- "Welcome to the first Robot Wars Live Event. This show has got everything: spectacle, excitement, and, of course, the very best metal crunching carnage...
So dim the lights, cue the applause,
It's here, it's live -
It's Robot Wars!" - — Craig Charles, Robot Wars Live Event Official Souvenir Programme[3]
The Robot Wars Live Events (also referred to as Robot Wars Live or simply the live tour) were a series of eight Robot Wars events which took place between July and August 2001. Forming a nationwide tour across the United Kingdom, they served to promote and act as official qualifiers for Robot Wars: The Fifth Wars.
The Live Events were hosted by regular UK Series presenter Craig Charles along with returning Robot Mayhem host Andy Collins.[4] Both would provide commentary on battles and demonstrations, including the main qualifiers, with Charles also interviewing and handing over prizes to competing teams. Qualifier battles took the form of head-to-heads or melees in a similar format to the televised show. A specially-adapted version of the main Series 5 arena would be used, alongside House Robots and a limited number of hazards.[5]
Locations/Dates[]
| Venue | Dates |
|---|---|
| Glasgow SE&CC (Hall 3) | 18-19 July |
| Manchester Evening News Arena | 21-22 July |
| Cardiff International Arena | 25-26 July |
| Sheffield Arena | 28-29 July |
| Birmingham NIA | 1-2 August |
| Newcastle Arena | 4-5 August |
| London Arena | 7-8 August |
| Wembley Arena | 11-12 August |
General Description[]
A photo from the 2001 tour featuring Craig Charles, various House Robots and the RoboBabes
Like Robot Mayhem, the 2001 Live Events were open to the general public. Tickets were sold online and through a dedicated credit card bookings hotline. Each event took place over two days, with three shows per day in lunchtime, afternoon and evening slots.
A ticket for the Wembley Arena Live Event
At most shows, competing robots would be allocated into groups of four for the head-to-head qualifiers, referred to in the official souvenir programme as Metal Mayhem.[6] These would be structured in a two-round format, possibly analogous to the Heat Semi-Final and Heat Final stages of the televised series. Winners of the first two battles would compete against each other in the 'final', determining which robot would receive automatic qualification for The Fifth Wars. Regional 'championships' are also documented to have been integrated into the Metal Mayhem format; an example being the "North West Championship" awarded to winning competitors from the Manchester leg.[7] Alongside the head-to-heads, melee battles also regularly featured, usually with three or four competitor robots depending on availability.
Battles were typically won by knockout or a Judges' decision as in the televised series, though draws sometimes occurred if the Judges were unable to decide on a victor. Like Robot Mayhem, audience votes are also documented to have been cast prior to the announcement of certain decisions. Even with the aforementioned 'championship' formats, some robots did not receive a place in the televised series despite winning one or more of their qualifier matches.
As well as qualifier battles, the events included demonstrations in the arena performed by House Robots, plus guest appearances from competitors which had already been seeded for the then-upcoming Fifth Wars. Amongst those was reigning double UK champion Chaos 2, which was documented to have appeared at multiple events including the Cardiff, Sheffield, London and Wembley legs.[5][8][9][10] Seeded robots would not only appear in their own demonstrations (such as Chaos 2 itself), but also compete in some battles themselves to test potential hopefuls.[6]
Besides audience votes, an additional interactive component was present within one part of the main show. Titled 3-2-1- Activate!! in the souvenir programme, this took the form of a competition where audience members could win a chance to drive a robot in the arena. An audience member account from the London Arena leg describes one variation of this, with the 'driving' portion consisting of a Skittles-type challenge between two winning spectators.[6][11]
With 16 of the planned 24 seeds for The Fifth Wars already being decided, the Live Events were used to help determine the remaining eight.[12] Razer - which had already been billed in souvenir programmes as the provisional fifth seed - was promoted to become the fourth seed following its initial appearance at the London stage.[13][14][15]
The RoboBabes pose with the Mini Morg team
Alongside the main combat/demo events, a roller-skating act named the RoboBabes would perform choregraphed rap and dance routines in between the main arena enclosure and audience seating area. This usually occurred as additional entertainment during show introductions, though the souvenir programme - along with photographs taken by Team Cookie Monsters and Team Roaming Robots - suggests that they hosted arena events alongside Charles and Collins.[6][16][7]
Over 3,500 robots applied for The Fifth Wars in total. Of these, 900 were claimed to have auditioned through the Live Events, according to an official letter received by Team Panda following their unsuccessful qualification attempt. Both represented a substantial increase over equivalent figures from the preceding Robot Mayhem event.[1][2][17]
Due to the more intensive nature of the Live Event tour, some competitors with high-powered spinners were not allowed to use their weapons in the arena. This was applicable to robots such as Corkscrew, whose team were told not to use its full-body spinner by Senior Technical Consultant Derek Foxwell, out of concerns surrounding its damage potential.[18]
Arena[]
- Main article: Robot Wars Arena/Series 5-7
An audience member's perspective of the 2001 Live Event arena (Birmingham)
The arena used for the Live Events was a transportable variant of the Series 5 incarnation, as then recently used for Series 1 of Robot Wars Extreme and Season 1 of Robot Wars: Extreme Warriors. As it predated the televised premieres of both series, the tour effectively marked the first time that this arena would be showcased to the general public.
A major difference over the standard Series 5-7 configuration was a lower roof, ceiling and overhead lighting rig, the back outermost frames of which were suspended directly opposite the control pods. The lighting package was also significantly different to that used in the televised Fifth Wars, with predominantly red, orange, purple, blue and white lights, and a generally darker and more mysterious atmosphere.
Hazards in use included the Corner Patrol Zones (CPZs); the Flame Pit and jets, and the Pit of Oblivion. Alongside these, the arena was often filled with various static or scrap objects including barrels and metal cases, which is especially clear in photos and footage of various qualifiers.
House Robots[]
All of the core Series 5 House Robots - Shunt, Matilda, Dead Metal, Sergeant Bash and Sir Killalot (with an accompanying thunderclap sound effect every time the latter's name was mentioned) - attended the Live Events alongside Refbot, generally fulfilling the same roles as in Robot Mayhem and the televised series.[5][6][19][20] An additional House Robot, Dozer, was introduced to clear up the arena after each event,[21] though roboteer accounts confirm that Shunt was also used for a similar purpose on occasions.[22]
Audience member accounts confirm that, as part of his demonstrations, Sir Killalot would be used to close each show. The sequence, as seen in one of the 26 July Cardiff shows, would involve him cutting a set of 'electrical' wires - despite warnings from Craig Charles and the RoboBabes - and triggering a staged 'explosion'.[23]
Filming[]
The Live Events marked a rare instance in which footage of the qualifiers was professionally filmed and released to the public. Filming primarily took place to obtain various close-up and overhead shots for the live audience, displayed on large video projection rigs on each side of the arena enclosure.[24] Clips from the Cardiff International Arena leg were broadcast by BBC Wales Today during contemporary news reports on the tour, featuring Series 2 champion Panic Attack, an updated version of Evil Weevil, along with a demonstration fight between Sir Killalot and the sacrificial Teddybot.[19]
Magazine Competition[]
To promote the Live Events, a tie-in competition was run in the original Robot Wars Magazine, giving away VIP and regular tickets for all venues. Eight pairs of VIP tickets - one for each venue - would be received by the winners, which included:
- Behind-the-scenes access to The Pits and House Robot repair area.
