Erector (G1)

Erector (giggle) is an Autobot Micromaster from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Maybe I should form a support group with Heave and Discharge.

Erector is horrified by the destruction of war, and goes out of his way to construct battle plans that minimize loss of life and collateral damage. Indeed, he will sometimes put himself at risk to save beautiful buildings or scenery. As a result, his fellow Autobots respect his reticence, not least because of his immense durability and strength. They also admire the cunning plans he uses to trap Decepticons without gunfire (many of them involving his trailer's hydraulic crane, which can throw 'Cons into the next county). As a construction engineer, he specializes in fortifications.

“	Everyone loses if there's nothing to win.	”
—The only thing Erector's ever said, from his bio quote.

Fiction

Zone story pages

When the ocean-covered world of Wall was attacked by Aquatic General King Poseidon and Saurian General Trypticon, Victory Saber charged into battle, but was quickly overwhelmed. Luckily, the four commanders, Overload, Erector (chuckle), Missile Bull, and Skywave arrived to save him. Commanding the Off Road, Jet, and Race Car Patrol Teams, they arrived in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber, and beat back the Decepticons. Zone Part 3

Hall of Fame bio

Once a member of the Constructicons, Erector was rejected in favor of Hook because he wasn't green. After helping win the battle of Tyger Pax through the power of being a superlative bullet magnet, Erector became known as the top Autobot engineer, designing the Armada Laserbeak Surveillance System and the Real Gear Quick Action Weaponry. Transformers Hall of Fame

Many of the Hall of Fame entries are skewed towards the new Aligned continuity. Erector's bio seems to lean this way as well, but as there is no such established character as Aligned Erector yet in any fiction, the entry has been placed here. Where it finally belongs is open to debate.

Commercials

He knows his place.

Erector was included in an army of Micromaster Autobots who swarmed and overwhelmed a Giant Decepticon Soldier. He was also part of a vast Micromaster city/society that could fit in the palm of Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand. [1]

Toys

Generation 1

If you experience an Erector lasting more than three hours, contact your doctor immediately.

• Erector (Micromaster Transport, 1989)
  • Accessories: Crane trailer

Erector transforms into a yellow semi cab pulling a relatively huge crane trailer. Being asymmetrical, the cab does not resemble traditional semi cabs, instead looking like the front end of a (one-piece) mobile crane, such as this Kato model. Despite their small size, Erector and his trailer have lots of sculpted detailing; e.g., he has windshield wipers 1/8th" (3.2mm) long. His fifth wheel (known as a "hitch" among fans) allows the cab to turn as it tows the trailer. The crane itself can be removed from the trailer, and connected directly to Erector's hitch.

Erector's transformation, as for most Micromasters, is trivial: flip his conjoined legs around, fold up his head, and you're done. His only articulation is at his (oddly-placed) hips, and shoulders. His crane trailer transforms into a battle station, with a double-barreled gun that Erector can man (though he can't grasp the handles).

• More information on Erector at TFU.info

Zone

• Cragun (Micro TF DX, 1990)
  • Accessories: Crane trailer

Erector was sold without changes a year later in Japan as "Cragun".

Notes

• According to Hasbro designer Joe Kyde's design notes on Hasbro's Transformers website, the original Movie Mudflap (not the twin) was initially going to use the unreleased Landslide deco, with the name "Sawtooth". It was decided that Landslide's deco wasn't realistic enough for the Movie toyline, so a new deco based on Erector was chosen. The names Sawtooth and Erector were unavailable, so he got stuck being Mudflap.
• His Japanese name, "Cragun", apparently comes from his trailer, which is a "crane-gun".
• As the word "Erector" in the domain of toys is thoroughly trademarked by Meccano Ltd for Erector Set construction toys, it is unlikely we'll be seeing the name on a Transformers toy again anytime soon. As a Hall of Fame nominee, his name was rendered as "Autobot Erector", presumably for this reason.
• Erector's Hall of Fame candidacy came about from a push by various Transformers message boards (notably TFW2005). Wonder why...
• His bio quote, above, is not technically the only thing he's ever said. His Hall of Fame nominee quote was, "Huh? What am I doing here?"

Foreign names

• Japanese: Cragun (クレーガン Kurēgan)
• French: Éregon