Since my son and I bond every Sunday afternoon over our shared love of Transformers, I’m always on the lookout for activities for my daughter and I to share.
Recently my daughter discussed how she would love a canopy bed like she had seen in various TV shows. Looking online, I could find nothing that would really suit her particular bed and bedroom set up.
So the thought occurred – lets make one together!
This design is super easy and pretty cheap to do. Even with all the materials it came to well under $100 (aud), purchasing most at Bunnings and the rest online and at a local Habberdasher. But the best part was it was something for us to do together.
The height, width & length can all be adjusted according to the size bed your canopy frame is y to go over. And if you wish to go basic you can certainly make do with 4 upright pipes, two for length and two for width. To add a little extra structural stability for the one my daughter and I made, I actually did 3 widths, cut the two lengths in half, thus making 4, and added a ribbon lengthways as well.
Who needs 3D computer modelling when one has a pencil & paper?
Because it’s so simple to make, and the materials are relatively inexpensive, you can really chop and change how you see fit.
For our design to cover a child’s tall single bed we did the following:
Materials
6 x 20mm PVC 3 Meter Pressure Pipes
2 x 20mm PVC Plain Tee
4 x 20mm EzyFit 3 Way PVC Joint
4x 20mm PVC End Caps
2 x Spray Paint Cans
1 x Canopy Cover
Method
1. Cut the piping into the following:
7 lengths of 1.05 Meters
4 lengths of 1.95 Meters
2. Spray paint the piping in the colour of your choice
(my daughter chose gloss pink)
3. Attach the End Caps to one end of the 1.95m lengths, attach the 3 Way Joints to the other end.
4. Attach two of the 1.05m lengths end to end with a Plain Tee. Do this again with two more.
5. With a helper, stand up the 1.95m lengths at each corner of the bed. Use the 1.05m pieces to span the width at the head and foot of the bed by inserting into the 3 Way Joints. Use the already joined other 1.05m lengths to span the width and insert into the Joints. Use the remaining 1.05m piece to connect the two Plain Tee’s across the middle of the bed.
6. Use 3m ribbon to tie from the centre of the bed foot frame to the centre of the head frame, wrapping around the middle pipe as you do.
7. Put canopy cover on top and drape over your frame.
And that’s it! Really simple and easy to do and a fun father-daughter activity to help fill in a weekend.
Please note: Due to signing NDA’s, there are no reviews of Transformers One in this post. The following discusses the Sydney showing in general terms and fans reactions. NO SPOILERS are contained in this piece, nor in the YouTube video at the bottom of this page.
Along with the US, UK and Mexico, some lucky Australian fans were treated to a Special Fan Screening of Transformers One, a full two months before the movie is set for general release.
It would break the laws of the universe to have a Transformers movie that did not contain Bumblebee
The Australian showing was at the Hoyts Entertainment Quarter in Sydney, the same place where Hasbro and Paramount held the Rise of the Beasts Preview Screening in 2023.
It was a fun and festive atmosphere, especially with so many children in attendance. There were large Transformer One displays, statues of the main characters and even the latest Robosen figures were on show.
“I admire strong women. So what are you doing after the show?”
Attendee’s were given gift bags containing popcorn, water, an Orion Pax toy and a couple of posters. Also all attendee’s were naturally required to sign Non-Disclosure agreements, as well as having their phones cloaked, in order for no spoilers to be leaked that could ruin the viewing experience for others when the movie goes to general cinema release in September.
However we are allowed to share fans general impressions of the movie, and many of those in attendance were kind enough to share their feelings with bigangrytrev.com
Below are the reactions of fans who viewed the film at the Sydney event. Note that neither Paramount or Hasbro has tried to dictate the positivity or negativity of the following. There is no information contained in the following about the plot of the movie that was not already known by the general public from the public trailers and press releases. Note we have also included a link to peoples reactions on our YouTube channel at the bottom of this page.
How fantastic to see Transformers movies return to the world of animation, something we haven’t seen since the beloved 1986 film! I enjoyed this movie on so many levels, as did my wife and children. Look forward to bringing you all a full review in September!
