces.

HK-TF’s Facebook page has been updated with images of  Unite Warriors Grand Scourge. Grand Scourge comes with two purple Ion Blasters, which can combine into one larger rifle, and the Matrix Breaker, a reused sword from the Beast Hunters Ultimate Class Optimus Prime.

The story behidn the sword is that its rumored to be so powerful that it cans separate the link between an Autobot leader and their Matrix of Leadership, which will be interesting to see if the character makes it into the show

For those keeping score this is the 6th use of the toy.

TakaraTomy have announced another reuse of the Masterpiece Sideswipe (Lambor) mold in the form of MP-14c Clampdown.  Clampdown was a character produce by Part One Limited for e-Hobby Shop.

http://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810842545/

Click on the title for the story to see images

We have found some new Transformers related trademarks filed with the USPTO by Hasbro Inc. The trademarks are:

1. BARRICADE
2. TERRORCON
3. BRAWN
4. PREDACON

You can view all of the details of these and other trademarks within our exclusive Trademark Application area of the website which features trademark applications from 1984 through until the present day.

Fun Publications have announced the dates and location of BotCon 2016

BotCon 2016 to be held in the beautiful waterfront city of Louisville, Kentucky April 7-April 10

BotCon, the officially licensed Collectors’ Convention for Hasbro’s legendary TRANSFORMERS brand, announced today that next year’s award-winning convention will be held at the historic Galt House, a waterfront hotel right in the heart of downtown Louisville, April 7 thru April 10. In 2016, fans from across the world will be able to celebrate another exciting year of the TRANSFORMERS brand at North America’s largest TRANSFORMERS fan convention! You can make your hotel reservations now at BotCon.com.

In the coming weeks, fans and collectors will be able to register for BotCon 2016 through the BotCon.com online registration system. Fans and collectors who register for BotCon as a Primus package holder will receive a five-figure TRANSFORMERS convention set, admission to the Friday private sales room experience, priority seating at all panels and seminars throughout the weekend and admittance to the Saturday night Casino Night and Awards party. Finally, Primus package attendees will also receive a special bonus TRANSFORMERS figure to go along with their convention box set. General Admission for non-registered guests will be available on Saturday and Sunday only.

For all the information regarding the BotCon show activities, hotel updates and the exclusive figure offerings, remember to stay tuned to BotCon.com.

TFCon have announced the dates of their main show (in Toronto) for 2016

Save the dates! TFcon Toronto – The world’s largest fan-run Transformers convention will take place July 15th to 17th, 2016. TFcon Toronto will return to the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale hotel. Discounted hotel block information and dealer bookings will be available in the near future. We hope you can join us for what is going to be another amazing event.

The teaser picture is of Megatron leading to speculation that they may be trying to get Frank Welker (if their budget can cover the huge cost) and / or David Kaye.  Of cause it may also just be a place holder, so we'd rather not speculate.

The team behind TFNation has been revealed via Social Media and a press release. You can read the full release below.

Transmission_Initiated

TransmissionID: 000005

TFNation_2016

Operation: Team Deployment

With construction of your 2016 convention under way, TFNation is thrilled to welcome aboard its first five crew members.

Billy

Best known as the stripe-wearing, former deputy head of Auto Assembly, Billy helped to keep Europe’s largest Transformers convention running smoothly over the past 6 years.

We are pleased to have Billy turn his Magnus-style eye for organisation in TFNation's direction. Duly appointed enforcer of the TFN Accord, we know Billy will keep the convention on course for the benefit of all attendees, whilst ensuring they know EXACTLY where the fire escapes are.

David R

If the TFNation team has learned one thing from its collective experiences, it's that details matter! This is where David comes in, as the convention's embodiment of operations, compliance and logistics.

David is already hard at work proposing and developing exciting segments for our convention next summer, as well as keeping a watchful eye over all paperwork and checking the finer details to ensure everything is... logical.

TFNation can depend on David to get the job done efficiently and effectively with zero fuss. Best of all, he will be doing all of this with a pleasing lack of stripes!

Tori

During her time at Auto Assembly, Tori was the chief guest liaison, maintaining relationships with the voice acting community throughout the year to ensure the actors and their families were taken care of in the run up to the conventions. In addition, Tori also served as head first-aider for several years, always on hand to assist.

An exceptional cosplayer, she can always be depended on to liven up any event with her incredible creations. A skilled and creative member of team TFNation, for sure!

Nick

TFNation is delighted to welcome its very own Reflector to the team!

Conventions, concerts, weddings, sporting events and artistic projects – there really is much more to Nick than meets the lens!

Be sure to view Nick’s online portfolios for a flavour of the breathtaking art he will be bringing to TFNation. If you want to get involved in future projects, let him know! (http://www.nickhardyphotography.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/NickHardyPhotography)

Wait for it!… David W

In his role as Master of Ceremonies, David was undeniably the face and voice of Auto Assembly in recent years. We are thrilled to have him join team TFNation.

Even if you never had the opportunity to visit AA, the likelihood is you will still recognise David's dulcet tones, be it from the Moonbase 2 and Underbase podcasts, or from the fan-favourite youtube channel under the handle of KalelPrime.

If Billy is the ‘straight man’ of the TFNation 2016 stage, then expect Dave to provide the laughter, conversation and more than a little audience participation!

