MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Main Page

2008-05-08T23:25:38Z

71.251.69.222: /* Main "Transformers Animated" image */

THE FUNNY STAYS.
-The Management

__TOC__

Please use this talk page for discussion about the [[Main Page]].

To discuss site-wide policies, please visit [[Transformers Wiki Talk:Community Portal|the Community Portal talk page]].

==Archives==
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive1|Archive1]]
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive2|Archive2]]

== The Funny ==

Maybe if the stuff you said was funny, no one would have a problem with it, but most of the jokes on here are pretty lame, it's not about transformers fans being serious, it's about your jokes being bad. When other people try to put there humor in it, you erase it. Sooooo make the jokes funny and you wont have to worry about it. Besides the Real Wikipedia has more information on transformers than the one dedicated to transformers have, what gives. Maybe before you work on your lame jokes you can fill out the information on the article. Sorry just what I think about it, don't take to much offence. {{unsigned|67.140.110.210}}

:Humor is subjective. Pesonally, I consider most of the jokes on this site to be neutral. They are clearly trying to be silly, but neither funny nor painful. They merely lighten the tone. Users who show up here and do nothing but change jokes into different jokes are clearly not accomplishing anything. The new jokes are never any better -- they are merely different, and often worse. That is a waste of everybody's time. I haven't spent a lot of time browsing Transformers material on Wikipedia, but I highly doubt that their information is ''better'', even if there might be a larger quantity of it. What little I've seen there has been disorganized, mixes fan assertions with canon, and is at times not even reliable. ''If'' they have more information than we do, it is only because people have been adding TF info there for at least twice as long as this specialized wiki has existed. --[[User:Steve-o|Steve-o]] 15:57, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

::Yep, this wiki is a far more reliable source of information for Transformers than the Wikipedia shall ever be. I've corrected some of their base assumptions and half-truths upon occassion. If we lack information for something, '''then feel free to contribute''' to our wiki or wait for one of us to get around to it. Really, what the Wikipedia offers is rather generalised information and (as steve-o points out) fan-assumed fanon and downright false information. Besides, we provide the Transformers info that the users on the wikipedia either don't know or won't bother with, such as info on the toys, their designers, toy construction materials, obscure series and/or characters and so on.
:: And yes, we think captioning a picture of say, Megatron with 'Art of Megatron' or some such is really patronising. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 17:00, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

I, as a fellow Transformer fan, agree that "the funny" is lame.

One time I tried to change [[Nautilator]]'s bio; stating that he carries a powerful weapon, transforms INTO a powerful weapon, and is an undersea version of [[Constructicon]] [[Scavager]]. But none of that went through.

I'm sensing "the bias" here.

[http://www.geocities.com/tenou_clock/ Tyrenol]

:''I, as a fellow Transformer fan, agree that "the funny" is lame.'' 
: Some of it is certainly very very lame. If you would like to raise the level of humor here, then A) become a regular and respected contributor of useful non-funny stuff, ''then'' B) improve the funny. What we most strongly object to is newcomers who contribute ''nothing'' except changes to the humor. Changing the funny is an earned privilege. [[User:JW|JW]] 19:44, 13 November 2007 (UTC)
::'''Tyrenol:''' Your [[Nautilator (G1)|Nautilator]] bio was, as far as I can tell, at best [[fanon]] or at worst fan fiction. Steve-o (an admin) points out that your edit had nothing to do with the established Hasbro toy bio. Despite our humour and over-the-top references to a character's foibles, we base what we write on official material approved by Hasbro/Takara.

::That's not 'bias', that's the rules.

:::Okay, then. Here's another idea: How about you guys use the exact wording from the bios as oppose to just sticking stuff in and thinking that everyone else will agree with its hilariousness.

:::Besides; I have two problems with anything Wiki. 1) Things don't stay changed when they get changed. Annoyances like needed citations and reliable sources that have a problem staying reliable. 2) I have a life to live, a job to pay for where I live, and I really don't have the time to watch everything on the web like a cold-stare hawk.

:::My apologies for being new. My apologies for calling your jokes lame. But what is everybody doing on the web when they can't take the sharp, cold knife in the back that's called "criticism?" The same rules apply for me. [http://www.geocities.com/tenou_clock/ Tyrenol]

::::We have a specific policy AGAINST cut-and-pasting from bios, one of many reasons being that those are a) copyrighted and b) not always applicable. After all, Shockwave sure wasn't anything like his toy bio in the cartoon. Character overviews on this resource are "all-encompassing", in order to reflect changes and evolutions in the character. And what do you do when a character -like, say, Optimus Prime- has several dozen bios over the course of 20 years?
::::Maybe you should apologize for playing the "I have a life" card that screams "I have no actual argument so I'll imply you all are losers". And don't confuse "whinging" with "criticism", or "disagreeing with" as "can't take it". This argument has come up with many an anon IP who is more interested in fighting a long-established precedent for this wiki which has garnered far more positive attention than negative than they are in contributing, and if they didn't change thing one about it, neither will you. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]]

::As for humour being lame, let me ask you a question: Do you wander onto privately-run Tranformers fan sites and message boards, see something you don't like (that isn't necessarily offensive) and proceed to tell off the admins for how they run their website? Much of the reason the wiki is the way it is is because the people who run this wiki and the majority of regular contributors have a sense of humour. I find it odd that newcomers will question our policies as if they claim some sort of ownership over the wiki, yet have contributed little to it. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:24, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

:I'm a newcomer, but I have to admit that the policies regarding jokes ''prevent'' unfair bias, if anything. Additionally, it helps newcomers achieve a sense of ownership. Maybe we don't all get the lame obscure reference on [[Special:Random|whatever]] page, but whoever put it there probably thinks it's hilarious! Thanks to the established policies he/she doesn't need to worry about someone replacing it with another, equally-lame obscure reference. --[[User:Starcrunch|Starcrunch]] 19:05, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

::Make jokes and be merry. My message to any readers is if you get offended by jokes, then you take Transformers way too seriously :-D --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:01, 15 November 2007 (UTC)

:::haha... Transformers too seriously?! ''Only'' five of my nine open browser tabs are occupied with something Transformers related right now. If that's not moderation, then I don't know what is! ...but yes, if your reason for being put-off is a bent sense of humor, then you're probably in in the wrong place! --[[User:Starcrunch|Starcrunch]] 18:16, 15 November 2007 (UTC)
::::I thought the Ladiesman217 article was funny. Needed some fixing for the caption with the police car. It's not funny.