Objectively, this is the best Transformers movie we’ve gotten to date. Hands down the best Megatron origin story. Finally, a Transformers movie that my wife genuinely enjoyed as much as I did. I’ll pay to see it again. And for me, that’s saying something.
Jason G
Far and away the best Transformers movie (not including the ’86 movie) released to date. Cant wait to see it again!
I want a CD of the movie score, Brian Tyler crushed it! The visuals were so good that there were a couple scenes where I got sweaty palms from the heights. I think this is the transformers movie that a lot of fans have been waiting for, it didn’t feel as long as it was.
Bobby P
The only thing that sucks about this movie is that I have to wait another 2 months until I can watch it again.
David Q
It’s an action filled blockbuster that honestly is the best Transformers film ever to grace the big screen! We all love the 86’ film, but without the lens of nostalgia, it’s far from perfect. Whereas this is a literal roller coaster ride of DEEP TF lore, likeable characters and extraordinarily layered and nuanced writing. It’s really really REALLY bloody good!
Transformers One is a movie I wasn’t expecting to like as much as I did, but it is quite easily the best written Transformer movie ever. The comedy parts were done well and I laughed out loud quite a bit. There were also a lot of “oh wow” moments but I can’t say more than that until the general release. I can’t wait to see it again!
Ben K
Great Movie, great Character development. An Origin story that portrays the franchise fantastically. Finally a modern film that does the franchise justice!.
I believe this is the best transformers movie yet as there is actual character development, the film has depth and makes you feel for the each of the main characters and the story is fresh and engages you from minute one.
A whirlwind of fun, nostalgia and action giving Transformers fans young and old a story to enjoy. A new take on the origin story fans have always wanted with some clever nods to all that came before while forging its own direction. It exceeded my expectations and was able to offer some of the best character development we have seen in a Transformers movie. I can’t wait to watch it again.
Transformers One was a fun, fresh, colourful new beginning to a new era of Transformers that I am looking forward to seeing more of.
Craig M
Transformers One is fantastic. No notes. It’s what I want a Transformers movie to be. It’s what all Transformers fans want it to be. Go see it.
Jonathon H
High quality family fun. Great story. Fresh take on the back story of optimus and Megatron. Look forward to more stories in this world they have built.
Nathan A
I really enjoyed movie, loved the action and had fun picking out the references among the characters. Got a bit teary eyed during the some scenes (surely a sign of a good movie). Definitely looking forward to seeing it again.
The best piece of transformers media in a very long time. Stands right alongside with the Energon Universe and the first season of Earthspark as a titan of modern iterations of the franchise.
Of course we can’t forget the kids who were in attendance, lets get their thoughts too!
It’s been nice to see Takara revert to form in the last few years regarding minor changes and upgraded paint jobs. And this is most certainly evident in the latest Optimus Prime toy from Earthspark when compared to its Hasbro counterpart. So without further ado lets take a look at DX Battle Station Optimus Prime.
Robot Mode
Optimus is redeco of the Warrior-class version of the toy from last year, sporting a bright colour scheme and that signature Earthspark large mouthplate. The articulation is good and the flip-out battle axe is a nice touch. Just a shame he’s got the nose of the truck hanging off him like an oversized bum-bag.
Truck Mode
Nice looking, and the bright colour scheme will really appeal to younger fans. The arms are the letdown here. Not only does it leave a gap between the shoulders on the back of the truck cab, but they are a total pain in the arse during transformation as they need to clip into the cab, the nose and the tail of the truck, and often when doing one tab you cause another to come loose or accidentally jostle the opposing arm free. This makes what is otherwise a simplistic transformation quite fiddly and irritating.
Base Mode
The paintjob on this really sets it apart from its Hasbro counterpart as well as the Cyberverse versions this was lifted from. It’s a pretty cool looking base with lots of 5mm ports you can attach extra guns to and will accomodate a deluxe sized vehicle. It’s a shame that the big spring-loaded cannons come out the back of the base but this is necessary for the Battle Trailer Mode.
Trailer/Battle Trailer
It’s a good looking and well proportioned trailer. The ramp at the back folds down to allow deluxe-sized vehicles to enter the trailer cavity.