- Opportunities to meet competitor and House Roboteers, Craig Charles, Andy Collins and the RoboBabes.
- An opportunity to drive a House Robot.
An equal number of regular tickets were awarded as runner-up prizes, along with ten copies of an unspecified video release signed by Charles.[5][25]
Running Order[]
The 'Running Order' below - which included an approximate 25-minute interval - was published in an official souvenir programme available to Live Event attendees. As some Live Events included qualifying and exhibition melees, amongst other arena events, the order and contents of this schedule are likely to have varied between different stages of the tour.[6]
Part One[]
- House Robot introductions.
- Matilda demonstration.
- Shunt demonstration.
- Metal Mayhem 1 - first head-to-head qualifier.
- Dead Metal demonstration.
- Metal Mayhem 2 - second head-to-head qualifier.
- Special Guest Appearance - usually involving a Star Robot (e.g. Chaos 2).
Part Two[]
- Sergeant Bash and Refbot demonstrations.
- 3-2-1- Activate!! - competition allowing audience members the chance to drive a robot in the main arena.
- Metal Mayhem Final - qualifier determining the show 'champion'; the winner would also potentially gain automatic qualification for The Fifth Wars.
- Sir Killalot demonstration.
Glasgow[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| CanOpener[26] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Edinburgh, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: Riccardo De Felix, Scott Garland, Martin Cook | ||
| Corkscrew[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Selkirk, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: John Heatlie, Lewis Heatlie & Laurence Heatlie | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hippobotomus[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Aberdour, Fife, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: Richie McBride, Alex McBride & Ellen McBride | ||
| Sub-Version[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Argyll and Bute, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: John Watson, Russell Scott & Gordon Walker | ||
| The Spider[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Mold, Flintshire | ||
| Team Members: John Udale, Robert Udale & Carol Udale | ||
Unspecified Dates[]
Corkscrew vs Sub-Version[]
In a quick battle, Corkscrew proved more aggressive throughout despite being forced to fight with its full-body spinner disabled. A collision enabled it to disable Sub-Version's spinning disc with a single impact, after which 'Cease' was called and Corkscrew deemed the winner.[18]
Winner: Corkscrew
Corkscrew vs Hippobotomus[]
Corkscrew quickly targeted the Team Torque machine's sandpit armour, removing large chunks out of the fragile shell with a few attacks. Though it is unclear whether these immobilised Hippobotomus as a whole, Corkscrew would emerge as the comfortable victor once again.[18]
Winner: Corkscrew (both robots qualified)
Corkscrew vs The Spider[]
Taking place towards the end of both robots' sessions, the fight began with Corkscrew ramming and bending The Spider's rotating spike weapons. The Spider responded by attacking Corkscrew multiple times, ultimately winning in spite of the damage it sustained.[18]
Winner: The Spider (Corkscrew qualified)
Manchester[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| Bangalore Bertie[7] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Bee-Capitator[27] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Barnsley, Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: John Nicholson, Martin Courtley & Gavin Barker | ||
| Bulldog Breed 3[28] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cannock, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Tony Somerfield, Robert Somerfield & Sean Bond | ||
| Cedric Slammer[29] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Preston, Lancashire | ||
| Team Members: Jason Alty | ||
| Derek![28] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Runcorn, Cheshire | ||
| Team Members: Ian Rotheram, Frank Rotheram & Andrew Groves | ||
| Kiss of Death[7] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Lambsy[29] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire | ||
| Team Members: Ian Lockhart, Scott Lockhart & Tony Tobbell | ||
| Mega Hurts[30] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Preston, Lancashire | ||
| Team Members: Dave Lund, Tony Lund & Gordon Keeling | ||
| T-Bone[7] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carlton, Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: Paul Gibbs, Angela Gibbs & John Findlay | ||
| The Stag[29][31] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Newcastle, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Terry Martin, David Martin & Mark Pepper | ||
| Trouble 'n' Strife[27] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Harborne | ||
| Team Members: Peter Forsey, Jake Forsey & Mike Stokes | ||
| Warrior's Revenge[27] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
21 July[]
Lambsy vs Cedric Slammer[]
Using its grabbing jaws, Lambsy was able to clamp the vertical disc of Cedric Slammer (referred to on the archived Team Coyote website as Cedric the Slammer), which caused the spinning weapon to stall. Lambsy proceeded to flip Cedric Slammer over, which was ultimately pitted by Shunt.[29]
Winner: Lambsy
Mega Hurts vs The Stag[]
In their brief write-up of The Stag's performance, Team Bodge-it revealed that their machine 'scratched and dented' Mega Hurts, while also removing the stickers displaying its name. While unable to severely damage the Series 2 veteran, The Stag was inferred to have won.[30]
Winner: The Stag
Lambsy vs The Stag[]
Lambsy entered this 'final' with damage to its flipping jaw, which could not be repaired in time by Team Coyote.[29]
The battle itself mostly consisted of a 'tense' pushing match between the two competitors, before Lambsy was able to get underneath and briefly carry The Stag on its back. Lambsy attempted to pit The Stag, but could not do so before 'Cease' was called, at which point the battle went to a Judges' decision.[29]
Craig Charles asked the audience as to which machine won, before announcing that it ended on a draw. Team Bodge-it felt that Lambsy was the victor nevertheless.[29]
Winner: Draw declared (Lambsy qualified)
Unspecified Dates[]
Bulldog Breed 3 vs Derek![]
According to Carl Morris, Bulldog Breed 3 quickly immobilised Derek! through knocking its battery connector link loose. The Series 4 Heat Finalist would go on to qualify as an unseeded machine. Despite its immobilisation, the showrunners were sufficiently impressed with the design of Derek! that they requested it to compete at the Sheffield event as well.[28]
Winner: Bulldog Breed 3 (both robots qualified)
T-Bone vs Kiss of Death[]
T-Bone and Kiss of Death in battle
According to the archived Team Roaming Robots website, T-Bone tore Kiss to Death 'to shreds', suggesting that it won in a highly destructive fashion.[7]
Winner: T-Bone
T-Bone vs Bangalore Bertie[]
T-Bone and Bangalore Bertie in battle
This head-to-head was considered the 'final' of the group involving these two robots. T-Bone, in a similar case to its previous battle, inflicted severe damage to Bangalore Bertie, to the extent that the latter was eventually 'stopped' or considered immobile. Upon being interviewed by Craig Charles, T-Bone and Team Butcher were declared to have won the "Robot Wars 2001 North West Championship", having emphatically secured their qualification for The Fifth Wars.[7]
Winner: T-Bone
Trouble 'n' Strife vs Bee-Capitator[]
Both robots met in the centre of the arena. However, Bee-Capitator's lack of a self-righting mechanism was exploited, and Trouble 'n' Strife easily flipped it. Although Bee-Capitator lost the match, both robots would go on to qualify for the series.[27]
Winner: Trouble 'n' Strife (both robots qualified)
Warrior's Revenge vs Unidentified hexagonal robot[]
Limited information is available on this fight, though both robots ended up falling into the pit simultaneously. A draw was declared, though it is likely that Warrior's Revenge qualified for the 'final' of its quadrant.[27]
Winner: Draw declared
Trouble 'n' Strife vs Warrior's Revenge[]
Based on the limited information available, Trouble 'n' Strife flipped Warrior's Revenge over, the latter reportedly unable to self-right. Trouble 'n' Strife not only won the battle and the "North West Championship", but also cemented its qualification for The Fifth Wars.[27]
Winner: Trouble 'n' Strife
Cardiff[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| Chaos 21 [9] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk | ||
| Team Members: George Francis, Ian Swann & Richard Swann | ||
| Chip[32] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Prestatyn, Wales | ||
| Team Members: Rob Jones & Gareth Jones[33] | ||
| Evil Weevil | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cwmbran, South Wales | ||
| Team Members: Kevin Pritchard & Ruth Poole | ||
| Hornet[34] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Maesglas, Gwent | ||
| Team Members: James Rowland | ||
| Kronic 2[35] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Beer, East Devon | ||
| Team Members: David Lang, John Land & Mike Gardner | ||
| Mini Morg | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Penclawdd, Swansea, Wales | ||
| Team Members: Dorian Caudy | ||
| Panic Attack1 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cwmbran, Gwent, South Wales | ||
| Team Members: Kim Davies | ||
| Pendragon[9][36] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cornwall | ||
| Team Members: Mark Rivron, Sean Oliver & Steve Trevena | ||
| Robofox[32][34] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Belmont, Hereford, Herefordshire | ||
| Team Members: Nick Pritchard, Judy Pritchard & Graham Pritchard | ||
| Ruf Ruf Dougal[9] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Shrivenham, Oxfordshire | ||