When I read these articles for information, and some stupid joke gets thrown in, it really throws my thought process off. I'm sure it's that way for a lot of people too. Don't forget you're writing this for other people and it's not a good idea to screw with them, or whatever [[User:FartboyExtreme|FartboyExtreme]] 03:36, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
:For every person that hates the joking and non-serious nature of the wiki, there's somebody else that loves it. If people can't hack the humour, well I'm sorry, but that's your problem. As for writing this for other people, I contribute to this wiki for the sheer pleasure of having fun with my stupid toy & cartoon hobby, not out of some obligation or duty to provide an encyclopedia for the fandom. As far as I am concerned, so long as we are accurate and detailed, we can also make light of our hobby. -[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:31, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
::I think there needs to be some rules on where the jokes can be. I personally don't mind them when they're in image captions and such, but I think in the middle of a paragraph isn't very appropriate. Know what I mean? [[User:FartboyExtreme|FartboyExtreme]] 21:01, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
:::Could you provide an example of "middle of the paragraph" humor where you find it inappropriate?
:::Also, just a note: It's hard to take you seriously with that username. [[User:JW|JW]] 21:17, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
::::I think he's talking about things like my edits to [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s cartoon section where I said the Autobots saved the oil rig workers "from a death exactly the same as death", or references to characters freaking out.
::::As for establishing rules to prevent people from placing jokes within paragraphs, I highly doubt that will come to pass as most of the regular contributors and the administration staff write in this manner. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 06:28, 21 March 2008 (UTC)
:::::Seriously, people saying BAWWW WIKI NOT SERIOUS ENOUGH irritates the fuck out of me. I'm sorry our little collection of information about giant toy space robots isn't serious enough for you. Maybe you should go read a Serious Encyclopedia, like the one dedicated to Everything The Goddamn Ewoks Ever Did. That's a serious topic worthy of intense consideration, and it should be treated with the respect it deserves. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 13:49, 21 March 2008 (UTC)
::::::People with names like ''FartboyExtreme'' complaining that the wiki isn't serious enough set off my bullshit meter something fierce.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 14:13, 21 March 2008 (UTC)
::::::: That comment about writing this for other people really shit me up the wall. I was not aware I was doing this wiki as my job. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 15:07, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

Hello....I'm italian girl...ehm...I don't good to talk!!=P ciao ciao =hello hello!! sono molto felice=I'm very happy...XD {{unsigned|83.190.10.250}}

==Featured Article for October==

So...are we ever going to change the featured article? It's been Megatron for, like, two months now. [[User:Cyberlink420|Cyberlink420]] 03:58, 30 September 2007 (UTC)
:It depends on what the management thinks is complete enough in terms of length and content. I think Movie Prime's article should be given a go since October will be the month of the DVD release in the US and the article is more or less complete. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 04:14, 30 September 2007 (UTC)
:How about something other than a character page?--[[User:Zodberg|Zodberg]] 12:16, 30 September 2007 (UTC)
::I nominate Sector Seven, because the article is fairly thorough, references a lot of material, and will be useful to the fans directed here who liked the movie but haven't read all the minor, wacky background material. That article is still listed as a "Stub," though as with a great many "stubs" on this wiki I kind of don't see why. It could be made ''longer'', like all of them, but it's not like it's missing anything critical or is just a halfassed paragraph. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 14:33, 5 October 2007 (UTC)
:::I think we should make articles for Rebecca Howard and Alexander Powers before we feature it, since they're pretty important to the ARG storyline, which, as you said, is the wacky background material 99% of people would never seen or heard of. Plus they're linked right at the start of the article. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 14:41, 5 October 2007 (UTC)

By the way when it comes doing the most wanted page list means I will do it but someone must back me up when I go do yardwork.(Spearhead 08:03, 7 October 2007 (UTC))

Sweet zombie Jesus, the Featured Article changed!!! I think I may faint! ...But one request: Please don't change it back to [[Megatron_%28G1%29|Megatron]] in November! --[[User:Starcrunch|Starcrunch]] 15:45, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

Nice going guys. You finally got rid of Megatron... and then replaced him with Primal Prime, who's been on for three months. Either someone tell me how to change that article, or ''please'' replace it with something new--how about Optimus Prime's G1 toys? [[User:Crosshairs-1|"MovieMan"]] 11:17, 24 February 2008 (UTC)Crosshairs-1

== "By series" column is missing... ==

"Comics" for Beast Wars.--[[User:Nevermore|Nevermore]] 13:51, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

== Just a little question... ==

Is there anywhere I can find a NON parody wiki? - Anonymous

: Right here? --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:31, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
:wikipedia--[[User:Carrion|Carrion]] 19:33, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
::But their TF pages suck. So dry and boring and light on content and all Mignashy. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:35, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
:::Mostly the Mignashy part. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 20:48, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
:::Wikipedia Transformers stuff is full on content! It's just all made up. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 20:59, 13 January 2008 (UTC)
I don't think you understand the meaning of "parody", Mister Anonymous. "It has humor in it" is not what parody entails. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 20:48, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

:Yeah, plus beneath our bad captions and jokes there's a wealth of information you will not likely find anywhere else, at least not all in one place. I think people are too used to the "[insert franchise] is ''Serious Business''" natures of the large, dry wikis like Memory Alpha and the Star Wars Wiki. That or they are unable to laugh at Transformers because they take it too seriously. Or they think this entire wiki is written solely by Walky, and since they hate Walky, they hate the wiki. Those last people suck. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 20:58, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

== Logo--Good Wiki!==
Hi guys!!! This is a very creative wiki! But I am not keen on the logo. Right now is: [[Image:wiki.png]] 
{{unsigned|Thatkidjasper}}

:Please sign your posts to talk pages by typing four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>) at the end.
:Also, you'll have more luck getting us to change our logo if you spend a few months as a regular contributor, first. [[User:JW|JW]] 19:22, 30 January 2008 (UTC)

How do u put your logo on the upper left?--[[User:Farragut79|Farragut79]] 14:07, 22 February 2008 (UTC)

== Caps? ==

Do we want to implement sabrblade's suggestion of replacing

(toyline/cartoon/comic)

with

(Toyline/Cartoon/Comic)

. . . ? Personally, I think it makes the page look more cluttered. [[User:JW|JW]] 22:07, 26 February 2008 (UTC)
:Well, I just thought it would make it look a little neater. I didn't mean anything by it. I also thought it would make more sense to change "comic" to "comics" under Generation 1 and Beast Wars since they both had more than one comic series. I also put a "comic" link under Beast Machines that goes to the Wreckers comic since that ''is'' a Beast Machines comic series. And I thought "comics" should be "comic" under Animated since so far it only had one comic series that we know of. And "Sequel" was already put under Transformers (2007), since I saw that it was capitalized, that's what gave me the idea to capitalize the rest. But I see that someone erased "Sequel" from the main page. [[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] 23:11, 26 February 2008 (UTC)

== Putting Headmasters/Masterforce/Victory links in the "by series" column ==

Would anyone object if I put bulleted links for Headmaster/Masterforce/Victory in the "by series" column? I acknowledge that the series are linked under G1 articles, but it's arguable that they are not "true G1", but rather a non-canonical branch of that continuity.

