Robot Wars Revealed/Episode 8

	Rampage
Weight	82.7kg
Dimensions	0.8 x 1.2 x 0.63m
Speed	8mph
Turning Circle	0m
Ground Clearance	20mm
Power	2 x 12V batteries
Weapons	Scoop and rear 7' cutting disc
Notes	Took 3 months to build and cost over £300
	From: Derby
	Team Members: Robert Whittle & Peter Wearing

	Loco
Weight	73.0kg
Dimensions	1.0 x 0.7 x 0.7m
Speed	10mph
Turning Circle	1.5m
Ground Clearance	40mm
Power	4 x 12V, 2 x 6V batteries
Weapons	Spring powered ram
Notes	Wheelchair motors and stainless steel shell
	From: Bristol
	Team Members: Richard Memion, David Iles & Eric Manion

	GroundHog
Weight	79.3kg
Dimensions	1.15 x 0.86 x 0.4m
Speed	8mph
Turning Circle	0m
Ground Clearance	350mm
Power	3 x 12V batteries
Weapons	Horizontal 12' cutting disc
Notes	GroundHog took 6 weeks to build at a cost of £450
	From: Durham
	Team Members: Graham Bone & Alex Mordue

"Right... forget toy trains and radio-controlled cars, because here on Robot Wars Revealed, we see what happens to little kids when they become big kids, and chainsaws replace catapults! Teams from all over the country have been locked in their workshops for the past few months, creating robotic killing machines, and plotting their revenge on the school bullies! We go behind-the-scenes to see if the big boys really do have big toys in the playground that is Robot Wars. Will they beat the bullies, or have they just lost their marbles? Let's find out!"

— Philippa Forrester's introduction

Episode 8 of Robot Wars Revealed was originally aired on BBC Choice on 8 January 1999. It presented behind-the-scenes footage of Heat H of Robot Wars: The Second Wars, including video diaries of the Sting, Loco and Wizard teams preparing their robots for the main competition.

Robots Featured[]

Newcomers[]


	Sting
	Weight	79.3kg
	Dimensions	1.6 x 0.7 x 0.4m
	Speed	12mph
	Turning Circle	0m
	Ground Clearance	100mm (max)
	Power	2 x 12V batteries
	Weapons	Spikes and scorpion tail
	Notes	Go-kart wheels, 2 wheel drive and 0.7mm steel shell
From: Swadlincote in Derbyshire
Team Members: David Barker, Matthew Barker & Ian Pritchard


	Wizard
	Weight	79.4kg
	Dimensions	0.75 x 0.75 x 1.1m
	Speed	15mph
	Turning Circle	0m
	Ground Clearance	4mm
	Power	2 x 12V batteries
	Weapons	Chain whips and 10mm drill bit
	Notes	Composite wood, metal and plastic chassis
From: Kettering
Team Members: Ozzie Boulter, Richard Johnson & Susan Darby

Veterans[]


	Cassius (seeded 5th)
	Weight	79.3kg
	Dimensions	1.45 x 0.84 x 0.35m
	Speed	25mph
	Turning Circle	0m
	Ground Clearance	0-110mm (Variable)
	Power	2 x 12V batteries
	Weapons	1.5 tonne gas powered ram
	Notes	Controlled with 2 microprocessors, weapon powered with CO2
From: Stowmarket
Team Members: Rex Garrod, Simon West & Edward Bull

Content[]

Video Diaries[]

Sting[]

Sting's first diary showed the 1 Law Associates gathering components and technical advice on completing their machine, the latter consulted by David Barker from his copy of How Things Work 2. A go-kart tyre was shown as Barker explained their aim to get as much traction and control out of it as possible, as well as the team's plan for its chain-drive system. Next, the robot's internals were laid out within its base frame as the team began discussing ideas for its final drivetrain layout. The last clip featured a humorous appearance by Barker's younger son (uncredited), as he rode and brought his Little Tikes car into the team garage.

Sting videodiary smoke — Smoke pours following 'tinkering' to Sting's internals

Sting videodiary 3 — A partially-finished Sting is tested in a church hall

The second diary opened with Barker and Ian Pritchard hammering and drilling additional components, before cutting to a shot of Sting's virtually complete frame being welded. One side of the robot's drive underwent a successful first test run, though additional 'tinkering' caused an internal component to arc and begin smoking. Once more work was done to the control box, the 1 Law Associates diagnosed a 'clicking' issue, before the near-complete Sting (minus weapon and bodyshell) was shown testing in a church hall.

Sting's third diary briefly showed the 1 Law Associates as they prepared to leave the Robot Wars filming venue, following its elimination in the Football Trial. As in the main footage, various team members acknowledged its electrical issues while pledging to return for The Third Wars.

"Although Sting were eliminated in The Trials, they did have an extraordinary weapon that never got the chance to be used..."