| Team Members: Peter Sturgess & Martin Sturgess | ||
1 Seeded robot.
26 July[]
Ruf Ruf Dougal vs Pendragon[]
This was the first of two battles from this date involving Ruf Ruf Dougal, whose team dreaded potential match-ups against UK Champions Chaos 2 and Panic Attack.[9]
The puncture marks left by Ruf Ruf Dougal on Pendragon
Ruf Ruf Dougal, despite its lack of srimech, was able to damage Pendragon's polycarbonate sides using its reciprocating spike. Conflicting accounts exist of the fight from that point forward. The Ruf Ruf Dougal website claims that it allegedly immobilised Pendragon within a couple of attacks, after which the Cornish machine was dumped into the pit. However, Pendragon team member Mark Rivron clarifies that his machine remained mobile, and both competitors drove out of the arena without any apparent issues.[9][36]
Needless to say, Ruf Ruf Dougal was still deemed the winner, which Rivron believed was on the basis of its flammable design.[36]
Winner: Ruf Ruf Dougal
Pendragon vs Unidentified opponents[]
Pendragon's second fight of the event was suggested by Mark Rivron to be a melee, involving it fight two as-yet unidentified opponents. However, it instead attempted to flip Shunt out of the arena, without success, ultimately sustaining damaging axe blows from the House Robot. The attacks initiated by Pendragon were reportedly enough to damage Shunt, though no further information on this battle is available.[36]
Winner: Unknown
Ruf Ruf Dougal vs Unidentified opponents[]
A burnt Ruf Ruf Dougal following its Cardiff melee
In this four-way melee, Ruf Ruf Dougal was suggested to have outlasted two of its opponents, after which one of the show's commentators began chanting for it to 'burn'. Shunt duly pushed Ruf Ruf Dougal over the Flame Pit where it was 'toasted', though Ruf Ruf Dougal would be 'fully rebuilt' in time for its Fifth Wars appearance.[9]
Winner: Unknown (Ruf Ruf Dougal qualified)
Panic Attack vs Pendragon vs Unidentified opponents[]
Described as a 'mass brawl' by Mark Rivron, it is known that Panic Attack and Pendragon were two of the competitors to be involved in this presumed melee bout.[36]
An error on Rivron's part ensured that Pendragon's link was not secured properly, leading to it suffering from a power shortage and 'intermittent drive' on one side. In spite of this handicap, Pendragon manoeuvred itself towards and attacked nearby competitors in the centre of the arena, before being turned over by Panic Attack at Rivron's request. At this point, Dead Metal attacked Pendragon, though Pendragon forcibly threw the House Robot off while self-righting, launching itself an alleged four feet into the air in the process.[36]
Eventually, Pendragon was pushed into the pit by an unspecified robot, though no further information on this battle is available.[36]
Winner: Unknown
Unspecified Dates[]
Panic Attack vs Evil Weevil[]
Panic Attack pushes an upturned Evil Weevil
In one of two qualifiers partially broadcast by BBC Wales Today, the updated Evil Weevil was at one point seen locking forks with those of Panic Attack. Kevin Pritchard's machine took the opportunity to strike the Series 2 champion with its newly-designed pneumatic claw, but was later overturned and unable to self-right. Panic Attack, pushing the now-inverted Evil Weevil across the arena, was declared the winner once its opponent was fully counted out.
Winner: Panic Attack
Evil Weevil vs Unidentified red, black and yellow lifter/bludgeoner[]
Evil Weevil is lifted by an unidentified opponent
The second televised qualifier involved Evil Weevil fighting an as-yet unidentified robot armed with a lifting arm and rear bludgeoner. A brief clip aired by BBC Wales Today confirms that the latter successfully outmanoeuvred and lifted the Series 3 Semi-Finalist for a few seconds using its arm. However, the outcome of this battle remains unknown.
A clip of the unidentified lifter/bludgeoner wedged underneath a case and being nudged by Shunt was also present in BBC Wales Today coverage. However, it is unclear which battle this originated from.
Winner: Unknown
Sir Killalot vs Teddybot (Demonstration)[]
- "Run Teddy, run Teddy, run, run, run!"
- — Craig Charles
Teddybot being lowered into the arena
Teddybot in battle with Sir Killalot
To an orchestral fanfare, the dual axe-wielding Teddybot was lowered into the arena from the ceiling during the demonstration shown by BBC Wales Today. However, it was soon set upon by Sir Killalot, who caught up with and began breaking bodywork sections off of Teddybot, leaving its mechanics exposed. Once this occurred, Sir Killalot quickly disposed of Teddybot by pushing it down the pit.