For example:
* ''[[Generation 1]]'' ([[Generation 1 (toyline)|toyline]]/[[Generation 1 (cartoon)|cartoon]]/[[Generation 1 (comic)|comic]])
** ''[[Headmasters]]''
** ''[[Masterforce]]''
** ''[[Victory]]''
* ''[[Generation 2]]'' ([[Generation 2 (toyline)|toyline]]/[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|cartoon]]/[[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|comic]])

And yes, I am a newb and I know that that impacts the consideration of my suggestion.

[[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 00:34, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:Headmasters/Masterforce/Victory ARE true, canonical G1, but I think the main page list is long enough already without us lengthening it. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 00:37, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::I don't really have a problem with it, but yeah it would make the list longer too much. Besides, you forgot Zone, Battlestars, and Operation: Combination. [[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] 00:50, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:::1) I don't want to be combative, but can ItsWalky support the G1-canon assertion? Only the hardcore fanbase is familiar with the Japanese series. If these shows are G1, then why don't the G1 cartoon/comic/toy pages consistently contain info about those toys? For instance, the G1 toy page doesn't list the Japan-series-exclusive toys.
:::2) Each Japanese series has its own toyline/comic/cartoon links in this wiki. It only seems proper to list them here.
:::3) I disagree that this would make the list too long.
:::4) I'm afraid I don't know enough about Zone/Battlestars/Op:Com. Time to surf some more...
:::[[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 00:57, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::::In Transformers, and by the standards of this wiki, everything that is approved by Hasbro or Takara is canon. Without exception. It does not matter whether you have seen it or not. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:02, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:::::ItsWalky, do you have any non-length-related objection? [[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 01:29, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::::::Well, ItsWalky, since you're not buyin' his idea, how about this then. Make a drop-down list for all the JG1 series drop under the Generation 1 text by pressing a [+] button, ya know like the ones seen in Category pages and such. Does that sound okay? And maybe one to drop under Beast Wars for Beast Wars II and Neo? [[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] 01:34, 29 February 2008 (UTC)

I am really not sure how we would jigger a collapsible continuity tree list. I would assume though if anyone knew how to accomplish this it would involve some sort of sinister faustian bargain with the fount of Dark Science that is [[User:Derik|Derik]].--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 01:42, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:Or we could just implement my suggestion. Problem solved! [[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 01:49, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::Not quite. You say, "put them on the list," he says, "no, it'll be too long," I say "compromise, a drop-down list '''if it's possible'''" [[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] 02:17, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:::If we include the various Japanese G1 franchises we would also need to include Battle For the Spark, Unicron Battles, Powerlinx Battles, Primus Unleashed and Allspark Battles. --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 02:53, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::::None of those are quite the seperate, distinct entity that the Japanese lines mentioned are. BftS, etc. are sublines of their respective ongoing lines. Masterforce, Victory, etc. are mainlines themselves, with the only higher hierarchy level being "Transformers", or arguably "Transformers Japan".
::::I think the list is long enough. The Japanese series are all linked too off of the summary [[Generation 1]] page. A collapsible list would probably uglify the aesthetic table we have in place, to say nothing of the technical difficulties to make it work. --[[User:Sntint|Sntint]] 05:15, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:::::'''Then it follows that some work should be done to include the japanese-exclusive toys from these series in the G1 toys pages, and include the japan-manga for these series in the G1 comics pages. Do you all think that is appropriate? The way I see it, these series are either within G1 (for the wiki), or they aren't. Right now it seems like they halfway are.'''[[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 16:40, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
:Yay, I'm faustian! You have no idea how happy that makes me.
:Unfortunately, a quick investigation tells me that Wikia does not come equipped with any of the table-collapse scripts found on Wikipedia (they have custom ones for the table of contents and category trees, but they aren't cross-adaptable.) It ''might'' be possible to install one of them purely in the Monobook.js file we can edit (I feel like there might be PHP integration, which we can't) but even then the scripts are very limited, and don't do quite what we want.
:Wikipedia has generally be very, very distrustful of implementing those kind of drop-downs because of compatibility issues. Making Javascript a fundamental part of your site's navigation is bad because if someone turns it off or cripples its functions to suppress annoying ads... thennt his site ceases to function.
:So, while a drop-down may be ''possible'' with considerable effort, it brings entailed problems that would seem to outweigh any benefits it delivers. Without a more compelling application for a drop-down, I wouldn't be interested in even ''trying'' to get it working. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 08:18, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
::Uh, I'm sorry, I don't know how I totally missed this conversation. The javascript that Derik describes here is not only not hard to do, but it's actually phenomenally easy. The only question is would it LOOK good on the page; I assure you, the technical end is not an issue.

::If anyone still cares. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 05:21, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

:Let me draw your attention to my bolded post above... Any comments? [[User:GrantB|GrantB]] 00:41, 4 March 2008 (UTC)
::I don't think we care enough about those series to list them. We prefer to mock them. List is too long, anyway. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:50, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

==Weird Wikia Spotlight image==
Is it just me or is that Autobot symbol Wikia is using to Spotlight our site an unofficial fan-made version? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:55, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
:Yeah, that's... pretty lame. You'd think they could have grabbed one of the ones here in the wiki. [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 09:00, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
::God fucking dammit. That's Neale's erroneous font, with the three hash-marks per forehead instead of two. I will not allow this. Who do I yell at? --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
:I never thought an Autobrand could look so angry...-- [[User:SFH|SFH]] 02:05, 14 March 2008 (UTC)

:How to fix the image:
:1. make new image using official Autobot sigil from... anywhere
:2. go [[w:Image:Transformers-monaco.gif|here]].
:3. upload new image
:4. ???
:5. PROFIT!!! --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 02:41, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
::Man that is pretty dang shitty. Why does Wikia keep trying to make logos '''for''' us?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 03:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
:::I have done my level best to try to turn our masthead into a little spotlight image there.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 03:15, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
:::[[w:Image:Transformers120.png|Here]], actually. And done. Thank God. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 03:58, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
::::Wow, much better! :D --[[User:TX55|TX55]] 09:14, 14 March 2008 (UTC)
Walky, I [[W:Image:Transformers125.png|found another one]], I assume you have a larger original file that you can replace it with?. Hopefully they didn't make anymore, because that fake Autobot symbol is fucking awful. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 03:45, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

:Hi, guys -- I'm sorry that you didn't like the spotlight image, and I'm glad that you made your own. [[w:Image:Transformers-monaco.gif|This one]] is terrific; much better than the other one.