You can find out more about the TFNation crew on the website at http://tfnation.com/the-crew.html

Team TFNation is assembling. We look forward to meeting you from Friday 19th until Sunday 21st August 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation 2016.

Twitter: @tfnationltd
Tumblr: www.tf-nation.tumblr.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tfnation


Further broadcasts to follow.

TFNation
Where all are one
End_Transmission

 

We have found some new Transformers related trademarks filed with the USPTO by Hasbro Inc. The trademarks are:

1. BACKTRACK
2. AUTOBOT WHEELIE

You can view all of the details of these and other trademarks within our exclusive Trademark Application area of the website which features trademark applications from 1984 through until the present day.

So yesterday saw the curtain close on the Auto Assembly convention, for now, after 15 years (but not 15 shows).  For many fans this is a strange and unknown moment. For those of us "older" fans we remember other UK conventions including Transforce, Botcon Europe, OFTCC Europe, as well as the two that never were, Decepti-con and Transformations.  Show's come and go but no UK show has has the longevity, scale and success of Auto Assembly.  Yesterday the show ended with an official figure of 1061 tickets, the first time thhat any European dedicate show has passed the 1000 mark.  For those who claim that the true attendance figure was below 1000 as someone who was on the registration desk through out the weekend I checked the list numerous times and whislt just over 40 passes were not collected over 1000 different people did attende the event over the weekend.  Not all could be there for the end, which is a shame, but you just have to look at the photographs and videos from the opening ceremony to see that the new hall was packed.

Several of the panels in the alternative rooms were full to the brim over the weekend as well which was great to see.

Whilst no future Auto Assembly conventions have been announced the brand will continue with a new YouTube channel starting soon which will host vidoes from the event, and we assume previous events as well, it will continue to produce a fanzine as well as organise meets in Cardiff and, as was announced yesterday, probably Birmingham as well.

For those looking to the future for shows to try to fill the gap, there is the Transformers / G.I.Joe / Action Force / Masters of the Universe show Roll Out Roll Call coming up in October this year in Southampton, various pub meets across the country and TFNation 2016 next Summer (dates to be announced shortly).  Whilst neither of these events are expected to simply take over from Auto Assembly, they are other chances for simliar experiences and we encourage everyone to go and also to look to organise meets in your own areas. They are great ways to make new friends.

Our first Auto Assembly was over a decade ago and whilst we have helped out the convention over that  time with displays, financing guests, organising volunteers, marketing, running stands etc, watching the show grow from 200-300 people to over 1000 has been a pleasure.  We have always maintained that UK shows could have over 1000 people and still maintain an friendly, intimate. Many doubted it including organisers, it was nice to finally see that be true.

Much like Auto Assembly for Simon and Trish, the pressures of "real life" have taken its toll on my brother and myself. For us it has  manifested itself in this website being horrible out-dates visually, as well as us falling way behind in terns of fresh content and news.  We hope to correct this though as we still have plenty of content to share with you all including things you have not seen before. But that is for another time.

Right now we would like to thank Sven, Simon, the committee members (from all periods), the wonderful voluenteers, the guests, the artists, the dealers, the hotel staff and, of course, the attendees.  Everyone has helped the UK create one of the global showcase Transformers events of the year and it has been an most enjoyable ride, we hope that you have all enjoyed it too.

We have updated the Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website with some new PDF instructon sheets entries.

The following entries were update with PDF scans that were previously missing:

1. Play-Doh Garden Instructions

You can download copies of the instruction sheets from our Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website.

We have updated the Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website with some new PDF instructon sheets entries.

The following entries were update with PDF scans that were previously missing:

1. Making Stories Instructions

You can download copies of the instruction sheets from our Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website.

We have updated the Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website with some new PDF instructon sheets entries.

The following entries were update with PDF scans that were previously missing:

1. Color Mixing Instructions

You can download copies of the instruction sheets from our Transformers toys instruction sheets section of the website.

Simon Plumbe has updated the Auto Assembly website with the following release announcing that the Transformers movie replica Optimus Prime truck will be at Auto Assemby for the first, and last, time!

Optimus Prime Rolls Out For Auto Assembly 2015

Calling all Autobots!  Do not grieve… for Optimus Prime will be on hand to light our darkest hour at Auto Assembly 2015! At Auto Assembly 2015, the legendary Autobot leader will be joining Bumblebee and Beaterbee in an epic stand-off against the Decepticon Police cruiser, Barricade.

This 31 feet long, replica movie truck is joining us courtesy of our amazing friends at http://www.transformerscarhire.co.uk – these huge Transformers fans are happy to bring their range of Cybertronian vehicles to any events you have planned, so be sure to check out their website!

Of course, there would be no Transformers without HASBRO – and we want to send out an Optimus-sized thank you to HASBRO UK for helping us to make this official appearance a reality.

Last but by no means least, we wish to show our appreciation to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel who have graciously agreed to reconfigure their parking facilities to accommodate our Transforming friends.

All four replica vehicles will be on hand for photographs with attendees free of charge all weekend, but a small surcharge will apply if you wish to sit inside (and honestly, who wouldn’t?). Please remember that you MUST be an Auto Assembly 2015 ticket holder  for this so no trying to sneak along for freebies – the Autobot scouts will be hiding somehwere in plain sight and keeping an eye on you…!

Auto Assembly 2015 is taking place over the weekend of Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August 2015 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. Order your tickets now to join us at what is set once again to be the biggest Auto Assembly EVER!