Demonstration fights between Sir Killalot and Teddybot - often resulting in the latter getting 'trashed' - were a recurring feature throughout the tour and the preceding Robot Mayhem event.[5][37]
Winner: Sir Killalot (demonstration)
Chip vs Robofox[]
During Chip's technical check - one of many conducted by George Francis throughout the tour - it was discovered that a relay wire snapped while the robot was being transported to the venue. Thus, its spinning disc was rendered non-functional.[32]
Robofox immobilised the weaponless Chip with multiple axe blows, after which the latter was pitted by Shunt. Team Xenomania captain Rob Jones explained to Craig Charles afterwards that Chip's defeat was likely caused by a damaged wire, prompting an exchange referencing his profession as a technology teacher.[32]
Winner: Robofox
Hornet vs Robofox[]
According to the South Wales Argus, Hornet was briefly mentioned as having finished 'second best' to Robofox, indicating a second victory for the latter. However, neither competitor would qualify.[34]
Winner: Robofox
Panic Attack & Evil Weevil vs Dead Metal & Shunt[]
Briefly mentioned in the South Wales Argus, this battle was suggested to be an exhibition match similar to the televised House Robot Rebellion events.[34]
Very limited information is available, other than that Panic Attack and Evil Weevil collaborated to defeat both of the House Robots. This cemented an 'unbeaten' run for Panic Attack at this event, while Evil Weevil was suggested in the same article to have qualified for The Fifth Wars alongside it. However, the latter would not appear in the series for unknown reasons.[34]
Winners: Panic Attack & Evil Weevil
Kronic 2 vs Mini Morg[]
Kronic 2 was simply stated as 'beating' the fellow Series 4 Heat Finalist by its team, though the Welsh Mini Morg would qualify for The Fifth Wars regardless as the 19th seed.[35]
Winner: Kronic 2 (both robots qualified)
Panic Attack vs Kronic 2[]
According to the Team Kronic website, Kronic 2 fought the Series 2 champions twice. During the first battle between this pair, the latter impressed the showrunners with its top flipper, resulting in a rematch taking place later on. The outcomes for both fights remain unknown, though Kronic 2 would qualify for the series alongside the already-seeded Panic Attack.[35]
Winner: Unknown (both robots qualified)
Sheffield[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| 13 Black2 [38] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Hinckley, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: John Denny, Richard Morris & Ken Wilson | ||
| Agent Orange[2] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Huddersfield | ||
| Team Members: Peter Duncanson & Phil Duncanson | ||
| Black Knight[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Doncaster, South Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: Steve Parker | ||
| Brute Force and Ignorance[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Chaos 21[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk | ||
| Team Members: George Francis, Ian Swann & Richard Swann | ||
| Derek![28][39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Runcorn, Cheshire | ||
| Team Members: Ian Rotheram, Frank Rotheram, Andrew Groves & Carl Morris | ||
| DrillaKilla[28] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Hammer & Tong[40] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Market Rasen, Lincolnshire | ||
| Team Members: Stewart Smith, Oliver Smith & Paul Schmidt | ||
| Immortalis[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Ossett, West Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: Colin Scott, Stephen Keating & Jordan Keating | ||
| Obsidian[40][41] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Mickleover, Derby | ||
| Team Members: Phil Upton, Steve Coley & Jake Orton | ||
| S.M.I.D.S.Y.[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Maidstone, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Robin Bennett, Alan Coubrough & John List | ||
| Storm Force[41][42] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Methley, Leeds, Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: David Bewley Adam Bodenham Colin Carter | ||
| Trident[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Shipley, Bradford | ||
| Team Members: Robert McDougall & Steve Mitchell | ||
| Viking[39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
1 Seeded robot. 2 Did not compete due to weight, link and weapon system issues, but qualified after impressing event organisers with its design.
28 July[]
Obsidian vs Hammer & Tong[]
Upon entering the arena, Obsidian's axe began firing spontaneously as a result of suspected radio or electrical interference issues. This, however, had the effect of making Hammer & Tong distance itself from Obsidian during the opening moments of the fight, in an attempt to avoid taking damage to its polycarbonate armour.[40]
A close encounter between the two robots allowed Obsidian's titanium axe to accidentally 'split' one of Hammer & Tong's armour panels. In response, Hammer & Tong bent part of Obsidian's chassis upon swinging its arm down onto its side. Obsidian - now properly responding to transmitter inputs - axed Hammer & Tong again, its axe head firmly embedded in the Series 4 returnee. Taking advantage of this, Obsidian manoeuvred Hammer & Tong into the pit, securing its first win of the event.[40]
Winner: Obsidian
Obsidian vs Storm Force[]
Prior to the battle - taking place during the afternoon show - Obsidian's aerial was replaced in an attempt to rectify its interference issues. This change proved successful as the axe did not start firing on its own upon the robot being driven into the arena.[42]
An early pushing match led to Obsidian axing Storm Force multiple times, though without inflicting any significant damage. Storm Force - itself suffering technical issues with its axe and flipper - drove into Shunt's CPZ and took minor damage from the House Robot's axe. Obsidian took the chance to axe Storm Force a few more times before it escaped, after which both competitors resumed their pushing match.[42][41]
Obsidian, landing more axe blows in the process, proceeded to push Storm Force over the Flame Pit. Smoke began pouring from the Methley machine, which was later revealed to have been produced by specially-placed canisters inside the robot. Towards the end, Craig Charles entered The Obsidian Alliance's control pod to watch the battle himself.[42]
'Cease' was called and the fight went to a Judges' decision. Obsidian was declared the winner, though both robots would ultimately qualify for the same Heat in The Fifth Wars.[42]
Winner: Obsidian (both robots qualified)
Storm Force vs Unidentified opponent[]
Storm Force's encounter with Shunt prompted a grudge in its second qualifier - an evening show battle against an as-yet unknown opponent. Upon immobilising its opponent with its axe, Storm Force attempted to pit the House Robot before axing him multiple times. In response, Shunt axed Storm Force once again, before turning it over and pinning it under his own weight. Though Storm Force was unable to self-right, its opponent had long been defeated, even after regaining mobility following the 30-second immobilisation period.[41]
Winner: Storm Force
S.M.I.D.S.Y. vs Derek! vs Black Knight[]
Prior to the melee - the last fight of the Saturday afternoon session - an agreement was settled between Team Ixion and Team Derek, whereby they would use their machines to hold and destroy Black Knight's decorative 'head'.[39]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. initially teamed up with Derek! to attack Black Knight, an exchange which also resulted in interference from Shunt. The returning Series 4 Heat Finalist proceeded to hit Derek! with its rear disc, the force being sufficient to dislodge the latter's removable link. In the background, Shunt 'finished off' Black Knight before proceeding to attack S.M.I.D.S.Y. The House Robot punctured S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s top panel and newly-installed Cyclon battery seconds before the battle ended. S.M.I.D.S.Y. emerged victorious anyway, and would be selected as a reserve for the Sunday shows.[39]
Winner: S.M.I.D.S.Y. (Derek! also qualified)
29 July[]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. vs Brute Force and Ignorance[]
Team Ixion encountered an early problem with S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s transmitter, which was low on battery power prior to the head-to-head commencing. This lead to a moment where S.M.I.D.S.Y. accidentally moved at the start of the countdown once the transmitter was switched back on. Unlike its appearance at Robot Mayhem, however, the Team Ixion machine would not be admonished or penalised for a false start.[39][43]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. overcame this setback to ram, push and attack Brute Force and Ignorance with its disc, the elephant-themed machine eventually becoming immobilised. After this point, S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s transmitted lost all power. However, the robot kept driving across the arena and spinning as a result of radio interference, a matter Craig Charles inquired about while interviewing Team Ixion afterwards.[39]
On their website, Team Ixion elaborated that, by leaving the transmitter off, they were eventually able to steer S.M.I.D.S.Y. away from Shunt and 'park' it over the Flame Pit. It was also revealed that - up to this point in the Sunday shows - both of S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s discs sustained damage upon contact with Shunt's chassis.[39]
Winner: S.M.I.D.S.Y.
S.M.I.D.S.Y. vs Immortalis vs Trident vs Viking[]
Upon its entry into the arena, Immortalis suffered control issues which resulted in it damaging part of the set decorations for the arena.[39]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. immediately used its disc to immobilise Trident before pitting it, while Immortalis continued to suffer steering issues which caused it to damage itself. Viking - despite running without an active spinner - engaged in battle with S.M.I.D.S.Y., at which point the latter became immobilised due to low battery power. S.M.I.D.S.Y. was pushed into a CPZ and axed by Shunt once more, but held its ground by attacking him and Viking with its disc. Viking thus emerged as the winner, which Team Ixion later felt they should have attacked to start with.[39]
Following the event's conclusion, S.M.I.D.S.Y., Derek! and Immortalis would all be selected for The Fifth Wars, the former competing as the 24th seed.
Winner: Viking (S.M.I.D.S.Y. and Immortalis qualified)
Unspecified Dates[]
Derek! vs DrillaKilla[]
Based on the very limited information available, Derek! comfortably won against the 'mighty' DrillaKilla, ensuring its qualification and continued development for its Fifth Wars debut.[28]
Winner: Derek!