— Philippa Forrester introduces the video diary covering Sting's 'scorpion tail'

Sting videodiary 4 — Prototype for Sting's 'scorpion tail' weapon

Sting videodiary 5 — Sting's 'tail' chips a titanium sheet

Following this, another diary showcased Sting's articulated 'scorpion tail', opening with a clip of David Barker's cat Chloe who provided inspiration for this unusual weapon. Demonstrations of the weapon mechanism – comprising of several articulated steel sections - took place in Barker's workshop, first with a scale prototype using a manually-operated cord, then at full size using a rotary flywheel mechanism. Although the spike was initially prone to falling off, further tests proved that it was capable of leaving noticeable chips and holes in a solid sheet of titanium.

Loco[]

"Robot Wars gives people the opportunity to experiment with engineering in a fun and imaginative way. Not all engineers are men with beards, as Richard from the Loco team proves, although a bearded engineer with a drill could be handy sometimes..."

— Philippa Forrester

Richard Manion was initially shown wiring up Loco's chassis and drilling a 'finishing touch' to its bodyshell, before the team (in multiple takes) explained the robot's construction and weaponry. When detailing their timeframe to complete Loco, Eric Manion revealed that they had to carry out more work following its appearance at the July auditions, making for a hectic rush to get it finished in time for the televised competition.

Wizard[]

Shown between the Trial and Arena Semi Final stages, Wizard's diary opened with Ozzy Boulter showcasing and demonstrating the cassette deck used to play its 'wizard's voice' feature. The voice sample – different to that heard in the main Heat H - chanted the robot's name at varying speeds and pitches for a highly distorted effect. Boulter next demonstrated the typical layout of a servo/microswitch/relay assembly using individual components, before presenting his own triple 'multi-situation' switches with copper 'paddles', metal strips and the ability to operate several relays all at once. The custom setup was important in allowing Wizard's flashing lights and voice effects to be implemented into its finalised design.

Interviews[]

"Well, this one is called 'Cassius' because, it has air suspension. If you look at the wheels, they're all on pneumatic rams, so I can adjust the ride height as it goes along. That's the bit where it says it "Floats like a butterfly", and this is the one that [pulls flipping arm up] "stings like a bee", after my favourite boxer... Cassius!"

— Rex Garrod explains the technical workings and etymology behind Cassius

Groundhog team interview — Team RFM with GroundHog

Wizard interview — Team Wizard with their eponymous machine

Much of the additional pre-Gauntlet interviews focused on the technical and personal elements of each of the Heat's entries. Rex Garrod manually demonstrated Cassius' pneumatic suspension system and flipping arm, while Eric Manion of the Loco team revealed that they had started building their machine after The First Wars had concluded, with no initial intention of competing in the televised show. David Barker of the 1 Law Associates revealed the team's 'dream' of facing Rampage in the Heat Final, alluding to rivalries between football teams from their native Leicester and Derby.

Gauntlet[]

Philippa Forrester's introduction from Heat H was followed by a behind-the-scenes segment on The Sentinel, which saw it being tested and given final preparations by Robot Wars crewmembers. Shots of the arm being spray-painted and raised were shown, before the segment cut to art director Steve Clark briefly explaining the process of its conversion from a Hanix H08A mini excavator. According to Clark, it took three days for The Sentinel to be converted into its Gauntlet-ready state.

Cassius gas — Rex Garrod makes final checks to Cassius' pneumatics prior to its Gauntlet run

1 Law Associates revealed their intention to attempt the left-hand route, while both Graham Bone and Alex Mordue of the GroundHog team were undecided, agreeing that all three were 'pretty nasty'. Rex Garrod jokingly commented on his 'nervous' disposition prior to Cassius' run, highlights of which were promptly shown. Slow and steady progress eventually lead to a rapid drive under The Sentinel's arm, allowing Cassius to speed into the end zone despite ultimately ending up in the grasp of Dead Metal.

"I have an advantage, because this thing is very quick and very nimble. And that wasn't even flat out then, because, I get in a muddle if I drive it flat out. If the thing can go fast, I might actually drive it. It's very powerful... everybody says their robot can pull a car. Well, this one can, but not just pull it! That'll roll the car over!"

— Rex Garrod comments on Cassius' speed and pulling power

Next to be shown was Loco, which also managed to get past The Sentinel before Dead Metal grabbed and pitted it. Afterwards, Richard Manion admitted that his team had mistimed their approach to swing Loco around using the House Robot's pincer, with father Eric also relieved about their eventual progression into the Trial stage. Sting would suffer a similar fate after initially having its armour cut into by Dead Metal's saw, leading to Philippa Forrester's interview with Matthew Barker concerning his tactics.

Wizard insides — Ozzy Boulter explains Wizard's sheared motor spindle

Wizard was next to be wheeled into the arena, ultimately only achieving a distance of 5.4m after driving onto the edge of the first pit on the left-hand route. Dead Metal inflicted further punishment by cutting into Wizard's decorative hat, with Ozzie Boulter revealing in The Pits afterwards that a motor spindle on one of its friction drives had also sheared. Rampage would suffer even worse as its left wheel got jammed by an arena spike, leaving it driving around in circles before it had reached the first pit and The Sentinel. Sir Killalot and Dead Metal closed in to attack Rampage, with captain Robert Whittall already certain that his team's machine would potentially be eliminated.