:If you guys ever have any concerns (or complaints) about the spotlights or any kind of promotional stuff, please let me know... We're trying to support you and your wiki, and obviously we don't want to do anything that you don't like. Teletraan I is an awesome wiki, and I want to make sure that lots of people know about it.

:So... I'm the person you yell at. And also, hopefully, I'm the person that you can come to with ideas about how to make your site better. Let me know what you think. -- [[User:Toughpigs|Danny]]<staff /> ([[User talk:Toughpigs|talk]]) 06:10, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

::Hi, at least speaking for myself, we're not actually that angry... I think :) Just that the fake Autobot symbol has some minor controversy surrounding it ever since it was accidently used by [[IDW Publishing]] for one of their [[Stormbringer issue 1|early Transformers comics]]. Plus, we try to keep on the good side of Hasbro by using their approved logos and such. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 20:10, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

:::Thank you for the response - and the desire to promote our wiki. I'd agree with FFN that there's not much actual anger here, and any dissatisfaction is easily remedied. Just let us know whenever you want to run any promos, and we'll cook up whatever imagery and so forth you need. - [[User:Jackpot|Jackpot]] 21:28, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

::::Okay, cool. We're going to be building up an Entertainment-hub wiki pretty soon, and I may take you up on that offer. :) It's going to take us a little bit to figure out how to do it, but the idea is to have a place where people can promote their wiki, show off a bit, and make connections with other wiki people. It should be fun. I'll let you guys know when it goes up... -- [[User:Toughpigs|Danny]]<staff /> ([[User talk:Toughpigs|talk]]) 23:35, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

==Death becomes you==

Why not add a section relating to death in Transformers (character deaths, permanence etc) with a special section for the way Optimus' pop their clogs...a lot[[User:GWolfv2]]
:We have [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime]]. An article on [[Death]] in general might not be amiss. [[User:JW|JW]] 13:26, 17 March 2008 (UTC)
::Well, I started it. It's very slim, cause I'm sure there's people out there more informed then me. I'll try and add what I can once a style is put in place [[User:GWolfv2]]

== april fools day plans ==

i recomend that for april fools day we lock the main page and save a copy of some of the longest/most important pages[[User:81.108.233.59|81.108.233.59]] 16:10, 17 March 2008 (UTC)
:No real need to save a copy. Wiki software archives older versions automatically.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 16:23, 17 March 2008 (UTC)
:And, the main page is already semiprotected. [[User:JW|JW]] 16:26, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

==Shift from movie to Animated?==
I'm just thinking that maybe the frontpage's "highlight" should change from the TF movie, which is well wound-down, to Animated, which is new and big and running full-steam. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 00:04, 23 March 2008 (UTC)
: Sure. That seems like an easy change... --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:19, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

== Featured article ==

We have had the same thing there for like 50 years{{unsigned|Human in Disguise|02:22, 7 April 2008}}
:Not really. Jhiaxus was only made a Featured Article on March 2, 2008.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 06:05, 7 April 2008 (UTC)
::With 6k articles, maybe we could switch the featured article every month?[[User:Spriteless|Spriteless]] 05:45, 9 April 2008 (UTC)
:::We try to when we can, but usually that involves a big push to improve the given article to featured article standards.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 06:30, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

== front tf page ==

i hate april fool pranks on my fave tf front page -dr
:What? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 23:11, 7 April 2008 (UTC)

== Funny ==
I think we should remove the funny nes on the page, If it stays, It will sound like a child has being messing up this place and Other people will think it doesn't make sense. [[User:Black rhino ranger|Black rhino ranger]] 09:01, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
:You're going to find yourself in the minority regarding this opinion.--[[User:Suzyprime|Suzyprime]] 13:02, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

:Actually, Ranger, people are more likely to think this wiki "doesn't make sense" if it's edited by people who can't spell, conjugate, or use capital letters correctly. [[User:JW|JW]] 18:37, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

Who made this again. [[User:Black rhino ranger|Black rhino ranger]] 19:55, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
:If that's a question, I don't understand it. [[User:JW|JW]] 20:33, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