Birmingham[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| 8645T[44][45] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Lichfield, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: John Lear, John Lear Jr. & James Wood | ||
| Atomic 2[46] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Nr Bewdley, Worcestershire | ||
| Team Members: Stephen Bebb, Paul Francis & David Bebb | ||
| Axe-Awe[47] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Langport, Somerset | ||
| Team Members: Gilbert Grimm, Robert Grimm & Adrian Moore | ||
| Chompalot[48] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Derby | ||
| Team Members: Simon Cook, Debs Cook & James Cook | ||
| Haardervark[49] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Staffordshire & East Midlands | ||
| Team Members: Owen Barwick, Mike Evans & Steve Farley | ||
| Kan-Opener3 [50][44][45] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: West Bromwich | ||
| Team Members: Andy Kane, Tom Kane & Alistair O'Neil | ||
| R.I.P.P.E.R.4 [51] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carlton, Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: John Findlay, Paul Gibbs & Dave Findlay | ||
| Spectre 2[52] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Spirit of Knightmare[48] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Coalville, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: Nigel Paget, Malcolm Summers & Lee Summers | ||
| Tiger Shark[46] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Shaun Wilson, Paul Kitchener & Darren Kimber | ||
3 Stated to have fought no fewer than five robots (including 8645T) throughout the weekend. 4 Withdrew due to technical issues; later competed at the Newcastle event.
1 August[]
Atomic 2 vs Tiger Shark[]
Atomic 2 flipped Tiger Shark over multiple times, though the latter was often able to self-right in response. Towards the end, Tiger Shark became stranded against the side wall, allowing Atomic 2 to throw it out of the arena. The Series 4 Heat Finalist ultimately secured its place in The Fifth Wars as the 22nd seed.[46]
Winner: Atomic 2
2 August[]
8645T vs Kan-Opener[]
Kan-Opener damaged 8645T with its crushing claws before pitting it; however, one of Kan-Opener's claws was still lodged in 8645T when it pitted it and was judged to have held on to its opponent too long so 8645T won the subsequent Judges' decision.[44][45][53] Both robots would be selected to compete in the televised Fifth Wars regardless.
Winner: 8645T (both robots qualified)
Spectre 2 vs Haardervark[]
Very little information is known, other than the battle boiled down to a pushing match until Haardervark broke down so the former Robotic Soccer competitor. In spite of this, Spectre 2 did not qualify.[52][53]
Winner: Spectre 2
Chompalot vs Spirit of Knightmare[]
From the outset, Spirit of Knightmare suffered mobility issues, giving Chompalot an advantage as it rammed the returning Series 4 Heat Finalist 'a couple of times'. Team Cookie Monsters realised as this point that their machine's crushing jaw was set too high for it to pierce its opponent. Chompalot accidentally reversed into Shunt while preparing for another ram, becoming immobilised through this collision. The House Robot pushed Chompalot for a few moments, before Spirit of Knightmare - still struggling to move - managed to pit it.[48]
While neither robot would qualify for the series, Craig Charles would later present Chompalot's James Cook with a goody bag to make up for its loss.[48]
Winner: Spirit of Knightmare
Unspecified Dates[]
Additional Kan-Opener qualifiers[]
According to its team's archived website, Kan-Opener took on five robots in total during the entire event (possibly including Arnold A. TermineggerCitation? ) and only received damage from an axe blow from an unknown opponent.[50]
Newcastle[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| CanOpener[26] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Edinburgh, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: Riccardo De Felix, Scott Garland, Martin Cook | ||
| Dynachrome[54] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Terry Kid, Derek Wilson & Martyn Wilson | ||
| General Carnage 2[55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Lothian Way, Hull | ||
| Team Members: Nigel Sealey, Sarah Burton & Nik Sealey | ||
| Loggerhead[1][54] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bowes, County Durham | ||
| Team Members: Anthony Hobson, Chris Tipping, Reuben Gibson | ||
| Mute[31][55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Adam Emmett & Daniel Emmett | ||
| R.I.P.P.E.R.[51] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carlton, Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: John Findlay, Paul Gibbs & Dave Findlay | ||
| S3[1][54] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Donisthorpe, Swadlincote, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: Dave Barker, Ian Pritchard & Pete Allsopp | ||
| Storm5 [56] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Ipswich | ||
| Team Members: Ed Hoppitt | ||
| The Alien[51] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Heath Hayes | ||
| Team Members: Karl Asplin, Sarah Asplin & Andrew Cope | ||
| The Stag[31] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Newcastle, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Terry Martin, David Martin & Mark Pepper | ||
5 Did not compete.
4 August[]
S3 vs Loggerhead[]
Taking place during the Saturday afternoon show, the battle uncovered initial control and failsafe issues with S3, leaving the 1 Law Associates machine prone to sudden stoppages.[54]
Loggerhead took advantage of this by grabbing and piercing S3's main chassis, demonstrating its five-ton hydraulic jaws. This attack caused both competitors to stick together, requiring separation from the House Robots. Once this occurred, S3 recovered by causing serious damage to Loggerhead's aluminium plating, the attacks eventually immobilising Loggerhead during the final minute.[54][1]
- "We were very chuffed with our performance... We made a good show of ourselves and did substantial damage to an experienced team. We are absolutely delighted, and thrilled at the great reception we got."
- — Anthony Hobson, reflecting on Loggerhead's performance and audience response[1]
Winner: S3
Dynachrome vs Unidentified opponent[]
Dynachrome - described by the 1 Law Associates as a 'powerful looking', four-wheel drive robot armed with a scoop/flipper - is known to have won this qualifier to face S3 in the Saturday afternoon 'final'.[54]
Winner: Dynachrome
S3 vs Dynachrome[]
The Saturday afternoon 'final' brought about more control issues for S3, forcing Ian Pritchard to keep it as close to the 1 Law Associates' side of the arena as possible. Exchanges with the Dynachrome team also revealed similar issues concerning the latter.[54]
- "This was to prove a spectacular bout when S3's disc made contact as pieces of robot flew high in the air. We were startled at one point when a section clattered down onto our control booth before bouncing off the roof and landing on the cameraman behind us!"