A spring-loaded mechanism allows to big guns to flip out at the front of the trailer, and the roof folds over to not only allow for a turret gun but also another transformer to stand in the trailer to operate it, giving it a lot of play value!
Overall
This figure is realitively cheap for its size and its abundance in Japan makes it easy to find and import. The only let downs are the transformation from robot to truck and overall it feels like the plastic is realitvely weak and cheaply made. However this is a really fun figure and is highly recommended!
Unboxing Video!
Check out the unboxing video below from our YouTube channel, and why not give a like & subscribe while you are there!
While my son and I are no strangers to YouTube and toy reviews, my daughter – not being Transformers-inclined – had yet to make the jump.
Well all that changed this weekend when Acacia presented a fun and facinating chat about the character Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. She informed viewers all about the character and the franchise as well as presenting some of her favorite figures!
Today I was very happy, after many delays on my end, to be interviewed by Leeny for his youtube channel Frostbite’s GI Joe Repro. However instead of discussing GI Joe’s, we discussed Transformers – evrything from how my hobby began to my most beloved figures to how I now share the hobby with my son.
So tune in and enjoy Big Angry Trev interviewed on Frostbite.
And dont forget to subscribe and check out some of the other great interviews on the Frostbite’s GI Joe Repro channel!
In what can be only be described as an impressive feat of electronic labour, Australian Transformer fan and prolific youtuber DrLockdown has created a video showcasing everysinglefigure from the War for Cybertron Trilogy. That’s right – every single toy from Siege, Earthrise and Kingdom is discussed in one video with an impressive runtime of over 4 hours – bring some popcorn kiddies!
But not only has DrLockdown completed this impressive task, he did so while including many of your favourite Transformer youtubers! Yes, literally dozens of Transformer reviewers contributed, discussing specific figures that they enjoyed from the War for Cybertron trilogy. And while many of these youtubers are from abroad, there is some home-grown Aussie talent in there as well, including Toy Reel and yours truly.
So get in your favourite comfy seat, crack an energon cube, sit back and enjoy DrLockdown’s impressive video: EVERY War For Cybertron Trilogy Figure.
Oh, and if you want to be a bit naughty and find my particular contribution, keep an eye out for review #23 near the end of the vid where I discuss a certain fiery fellow and his little friend 😉
If you would like to see more of DrLockdown’s reviews, you can check out all the other great videos on his youtube channel here.
I’m a Transformers collector. For quite a while now, people have been asking to see more than just photo’s of The Transformatorium, my specially built shed housing over 4000 Transformer figures! But doing a quick few vids with a camera phone to post online didn’t seem like it would really do the scope of the shed justice.
So in conjunction with Able Media Productions, for the first time we have proper footage of The Transformatorium in all its glory, as well as questions about the shed answered by yours truly.
The following video is the extended cut with 12 extra minutes of footage, showing through my personal collection a history of Transformers toys going back nearly 40 years!
I’ve been collecting Transformers for nearly 40 years. For quite a while now, people have been asking to see more than just photo’s of The Transformatorium, my specially built shed housing over 4000 Transformer figures! But doing a quick few vids with a camera phone to post online didn’t seem like it would really do the scope of the shed justice.
A film 39 years in the making
So in conjunction with Able Media Productions, for the first time we have proper footage of The Transformatorium in all its glory, as well as questions about the shed answered by yours truly.
Initial reports said the the Dunn Swamp Dam had burst its banks, though this was downgraded to it simply overflowing. However this overflow, combined with extremely heavy rains over the last several days, has caused the Cudgegong River to swell and overflow, becoming a roaring torrent rather than its usual sedate self.
To show how much more rain there had been compared to the last flooding, this time the Rylstone Showgrounds also flooded, one of the ovals becoming completely submerged and resembling more of a lake than a place to play football.
Find below two videos – one of the Cudgegong River itself taken from the John Hawkins Bridge, and the other of the Rylstone Showgrounds themselves.
And of course you can click the link below to compare the above videos to the flooding we experienced in March 2021. Who knows what will happen in March of 2023 – may be time to start investing in some sandbags.