==Search==
So, uh, what happened to the ability to type something into the text box, click "search," and not have it take me directly to a page, but give me a list of pages the term appears in instead? There is no search button on the front page! --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 11:37, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
:For as long as I've used the wiki, the Search function has only done that for me if what I've typed didn't match the title of any article exactly. As for the front page, I still see the Search box. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I'm using the Monaco skin.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 14:12, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::That doesn't match my experiences. I could type in "Megatron," click Search, and then it'd give me a list of pages that mention "Megatron" in the body of the text. It was very useful. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 14:54, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::On the topic of the Monaco skin, can we get some admin feedback on the Monaco skin discussion, please? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 14:32, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::To be sure, yes, that would be useful. As it is, now you'd have to type something like "Megatron's" or "Megatron" and another word to get similar results. And yeah, I've seen notices for the admins from [[User:Toughpigs|Toughpigs]] asking for feedback and wondered when that was going to be resolved.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 15:13, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
:Regarding the search box - typing something into the box and hitting "enter," or clicking "go," is the option that takes you directly to the page with the title you've typed. Typing something into the box and actually clicking the button marked "search" is the option that brings up a list of stuff containing the term, and that's the button we appear to have lost here (although on my screen at least, it's coming and going intermittently, but that's probably a browser cache thing). I've not got the Monaco skin on, but regarding that, I rather like it, and I'd like to see it implimented. There's something very "bare bones" about our set up here, and of course, I know that we kinda have that as a show of "not taking everything too seriously," but I'd personally like to see the Monaco skin in use. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 15:30, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::The same function is in the "Advanced Search" link. Am I the only one who sees it or something? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 18:17, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
:::Cripes, I can't insert a comment before three more jump in before me. No, there's definitely no Search button visible in the Monaco skin as I'm using it, just an arrow with a magnifying glass icon in it (the equivalent of the "Go" button, obviously). I see the "Advanced search" link too, but it doesn't offer quite the same function, in that it doesn't default to the "all text occurrences" option. Rather, you have to choose settings to get that. Not a terrible extra step, but still...--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 18:32, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
:::I see the advanced search link. I also ''REALLY LIKE'' the new 'random page image link' above the search box. Who do I have to thank for that? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 18:28, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::::I put it in, but it was Siph's idea. Breaking the "Search" button under non-Monaco themes was also my doing, I'm afraid; I was a little zealous with putting in a more useful search and it didn't quite work. It should be back in a day or two. I somehow totally missed any discussion on Monaco coming up; I'll get to commenting on that. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 19:50, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
:::::Primarily Wookieepedia for the idea, Blitz for the implementation, and I suppose me for harraunging her about it. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:48, 15 April 2008 (UTC)
::::::A random page on search function is really a good idea because that would make us know about more characters. By the way, I think there still need a normal ''search button'' in the original place . :D --[[User:TX55|TX55]] 01:37, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
:::::::Then I thank you guys for it. '''IF''' we switch to Monaco, is there any way to do a similar function with that skin? I think the function is very helpful for newcomers to the wiki (and Transformers in general) for they don't have to look through lists of names or randomly search for things. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:17, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
::::::::I don't think it'd be too hard. If we ''do'' switch to Monaco, there'd need to be some changes done to the search box anyway, since under that, there's no "search" button. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 05:56, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
: Is there a way to make the search image load earlier? Right now it's the very last thing to load; even the flash ads come up earlier. --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 02:24, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
:: The short answer is no, unfortunately. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 05:56, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
Why does the bar show pictures of random characters, but when you go to their pages they have no visual representation? [[User:90.198.228.42|90.198.228.42]] 20:28, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
:Because... I don't know really. I don't know why the powers-at-be chose to create these little search pictures for characters that have no pictures. One would think if they had a reasonably sized image to create the search button picture, they could have uploaded the full size image for the page itself. And/or create searchbox pic-links for characters that DO have decent visual representation AND largely completed articles. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 22:39, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
==Familial relationships==

Should we put something up, relating to the idea of siblings or such[[User:GWolfv2]]
:See [[Relatives]].--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:07, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

== Redesigning the front page ==

Now that the Monaco skin is the default, and Toughpigs is around to help us out, I suggest we figure out a way to redesign the front page so it isn't just a columns of text. Is there any reasonable way for us to have the franchises in the By Series (or anywhere else, really) represented by the franchise logos? The logos can be as recognisable as the names alone, and given we're getting more and more visitors every day, it would be helpful to make the place more visually pleasing and more user-friendly. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 20:30, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
:I think that's still a [[Talk:Main_Page/Archive2#Logos_for_.27By_series.27_column|bad idea]]. The logos were never designed to look good together, and some (like the 2007 movie) are anti-informative. If you can present a design that somehow makes it work, please do. But I don't see how the new skin changes the basic problems. - [[User:Jackpot|Jackpot]] 20:56, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
::I tend to think the Main Page and its columns of text are just fine as is. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 21:04, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
::Also, wouldn't it perhaps be best to wait a few days for everyone to get home from BotCon before starting a discussion on more major changes like this? --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 21:08, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
:::Didn't stop Toughpigs redesigning the whole Wiki... - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] 21:18, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
::::Toughpigs has been touting the switch to Monaco for quite some time, and he only finally got the nod from an admin just before BotCon.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 23:22, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
Just wanted to say I love the new look.

===Ad bar issues with Monaco?===
I don't know if it's just me, but trying to load the Wiki in Firefox results in it loading everything up to the adserver stuff, and then Firefox proceeds to hang the fuck up, completely use up all available memory, and force me to kill it through Task Manager. It's kind of a pain in the ass.(I'm using explorer right now) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 00:22, 3 May 2008 (UTC)
:I've had no troubles with Firefox 2, nor Firefox 3 beta 5.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 00:37, 3 May 2008 (UTC)

== Improvement Drive ==
I have no idea how long the "Improvement Drive" column has been there, but it's a great idea, content-wise. However, IMO the links it contains should really be a permanent part of the Help/Start Here column. It's the kind of thing I was talking about [http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Transformers_Wiki_talk:Community_Portal#.22First_go_here.21__Next_go_here..22 a while ago]. -- [[User:Repowers|Repowers]] 22:56, 1 May 2008 (UTC)

== Main "Transformers Animated" image ==

It really ought to be clickable. Unfortunately, [[:Template:Click]] currently doesn't actually let you center an image-- it probably needs to be rewritten at some point. Unless someone else volunteers, this is mostly just a reminder to myself. --[[User:Suki Brits|Suki Brits]] 18:53, 8 May 2008 (UTC)
:Someone just did that and now the link messes up the main page by covering the links to "Comics", "Generation 1", "(toyline/cartoon/comic)", "Generation 2", and "Help contents". Ugh, it was better off the way it was before. Besides, there was a link to the Animated franchise below the giant logo.[[Special:Contributions/71.251.69.222|71.251.69.222]] 23:25, 8 May 2008 (UTC)<div id="wikia-credits"> From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</div>

Astrotrain (G1)

2008-05-07T23:35:03Z

71.251.69.222: /* Classics */

{{disambig3|Astrotrain}}

:''Astrotrain is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Astrotraing1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The original Choo Choo Rocket!]]

'''Astrotrain''' loves to sow confusion. To this end, his [[Triple Changer]] abilities serve him well. Nothing pleases him more than confronting an Autobot in a dark corner and making him wonder if he's up against one Decepticon or two. He craves having this power over others. Single-minded, you may say, but when most of your time is spent transporting troops around, you have to take your jollies where you can. He wants more from life, but it's either fly the other Decepticons around, or get scrapped by them.

He also craves having power over a massive [[Astroforce|army of train drones]]. Follow your dreams, Astrotrain. Follow your dreams.
{{quote|It's always the same thing. I fly them to points unknown, exhaust all my fuel, and they get to have all the fun.|Astrotrain on his eternal role as the Decepticons' ride|"[[The Gambler]]"}}

:''Italian name:'' '''Triplex Uno'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Űrvonat''' ("Space Train")


==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jack Angel]] (US), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japan)

[[Image:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|thumb|left|200px|It doesn't matter if you're grey or white... if you're a boy or a girl...]]