- — The 1 Law Associates, recalling S3's attacks on Dynachrome[54]
Irrespective of this, S3 put on a highly destructive display, sending several pieces of Dynachrome's armour flying across the arena and - at one point - onto the roof of the 1 Law Associates' control pod. This segment bounced off and landed on the cameraman stationed in the booth itself. S3 would go on to win the battle, securing its place in the televised Fifth Wars.[54]
Winner: S3
Unspecified Dates[]
General Carnage 2 vs Mute[]
Very little information is available on the outcome of this battle. However, General Carnage 2 would qualify for the televised series while Mute did not; the latter reportedly as a result of 'a mix-up' during the robot selection process.[55]
Winner: Unknown (General Carnage 2 qualified)
R.I.P.P.E.R. vs The Alien[]
Initially, both robots were reported to be evenly matched, with R.I.P.P.E.R. supposedly dealing a 'small amount of ripping' to its opponent using its spinning discs. However, The Alien immobilised R.I.P.P.E.R. with one blow from its spinning hammers, which was enough to dislodge a wire from within the latter. The Alien would qualify for the televised show, though Team Roaming Robots had already qualified as well with T-Bone (see above).[51]
Winner: The Alien
London[]
The Barbaric Response website claims that an estimated 3,000 spectators attended the 7 August shows. However, a number of robots which were intended to compete pulled out at the last minute, leaving only six competitors to fight that day.[57]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| Aggrobot 3[11] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Dorking, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Peter Leach, Bob Leach & Jon Leach | ||
| Anthrax[58] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cranbrook, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Martin Gutkowski, Joe Gibson & Richard Johnstone | ||
| Barbaric Response[57] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Horsham, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Zac Barber, Damian Barber & Bruce Barber | ||
| Big Pants[2] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Burgess Hill, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Pete Collier | ||
| Chaos 21 [58] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk | ||
| Team Members: George Francis, Ian Swann & Richard Swann | ||
| Darke Destroyer 3[59] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Romsey, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Rob Darke & Chris Darke | ||
| Full Metal Bucket[11] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Goldeneye[60] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Gravedigger[61] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk | ||
| Team Members: Jonathan Chaplin, Dave Chaplin & Chris Peacher | ||
| Killertron 2[57][58] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Maidstone, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Richard Broad, Abdul Degia & Ian Degia | ||
| Lightning[60] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Hornchurch, Greater London | ||
| Team Members: Laurie Calvert & Richard De Smedt | ||
| On Guard[61] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Prizephita Mach 2[58] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Kesgrave | ||
| Team Members: Roy Alcock, Eddy Alcock & Bill Morse | ||
| Razer1 7 [60] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bournemouth, Dorset | ||
| Team Members: Ian Lewis, Simon Scott & Vincent Blood | ||
| Reactor 2[58] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Birstall, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: Russell Orton, Daniel Orton & Martin Crouch | ||
1 Seeded robot. 7 Also used in "guest" House Robot roles.
7 August[]
Barbaric Response vs Killertron 2[]
During preparations for this battle, the original CO2 bottle fitted in Barbaric Response was found to be out of date, requiring replacement. A second bottle - leant to Team Barber by the House Roboteers - was fitted improperly, causing a leak which rendered its flipper and spike inactive.[57]
The now-weaponless Barbaric Response resorted to ramming Killertron 2 from the outset, though it initially exhibited control issues by slamming into the side walls at opposite ends of the arena. Once Damian Barber instructed captain Zac to slow down, it was able to briefly 'connect' with Killertron 2, which responded with an axe attack on the newcomers. Barbaric Response rammed Killertron 2 a few more times, which were sufficient to disable the veteran's drive as it was left against the side wall.[57]
Upon trying to ram Killertron 2 again, Barbaric Response instead drove into the same wall section. The force of the impact sent the latter into a small 'cartwheel' - causing it to partially land on top of Killertron 2 - and threw a nearby barrel out of the arena. Both competitors were promptly separated by Shunt, though Barbaric Response began tearing up floor panels as it manoeuvred away from the scene. Barbaric Response, with victory now seemingly certain, charged at Shunt and managed to outpace him in the ensuing chase.[57]
Once the pit descended, Barbaric Response attempted to push Killertron 2 down, but started losing drive power. Shunt, capitalising on this, attacked Barbaric Response in 'revenge', pitting the Team Barber machine before piling Killertron 2 on top of it. A Judges' decision was called, ruling Barbaric Response the winner on style, control and aggression. However, it would ultimately not qualify for the series, nor did Killertron 2, in spite of the latter's status as a former Grand Finalist.[57]
Winner: Barbaric Response
8 August[]
Lightning vs Razer[]
Lightning and Razer are prepared for battle
This head-to-head was dominated by Razer, which entered as a substitute for an unidentified competitor which 'broke down'. The double World Champion pierced Lightning no fewer than five times, though Laurie Calvert's machine survived the duration with its drive and flipper still fully functioning.[60][62]
An alternative account of this battle features in Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, which mentions that Sergeant Bash was the allocated House Robot. Here, Razer was claimed to have immobilised Lightning - contrary to Calvert's statements - before the pit descended in response to crowd chants. Sergeant Bash left his CPZ to grab, drag and dump Lightning into the opened hazard according to the book's description.[63]
Winner: Razer
Lightning vs Goldeneye[]
Very limited information is available, though Lightning repeatedly flipped the invertible Goldeneye around while sustaining damage from the latter's front spinner. The attacks were eventually sufficient to immobilise Goldeneye, awarding Lightning the victory.[64][60]
Winner: Lightning
Gravedigger vs Lightning vs On Guard vs Razer vs Shunt vs Unidentified sixth robot[]
Five of the six machines duel
Razer attacks Shunt (foreground), while Gravedigger (background) fights On Guard and Lightning
The unidentified robot (left) keeps clear as Lightning and On Guard battle each other
Taking place purely as an exhibition melee, photographs from the event illustrate moments where five of the six robots started close together, and separate duels took place between the competitor and House Robots. Notably, Razer attempted to grasp Shunt, while Gravedigger, Lightning and On Guard were engaged in their own two or three-way scraps. Laurie Calvert recalled that Razer also attacked Lightning at one point, and at least one competitor fell into the pit. Lightning was confirmed to have 'survived' the full duration, though the exact outcome is unknown.[61][60][62]
Of these competitors, Razer and Gravedigger were both selected to compete in The Fifth Wars, the former as the fifth,[13] later fourth seed.
Winner: Unknown (exhibition fight)
Unspecified Dates[]
Aggrobot 3 vs Full Metal Bucket[]
Described by audience accounts as being similar in design to The Morgue and Storm Force, Full Metal Bucket initially hung back by its side of the arena, seemingly unable to drive in a straight line. Aggrobot 3 was also slow to initiate a 'clean' attack until both machines met, and proceed to ram the newcomer's sides while the latter tried unsuccessfully to use its pneumatic lance. The experienced Dorking machine soon had Full Metal Bucket pinned against the top wall, and lifted it momentarily. This was before Shunt took over, as it blocked Full Metal Bucket, trapping it into an empty CPZ and damaging with its axe. The newcomer was eventually released but couldn't continue as 'Cease' was announced. An audience decision was subsequently cast, unanimously ruling in favour of Aggrobot 3.[11]
Winner: Aggrobot 3
Darke Destroyer 3 vs Unidentified opponent[]
Very limited information is available, other than that Darke Destroyer 3 displayed very little activity and lost power after the first minute. Dead Metal attacked and pitted Darke Destroyer 3 - a previous series Heat Finalist - following its immobilisation.[59]
Winner: Unidentified opponent
Prizephita Mach 2 vs Reactor 2 (early afternoon)[]
Initially, both competitors fought in the early afternoon qualifier sessions, with Prizephita Mach 2 flipping Reactor 2 multiple times to begin with. Aside from trying to fend off Prizephita Mach 2's repeated attacks with the rear axe, Reactor 2 successfully rolled back onto its wheels on each occasion. Eventually, Reactor 2 managed to turn its fortunes around by flipping Prizephita Mach 2 and winning by knockout.[11]
Winner: Reactor 2 (both robots qualified)
Prizephita Mach 2 vs Reactor 2 (late afternoon)[]
A 'rematch' between these two robots occurred later the same day, taking place during the late afternoon show. This was one of Prizephita Mach 2's qualifiers to be highlighted in an Ultimate Real Robots magazine article. Despite apprehension from Roy Alcock prior to the fight, the Kesgrave machine started strongly by again flipping Reactor 2 multiple times, with one attack briefly leaving Reactor 2 stranded on its back. Prizephita Mach 2 came in to re-right Reactor 2, but bent its 'self-righting spike' in the process. Regardless, it would go on to win the battle, with both machines ultimately qualifying for The Fifth Wars.[65]
Winner: Prizephita Mach 2 (both robots qualified)
Prizephita Mach 2 vs Anthrax[]
Anthrax - referred to in Ultimate Real Robots by its later name Draven - suffered a radio link failure which immobilised it completely. Prizephita Mach 2 would emerge victorious once again, while Shunt is reported to have lifted Anthrax out of the arena. Anthrax/Draven would nevertheless get to appear in a televised competition after this qualifier, through its Wild Card Warriors battle in Extreme Series 1.[65]
Winner: Prizephita Mach 2
Reactor 2 vs Aggrobot 3[]
This match was the 'final' for the early afternoon qualifier sessions involving Reactor 2. A pre-battle interview stated that Reactor 2 had previously intended to appear at the Birmingham leg, but withdrew at the last minute due to issues concerning its batteries. Fellow competitor Razer made a 'guest' appearance as a second House Robot alongside Shunt.[13][11]
From the outset, Reactor 2 proved more dominant, flipping Aggrobot 3 over multiple times, including a few axe hits as the latter tried to ram it back. At some point, Razer 'grappled' with Aggrobot 3 - echoing the pair's Series 3 battle - and Shunt pursued the still-active Reactor 2 across the arena. Reactor 2 pressed the pit release button, securing victory and series qualification once Razer pushed Aggrobot 3 in.[11]
Winner: Reactor 2
Skittles Challenge[]
In this segment - spiritually similar to the former Skittles Trial - two audience members were tasked with driving a robot through a row of barrels in a slalom-type course. House Roboteer Chris Reynolds was present to help audience members control and guide the machine through the course; barrels needed to be knocked down within a given time limit. An audience member account suggests that the robot itself was painted yellow, with a similar appearance to an unnamed stock robot photographed at the Wembley Arena leg.[11]
Chaos 2 Demonstration[]
As briefly mentioned in Ultimate Real Robots, Chaos 2 is described at one point as having flung a tyre into one of the arena lights.[65]
Matilda Demonstration[]
Briefly mentioned in Ultimate Real Robots, one of Matilda's known demonstrations involved her cutting up logs with her chainsaw, similarly to those performed at Robot Mayhem. The magazine's description of her appearance and maintenance suggests that this utilised the alternative rebuilt model seen in Extreme Warriors and Nickelodeon Robot Wars.[66]
Razer/Shunt Demonstration[]
Occurring after the audience Skittles contest, Razer initially pierced some scrap metal, before being turned over by Shunt in preparation for a srimech demo. Unfortunately, Shunt's scoop got lodged on top of Razer following the lift, pinning the World Champion in place and effectively stranding himself in the process. Razer desperately raised its claw up and down to help free the House Robot, but only succeeding in overturning itself completely and remained stuck.[11]
Sir Killalot vs Teddybot (Demonstration)[]
Though successfully avoiding Sir Killalot's initial manoeuvres, Teddybot eventually had both of its wooden axes cut off by the House Robot's claw. The sacrificial machine then dived into the pit on its own accord to avoid taking further damage.[11]
Winner: Sir Killalot (demonstration)
Wembley[]
Similarly to the London leg, this event saw the temporary allocation of Razer as a House Robot, an arrangement publicised in the original Robot Wars Magazine. The recently-promoted fourth seed appeared in numerous battles throughout the weekend against other potential series hopefuls.[5]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifiers and/or exhibition events.
| Aggrobot 3[67] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Dorking, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Peter Leach, Bob Leach & Jon Leach | ||
| Barber-Ous[15] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Horsham, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Simon Rafferty, Guy Radford & Christopher Watts | ||
| Chaos 21 [5] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk | ||
| Team Members: George Francis, Ian Swann & Richard Swann | ||
| Demolition Doris[68] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Redhill, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Mike Phillipson, James Phillipson & Laurie Phillipson | ||
| Hydra8 [69] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: East Hagbourne, Oxfordshire | ||
| Team Members: Dennis Leadbeater, Andrew Leadbeater & Frances Leadbeater | ||
| Gahra[70] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cambridge | ||
| Team Members: Jonathan Pillai, Gary Ewer & Phil Jones | ||
| Granny's Revenge[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Charvil, Reading | ||
| Team Members: Trevor Andrew, Phillip Andrew & George Andrew | ||
| Inverterbrat[15] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Woking, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Peter Bignell & Les Wall | ||
| M2[71][22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Totton, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Katie Cooper & Paul Cooper | ||
| Purple Predator[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Charvil, Reading | ||
| Team Members: Trevor Andrew, Phillip Andrew & George Andrew | ||
| Rattus Rattus[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Guernsey | ||
| Team Members: Gary Pike & Richard Ozanne | ||
| Razer1 9 [5][22][71][15] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bournemouth, Dorset | ||
| Team Members: Ian Lewis, Simon Scott & Vincent Blood | ||
| Roobarb[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bedfont, Middlesex | ||
| Team Members: Josh Pinto, Lee Simpson & Mark McIntyre | ||
1 Seeded robot.
8 Won two qualifier battles against unidentified opponents.
9 Allocated as House Robot for some battles.
11 August[]
Gahra vs Unidentified snake-themed robot[]
Prior to this battle, both robots were found to be overweight; Gahra weighing 115kg due to 'excess metal' in its hastily-built spinning drum.[70]
The damage dealt by Gahra to its unidentified opponent
Gahra - untested and suffering control issues during its arena entry - spun its drum up and spent the opening moments 'dancing' around its opponent. It proceeded to land multiple blows, damaging the snake-themed robot's lifter and chassis angle brackets. One of these impacts allowed Gahra to immobilise its opponent through removing its link, securing it victory.[70]
Despite not qualifying for The Fifth Wars, Gahra's performance impressed lead House Roboteer Chris Reynolds, who believed it would be a 'winner' providing that the team could overcome its control issues. The robot itself - in modified form - would eventually compete in Series 6-8 and Extreme Series 2 as Infernal Contraption.[70]
Winner: Gahra
M2 vs Roobarb[]
This was one of two head-to-heads involving the Team Technobots machine, which was suffering from control issues along with a leak for its air-powered flipper.[71] Similar problems affected Roobarb, which encountered radio interference issues and a frozen regulator for its CO2 system.[22]
Roobarb started the battle strongly by ramming M2 a few times, only for M2 to get underneath and flip it over while its flipper was not functioning properly. M2 was declared the winner in both of its battles, but neither robot was selected to compete.[71][22]
After this battle, Shunt turned Roobarb back onto its wheels, though not without breaking one of its gearbox motors prior to its return to The Pits.[22]
Winner: M2
Granny's Revenge vs Purple Predator vs Rattus Rattus vs Razer vs Roobarb vs Shunt[]
Prior to the start of this exhibition melee, all roboteers were preemptively instructed to set Purple Predator and Granny's Revenge on fire.[22]
Roobarb, still slightly affected by gearbox damage from its previous fight, engaged in battle with Razer and Shunt as the melee progressed. At some point, Purple Predator caught fire and Granny's Revenge was 'ripped to bits'. Meanwhile, Roobarb pitted Shunt and Razer within a minute of each other, though the latter was able to escape as it did not completely fall in. The pit was soon raised back up to free the House Robot.[22]
Razer, upon being freed, pierced Roobarb's shell multiple times, as did Shunt moments later. At some point, Roobarb was pushed into the pit, which on this occasion was not raised back up again.[22]
Following this battle, Granny's Revenge ironically became the only competitor to qualify alongside the already-chosen Razer.