Astrotrain arrived on [[Earth]] during the second year of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s campaign to conquer the planet and its energy resources. His activities prior to that point remain unclear.

He once transported Megatron to the [[Moon]] where he and the Decepticons' leader attempted to jam Earth's radio waves. The attempt was interrupted by the arrival of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Spike Witwicky|two]] [[Carly|humans]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Astrotrain engaged in a bad pun, accused Omega Supreme of being too outdated to catch him, and then was the victim of a Cybertronian's impression of a sandworm (see image) before being thrown a few planetary diameters. {{Storylink|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:Omegasupreme astrotrain.jpg|thumb|right|I've got a bad feeling about this...]]

Typically one of the more easy-going among the Decepticons, even Astrotrain isn't above letting a little power go to his head. While tracking [[Cosmos]], he shot down the Autobot, who had been on a fuel scouting mission, and managed to trick the people of [[Titan]] into believing that he was one of their Sky Gods, so that they would mine energy crystals for him and the Decepticons. Astrotrain used [[Jero]], a corrupt High Priest who was as fanatical as he was ruthless, to further his ends. However, the Autobots [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] arrived aboard Omega Supreme looking for Cosmos. Omega Supreme was virtually out of fuel after the trip, but the Autobots soon managed to refuel him using the energy crystals. Knowing that he, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] alone couldn't beat Omega Supreme, Astrotrain destroyed the crystals in a fit of pique before flying off, leaving Jero to die like the worm he was. Harsh, Astrotrain, harsh. {{storylink|The God Gambit}}

Astrotrain later transported [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] to the planet [[Monacus]] to check up on Decepticon sympathizer [[Lord Gyconi]]. When they learned that Gyconi had captured a number of Autobots and brainwashed them into mindless slaves, the Decepticons tried to stow them aboard Astrotrain to take them back to Megatron. However, their plan was stopped by [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Devcon]] and [[Slizardo]], and the latter two followed Astrotrain into space as he escaped with his comrades. {{storylink|The Gambler}}

However, the incident on Titan had given Astrotrain a taste of power, and he decided he liked it. With the help of [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], Astrotrain froze [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in a sewer system in order to take over the Decepticons. He then created an army of trains to help him rule, thinking it was a good idea. Although he managed to amass a surprisingly large amount of [[Energon cube]]s, the productive day ended with him flooding the entire city after bursting a water main. Worse, Megatron thawed out. The embarrassment of these incidents forced Astrotrain to creep back into the Decepticon ranks quietly... at [[fusion cannon]] point. {{Storylink|Triple Takeover}}

Astrotrain transported Megatron, Starscream and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] to the lost Autobot colony of [[Antilla]], where they discovered the entire civilization had been wiped out by the deadly [[Cosmic Rust]]. Not heeding a holographic warning from the Autobots, Megatron ventured further into the colony and seized an advanced heat ray weapon from its storage chamber. As they left Antilla, a [[Cosmic Rust]] spore-filled asteroid appeared to chase after Astrotrain, prompting Megatron to test out of the power of the 'lightning bug' weapon on the space rock. The blast obliterated the asteroid, but the shrapnel from the explosion pierced Astrotrain's hull and punctured Megatron's chest plate, infecting him with Cosmic Rust. Oddly enough, Astrotrain was never infected. {{Storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

He also transported the Decepticons away after getting their aft-sections [[Battle of Autobot City|handed to them]] at [[Autobot City]]. He couldn't make it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with the amount of weight on board, so they tossed [[Megatron (G1)|some]] [[Insecticon (G1)|dead]] [[Thundercracker (G1)|weight]] overboard. After that, Astrotrain served as the ring for the subsequent fight among the Decepticons to replaced the ejected Megatron, where the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] formed [[Devastator]] inside him (slag, Astrotrain is big!) and Rumble and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] used their piledrivers (slag, Astrotrain is sturdy!) Apparently, they all made it back fine, and Astrotrain was the one to crown Starscream during his coronation as the new Decepticon leader. {{Storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

When the Decepticons lost their hold of Cybertron, Astrotrain went with the rest of them to [[Chaar]], where he was seen trying to deliver Energon cubes to the starving army. When he tried to take a cube for himself while the Constructicons were fighting amongst themselves for the energy, they merged into Devastator and kicked him aside. Devastator was then distracted by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and Astrotrain made another move for the cube, only to be shot by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. Such is life. When Cyclonus insulted the Decepticons for their behavior, Astrotrain somewhat notably mentioned that he knew Galvatron and Megatron "were the same guy". Cyclonus later stated that he needed energon as it was needed to revive Galvatron, and Astrotrain gave him the rest of his supplies. He got an inspirational speech in return. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1|FFOD, Part 1}}

Astrotrain then helped Galvatron and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] with the plan to destroy Cybertron with a [[death crystal]] cannon. {{storylink|Chaos (episode)|Chaos}} Later on, when [[Scourge (G1)|intruders]] found their way inside [[Trypticon]], Astrotrain responded to the alarm but ended up being possessed by Starscream's [[spark|ghost]] because of his useful cargo space. Starscream flew his body most of the way to [[Unicron]]'s head, then left it when he closed in on Cybertron, leaving Astrotrain to be shot down by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]. Astrotrain was then captured and interrogated by the Autobots, but was as confused as they were. He was later released as a way of thanking Scourge for revealing Unicron's plans to them. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

Later, Astrotrain stumbled upon [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] in space and battled him until the two were suddenly interrupted by a laser barrage from the nearby [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]] and retreated. Astrotrain returned to Chaar to report this to Galvatron, who punched him in the face, insulted him and stated that he didn't care. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

Astrotrain is later seen participating in a Decepticon attack on Japan, trying to ram a bullet train head-on, before being driven off by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform: The Transformers'' manga====

Astrotrain photographed the incomplete [[Autobot City]], with the aid of [[Reflector]]'s camera mode, so that Megatron could decipher whether or not it was powerful enough to stand up to [[Trypticon]].

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====

{{noteukonly}}

''Astrotrain was one of Lord [[Straxus]]' warriors on Cybertron, operating out of [[Darkmount]] in [[Polyhex]]. At Megatron's demand, he called a group of Decepticons back from a planned assassination attempt on Emirate [[Xaaron]] and the Autobot leaders, leaving all the Decepticons unaware that it was actually a ploy by the Autobots to wipe them out. {{Storylink|Target 2006}}''

[[Image:Ratbatcratercritters.jpg|left|thumb|175px|"Thus, my new fuel economy plan will increase fuel efficiency. Any other questions, Astrotrain?" "Yeah. What the hell did you just say, Ratbat?"]]

Astrotrain and his fellow Triple Changers were commissioned by [[Ratbat]] to investigate the loss of his [[Wash and Roll|priceless cargo]] that had arrived on Earth via a low-cost freighter, but hadn't checked in as scheduled. Upon making contact with the crashed ship, Astrotrain and his companions were infected with [[Scraplet]]s, and began to slowly waste away. Lucky for them, the Autobot [[Blaster]] was also infected, and his friends managed to re-discover the [[water|strange and wondrous chemical]] that acted as a cure. In saving Blaster, the Triple Changers were incidentally saved as well. Astrotrain showed quick-thinking when he identified a nearby [[G.B. Blackrock]] as a useful asset and hypnotically gained control of him, thus ensuring the viability of [[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|Ratbat's greatest plan]]. {{Storylink|The Cure!}}

The Triple Changers then linked up with Shockwave's Decepticons on Earth, which soon fell under the command of their former superior on Cybertron, Ratbat. Astrotrain joined the Decepticons in an assault on the Autobot crews of the [[Ark]] and [[Steelhaven]] on Earth's moon. {{storylink|Totaled!}} Sometime later, he fought against his fellow Decepticons when Ratbat and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s armies temporarily came to blows. Astrotrain was seen rolling over [[Snapdragon]] and [[Weirdwolf]] in the melee. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Once the Decepticons united against a nearby Autobot regiment, Astrotrain again saw action when he ionically-disrupted the [[Aerialbot]], [[Slingshot]]. Soon after, though, the Triple Changers were all destroyed battling Starscream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after Screamer got himself hopped-up on [[Underbase]] power. {{Storylink|Dark Star!}}

In an alternate version of 2009, Unicron had destroyed Cybertron and the Decepticons (under [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]]'s command) controlled America. Astrotrain and Octane were seen defending the [[Decepticon Powerbase]] from one last, desperate Autobot assault. They shot down the [[Pretender]], [[Crossblades]], when he was disrupting the base's force field. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====

''When [[Autobot City]] was completed in 2004, Astrotrain was one of several Decepticons brought by Shockwave to attack the opening day festivities. {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}''

''In 2008, the Decepticons were tipped by the [[Quintesson]]s to an opportunity for wiping the Autobots off the face of Cybertron. Astrotrain acted as point-man for the invasion, not only leading the air force of flying [[Combaticon]]s, Triple Changers and [[Seeker]]s, but also acting as transport for [[Soundwave (G1)|Commander Soundwave]] and the legion of ground troopers in his cargo hold. Things turned sour when the Quintessons ambushed the Decepticons on their way to [[Autobase]], though: Astrotrain was forced to dump the soldiers in his hold and quickly transform in order to greet their adversaries. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}

''He happily worked for Shockwave's faction in the [[Decepticon Civil War]], along with his fellow Triple Changers. Astrotrain took the time to slug it out with [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] after the [[Enclave]] between Shockwave and Megatron went sour. {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!}} Thanks to an inside informant, Astrotrain and the other Triple Changers joined Shockwave in surprising Megatron at an energon shipment rendez-vous point, overpowering him with blaster fire until the Decepticon leader fell off the side of a cliff. {{storylink|Secrets}} Those were happy times for Astrotrain. He was not so happy when he had to rescue [[Octane]] from a military testing range, and when he found out Octane had got here by messing around on the job again, Astrotrain happily buggered off and left him. {{storylink|Manoeuvres!}}''

====Generation 2====

Astrotrain shows up among a crowd of Decepticons all fired up to tackle the armies of [[Jhiaxus]], just before they pretty much got slaughtered. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

====Classics====
{{coming soon|fanclub}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Astrotrain_warwithin.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Finally, I get to fight instead of carry people.]]

When Megatron needed a major distraction to infiltrate the subsectors of Iacon and establish Cybertron as a living war world, he sent Shockwave to command a full frontal assault against the Autobot capital. Astrotrain was among the many Decepticons who aided Shockwave in this siege. {{Storylink|The War Within}} Later on, after Megatron's disappearance led to a factioning of the Decepticon army, Astrotrain began serving with Starscream's [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacon]]s. {{Storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages}} The Predacons remained the only major hold out among the factions when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] negotiated a great peace between the Autobots and Decepticons due to low energon reserves planet-wide. Astrotrain and the Predacons attempted to prevent the peace treaty and the consolidation of their opponents, but their efforts were in vain until the surprise return of Megatron with his new [[Aerospace Extermination Squad]], thousands of super-charged warriors grown from [[Quintesson]] cloning technology. The Decepticons managed to establish an Age of Internment until [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] finally returned to free the Autobots and equalize the sides once more. {{Storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

After the disappearance of the [[Nemesis]] and its crew, Astrotrain and his fellow future Triple Changers, Octane and Blitzwing, began serving directly under Shockwave's command. {{Storylink|Destined for Nothing}} When Shockwave learned how to perfect his Triple Changer process after the [[Great Shutdown]], due to [[Unicron]]ian technology he pilfered from [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Astrotrain was one of the first to benefit from the procedure.

In 2003, Astrotrain, along with [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], Blitzwing, [[Sandstorm (Autobot)|Sandstorm]] and Octane arrived with Shockwave on [[Earth]] to place the Earth-bound Transformers under arrest for war crimes and take them back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When Shockwave was eventually defeated and his control of Cybertron lost, Astrotrain and Blitzwing remained his loyal servants until the return of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caused Astrotrain to switch loyalties while Blitzwing was destroyed. {{Storylink|Lost and Found}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Astrotrain was part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. Under the command of Starscream, he oversaw the extraction and refinement of the mysterious, Energon-like substance, [[Ore-13]], {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 5}} but despite having sampled its power, he was unwilling to stand alongside Starscream against Megatron. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

Later on, he took Starscream's place as the Earthbound Decepticon Infiltration Unit's second-in-command under Megatron, and continued to oversee the Ore-13 research. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 1}} During Megatron's scheme to escalate the tensions between [[Brasnya]] and [[Russia]], Astrotrain served as air cover for their ground forces, but was severely damaged by [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] {{Storylink|Escalation issue 4}} and later retreated.