Winner: Unknown (exhibition fight; Granny's Revenge and Razer qualified)
M2 vs Razer vs Unidentified opponents[]
During this evening melee, M2 demonstrated Paul Cooper's improved driving by ramming various opponents. However, the Team Technobots machine would eventually get pitted by Razer, and would not qualify despite its earlier head-to-head victories. No other information on the battle is currently known.[71]
Winner: Unknown
12 August[]
Aggrobot 3 vs Barber-Ous[]
According to Simon Rafferty, Barber-Ous left 'a big gash' in the titanium shell Aggrobot 3 received for this qualification attempt. Despite Barber-Ous presumably emerging as the winner, Rafferty would later feel 'guilty' as the damage inflicted upset one of the Team Aggrobot members.[67]
Winner: Barber-Ous
Barber-Ous vs Razer[]
Very limited information is available on this battle. However, the Team Rotraktor website confirms that Razer succeeded in avoiding their full-bodied drum and piercing through its polyethylene armour layer.[15]
Winner: Unknown (both robots qualified)
Barber-Ous vs Inverterbrat[]
Barber-Ous started well by throwing and causing superficial damage to Inverterbrat, but suffered a drive failure partway through. The latter compelled Shunt to axe the still-spinning drum - albeit without any significant effect - and pit Team Rotraktor's machine. In spite of this, Barber-Ous was eventually chosen to compete in The Fifth Wars.[15]
Winner: Inverterbrat (Barber-Ous qualified)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 'Roboteers happy with TV showing', The Northern Echo, 10 August 2001
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 'Robot Wars Discussion Board', Tinweb discussion thread on the 2001 Live Event tour
- ↑ 'Robot Wars Official Souvenir Programme [Live Event]', 2001
- ↑ 'Robot Report', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, p.2
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 'Robot Wars Live!' Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 18, p.26
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 'Robot Wars Live Event [Running Order], 'Robot Wars Official Souvenir Programme [Live Event]', 2001
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 'Roaming Robots - T-Bone', Team Roaming Robots website (archived)
- ↑ 'Behind the Scenes - RW Live', Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 31, pp.12-15) (p.13, p.15)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 'Robotwars Live, Cardiff Arena 2001 - Ruf Ruf Dougal', Ruf Ruf Dougal website (archived)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 'Robot Wars Live Event', Public comment in the 'Robot Wars Live Event.' Google Group discussion thread, 3 August 2001
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 Audience member accounts from User:Shuntarunt, 16 June 2023
- ↑ 'Robot Wars - Fifth Wars, Extreme, World Championship', Robot Wars Discussion Forum, 15 April 2001 (archived)
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 'Our Top Seeds', 'Robot Wars Official Souvenir Programme [Live Event Tour]', 2001
- ↑ 'Lightning Interceptor Robot Diary 2001', Lightning website (archived)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 'Barber-ous - Build Page', Barber-Ous website (archived)
- ↑ Brad Stone (2003), Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, p.160
- ↑ 'Steely Mazakari to lose weight and win a war', The Northern Echo, 13 October 2000
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 'team corkscrew web 1', Team Corkscrew website (archived)
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 BBC Wales Today reports on the Series 5 live tour
- ↑ Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, p.161
- ↑ Comment by Andrew Marchant in the Unofficial Robot Wars Facebook group, 11 April 2018
- ↑ 22.00 22.01 22.02 22.03 22.04 22.05 22.06 22.07 22.08 22.09 22.10 22.11 22.12 'Events - Robot Wars Series 5 Qualifiers', Team Roobarb website (archived)
- ↑ Audience member account from User:BacktothePastOfficial, 9 February 2024
- ↑ 'Robot Wars - Orbital Sound - Audio and Communication Equipment Hire and Sales', Orbital Sound (reproduced from Lighting & Sound International, September 2001)
- ↑ 'Win V.I.P. Tickets to Robot Wars Live!', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 15, p.14
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 'MM', CanOpener team website (archived)
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 Correspondence between User:Botomatic1000 and James Jeffrey, 2016
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 'About me', tydraig.com (Team Derek)
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 'Series 5 Qualifying', Lambsy website (archived)
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 'The Stag at RobotWars Live Event', Team Bodge-it website (archived)
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 'The Stag News Archive', Team Bodge-it website (archived)
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 Chip website (archived)
- ↑ '-CHIP- HEAVYWEIGHT CLASS', Chip website (archived)
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 'Don't panic - we're still robot winners', South Wales Argus, 27 July 2001
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 'History and Design', Team Kronic website (archived)
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 Comments by Mark Rivron/Steve Trevena, to 'The Robots That Never Were: Episode 5', Jimjamatic (YouTube), uploaded 29 November 2018
- ↑ 'Live and Flipping!', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, pp.20-21.
- ↑ '13black Sheffield Qualifying', 13 Robotics website (archived)
- ↑ 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 39.11 39.12 39.13 'SMIDSY', Team Ixion website (archived)
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 'Obsidian - Vs Hammer & Tong', Project Obsidian website (archived)
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Storm Force website (archived)
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 42.4 'Obsidian - Vs Storm Force'. Project Obsidian website (archived)
- ↑ 'Qualifying for Robot Wars 2000', SMIDSY/Team Ixion website (archived)
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 'THE BEAST 8645T, Damage', 8645T website (archived)
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 Audience member account from User:Nononsensecapeesh
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 'Qualifying Round...', Tiger Shark website (archived)
- ↑ Team Iron-Awe Website: History
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 'Robotwars', Team Cookie Monsters website (archived)
- ↑ 'Haardvark in 2001', Team Haardvark website (archived)
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 'Kan-Opener A Spec Robot Wars Series 5', Kan-Opener.com (archived 15 September 2008)
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 'Roaming Robots - R.I.P.P.E.R.', Team Roaming Robots website (archived)
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 Audience member account from User:Nononsensecapeesh
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 Audience member account from User:Nononsensecapeesh, 1 August 2023
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 54.3 54.4 54.5 54.6 54.7 54.8 'Current Diary', 1 Law Associates website (archived)
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 Team Mute Facebook post, 20 January 2016
- ↑ 'Tornado - Robot Diary - Series 5 and Extreme', Team Tornado website
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 57.5 57.6 'London', Barbaric Response website (archived)
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 31, pp.12-15
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 Correspondence between User:Botomatic2000 and an audience member from the 2001 London Live Event, 13 February 2023
- ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 60.3 60.4 60.5 'Lightning Interceptor Robot Diary 2001', Calvertfilm website (archived)
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 Unofficial Robot Wars Facebook post by Joseph Jack Prophet, 7 January 2021
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 'Robot Wars Live event 2001', Calvertfilm (YouTube), uploaded 24 January 2012
- ↑ Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, p.162
- ↑ Robot Wars Wiki blog comment by Goldeneye's later owner Jack Orr, 22 February 2012
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 Ultimate Real Robots, Issue 31, p.15
- ↑ ibid, pp.14-15
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 Correspondence between User:Toon Ganondorf and Simon Rafferty, April 2012
- ↑ 'General stuff - disconstructor', Team DisConstructor website (archived 15 October 2021)
- ↑ 'Father and son team bids for glory in TV's Robot Wars', Oxford Mail, 21 August 2002
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 'Robotwars - Infernal Contraption: Qualifying 2001', Infernal Contraption website (archived)
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 'Wembley', Team Technobots website (archived)
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