The wire in his forehead nearly exploded when Megatron ordered [[Sixshot]] to come to Earth several phases before his presence is normally requested, but Megatron told him to shut up. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}} Witnessing his leader straying further from protocol every nano-klik but knowing none of them would dare tell Megatron he was wrong, Astrotrain decided to do the unthinkable, something no sane Transformer would ever do except as a very last resort: deliberately reactivate Starscream so he could do it ''for'' them. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 1}}

When the alien [[Reapers]] suddenly attacked their headquarters, Astrotrain left his post (forcing Blitzwing to cover for him) to plot how to exploit the situation with Starscream (though he was openly concerned if the plan failed they'd be dead). The plan worked: Starscream successfully removed Sixshot from the board and attacked the Reapers, at which point Astrotrain popped up in the command bunker to go "look at how brave Starscream is bravely attacking the Reapers by himself!". Megatron deduced what was going on behind his back, but instead of punishment, led the Decepticons into battle. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 5}} After the destruction of the Reapers, Astrotrain expressed surprise at their victory and callously declared that the deaths of [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were acceptable losses. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
[[Image:Astrotrain HOS.jpg|thumb|left|100px|That's '''''Mister''''' The Astrotrain.]]

Referred to as ''the'' Astrotrain, the Decepticons built (or modified) Astrotrain to be the locomotive engine pulling their battle train to New York City. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 3}} Astrotrain never speaks or transforms out of train mode during the story, but the cover of issue 4 appears to depict him in robot mode, and he clearly has some airplane components, so he is apparently a triple-changing Transformer in this continuity as in most. He is tough enough to ram through an Army blockade undamaged, but ends up driving off a cliff, and apparently falling to his destruction, despite having wings. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}} His train mode is a black-and-purple locomotive, with a retracted propeller on the front, and batwings along the side.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Astrotrain''' (1985, 1986, 2004, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-48''', '''TFC-11'''
**''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

[[Image:G1Astrotrain_toy.jpg|thumb|right|And then I transform into a train and a rocket and a Transformer again...]]

: Astrotrain was one of the two Triple Changer toys released in 1985. He transforms into both a purple steam locomotive and a gray space shuttle. Like [[Perceptor (G1)|several]] [[Thrust (G1)|other]] [[Bluestreak|characters]] from ''Generation 1'', the pre-production toy shown in [[Hasbro]] catalogs and stock photography does not match the final product.

: In Japan, the 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white space shuttle and a black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara released Astrotrain in his US toy colors.

: In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain his original Japanese white color scheme, but with the "NASA" stickers changed to "ASTR", and with white paint on the shuttle side of the die-cast front. In 2005, Hasbro released this version of Astrotrain on the Hasbro Toy Shop.

{{-}}
* '''Astrotrain Proto Color Version''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-48'''
**''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version was decorated in colors used on the original 1986 toy's packaging as well as the ''Generation 1'' animation model. He was an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]].

===Classics===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, 2006, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

[[Image:ClassicsAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|left|...and a rocket and a train and a Transformer and man it's hard work!]]

: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Astrotrain, like much of the ''Classics'' line, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain designed based heavily upon their cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a NASA space shuttle, though there are two rather obvious locomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull, and instead of a steam engine, his secondary vehicle mode is a bullet train locomotive. His robot mode is based heavily upon his ''Generation 1'' cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle. However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy.

[[Image:Henkei_Astrotrain_toy.jpg|thumb|right|I'm going grey! Get me some Just For Men, stat!]]

: As with all ''Classics'' toys, he has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

: In 2008, Classics Astrotrain was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Classics (2006)#Henkei! Henkei! Transformers|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. The figure was extensively redecoed into dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance the ''Generation 1'' cartoon (''"Finally!"''). Unlike the Hasbro ''Classics'' release, instead of a rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. All ''Henkei'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metalizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.
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==Trivia==
[[Image:AstrotrainCharacterModel.jpg|thumb|right|200px|That ass be fly, yo.]]
* The 1985 [[catalog]]s show a prototype Astrotrain toy, whose gray and purple color scheme is the one used in the cartoon. The prototype also has a number of design changes from the retail version: arms that extended on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was the basis for his [[character model]]. He was shown with [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s weapons. Being resin hard copies, these prototypes didn't transform.<ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Animeastro Original Astrotrain prototype at TF-1.com]</ref>

* Astrotrain's animation model is rather odd. Despite having the shuttle tailfin rather clearly folded up and slid into place within the torso... it has another mystery tailfin jutting straight out of the back. Huh.

* Speaking of the tailfin, the original box art and instructions<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/teletran.asp?coat=decepticon&year=1985 Botch's Transformers Box Art Archive, 1985 Decepticons page]</ref> depict it as being folded open to make a chestplate shield. The fin gets tucked away early during the transformation to keep it out of the way. However, the original animation model (and thus his other fictional appearances) show it tucked away in robot mode.

* While Astrotrain's original toy had a visor, his ''Classics'' toy, and most of his depictions in fiction, give him two eyes instead.

* Astrotrain, along with Cosmos and Omega Supreme, was one of three space-faring characters added to cartoon in 1985. In addition to the usual voice flanging given to the show's robotic characters, all three had an echoing reverberation applied to their voices, presumably to play up the "outer space" aspect.

*While Astrotrain does not appear in the ''[[Stormbringer]]'' comic series (due in part to him being on Earth at the time), the trade paperback includes a design sketch for a Triple Changer which appears to be intended as Astrotrain's pre-Earth Cybertronian form.

*In the [[IDW continuity|IDW ''Generation 1'' continuity]], Astrotrain's space shuttle is essentially a ''far'' more realistic rendering of a space vehicle, but his third mode has been upgraded to a diesel-electric six-axle locomotive resembling a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GE_U28C General Electric U28C model], along with custom features like red and purple headlights and a all-purple paint-job. It also has a Big F**king Gun mounted on the engine cowling. That's badass.

*Astrotrain believes that [[Fandom|those who worship Transformers]] are fools. {{storylink|The God Gambit}}

*The [http://powerrangers.wikia.com/wiki/Max_Solarzord Max Solarzord] of Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue was more than likely inspired by the infamous steampowered, high-flying stockboy.
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==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm Astrotrain at TFU.info]
*[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Astrotrain Original Hasbro Astrotrain, original Takara Astrotrain and Takara reissue Astrotrain at TF-1.com]
*[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Animeastro e-Hobby Astrotrain and original Astrotrain at TF-1.com]

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: E-Hobby]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Triple Changers]]<div id="wikia-credits"> From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</div>