"Think we might actually take on the new robot... I think that would look good just for TV, just going straight at it! So, might have a go at that!"

— Alex Mordue reveals the GroundHog team's intention to challenge Sir Killalot

Last to attempt The Gauntlet was GroundHog, which deviated from its opponents by attempting the centre route in a bid to take on Sir Killalot. GroundHog steadily progressed until it misjudged a run up the ramp, ultimately not having the right angle or enough traction to get itself over onto the platform. Sir Killalot grabbed and hoisted the Durham machine aloft, only to lose balance and topple forwards as he was still partway down the same ramp. Alex Mordue and Graham Bone were met with applause from the other teams upon their return to The Pits.

"The Rebel forces in here will not be defeated by the Death Star that is Sir Killalot!"

— Philippa Forrester parrots Star Wars following GroundHog's giant-killing fortunes

Groundhog killalot aftermath — Colin Tilley tends to Sir Killalot, with GroundHog still in the House Robot's grasp

Both were satisfied with the accidental tipping, which brought further complications for Sir Killalot's internals when he was brought back from the arena for maintenance. As well as a leak reported by Mordue, it was revealed by operator Colin Tilley that the petrol engine running his hydraulics had cut out due to fuel entering the cylinders. GroundHog, still in Sir Killalot's grasp, could not be freed until the issue was resolved and the latter's engine could be next started up. Once the jaws of life were lowered and both robots separated, the GroundHog team were relieved to find that their machine appeared to have survived with no major damage.

Trial (Football)[]

Loco and wizard enter the arena — Loco and Wizard enter the arena for the Football Trial

Football heat h preparation — Preparations for Football are underway

With Rampage eliminated, the Football segment began with the remaining five competitors being wheeled and stationed in the arena. Following clips showcasing their Trial-specific modifications (including Cassius' plastic scoop and the 'net' attached to the underside of GroundHog), series researcher Glen Collins instructed the drivers on the Trial's rules and qualification requirements.

Highlights of the event itself began with Loco and Cassius scoring the opening goals, followed by Matilda lifting and dislodging Wizard's hat as GroundHog attempted to possess the ball. Matilda and Sergeant Bash were then shown to attack Sting before the ball was set on fire by the latter. No competitor would end up scoring in the third round, with Wizard being cut into and GroundHog being turned over against the railings by Matilda, its net harness also having come apart by this point. Sting had also appeared to become immobile, ultimately being eliminated by the Judges on those grounds in the main Heat H. Though sad and disappointed, young Matthew Barker was not as emotional as his father David when the 1 Law Associates faced their elimination.

Philippa Forrester: "Now, who is gonna cry out of the rest of your team?"

Matthew Barker: "[Points to David Barker] Him."

Philippa Forrester: "He's in tears anyway. [to David] Aww, you're really upset!"

David Barker: "Well, no, these things happen. It was a 50p item, a switch that's burnt out... and, that's the way it goes! Dead in the water!"

— David Barker concedes defeat

This segment cut to an additional video diary of the 1 Law Associates as they prepared to leave the Robot Wars venue (see Video Diaries). Following this, Rex Garrod was shown praising Loco's driver Richard Manion for his Football performance, the team later recollecting their account of the first round. Meanwhile, Alex Mordue explained the 'net' attachment on GroundHog, which used yellow straps wrapped around the inside of its legs to secure it in place. It transpired that though superficially unharmed, GroundHog suffered gearbox damage when it fell onto the arena floor in Sir Killalot's clutches previously, which could not be fixed and fully tested in time for the Trial. Ozzie Boulter revealed an unusual issue hampering Wizard's mobility; a chain for one of its spinning flails came loose and lifted one of its drive wheels off the floor, causing it to judder and be left largely immobilised.

"The fact that the House Robots burnt the hat makes no difference at all, there's actually nothing in it apart from some lights, because I didn't have to attach them. So apart from that, a lot, a lot of luck for us. Very disappointing for the team who went out, but that's the luck of the draw. And that's football!"

— Ozzie Boulter, rounding off his assessment of the damage inflicted to Wizard

Arena Semi Finals[]

Before the Semi Finals themselves, interview clips were shown focusing on the designs and armament of the four remaining competitors. These initially focused on Loco's interchangeable ram and spikes, Wizard's spinning drills and chains, and the 12-inch cutting disc at the front of GroundHog. Ozzie Boulter explained that his team's machine was also capable of spinning on its own axis, enabling the industrial-type chains to 'whip' opponents in a sit-and-spin manner. As the Wizard team were self-proclaimed 'posers', this too was reflected in its disco lights and 'wizard's voice' which was demonstrated in the accompanying video diary (see Video Diaries).

While explaining the lifting capacity and pneumatic system of Cassius' flipping ram, Rex Garrod revealed that the weapon had the additional ability to weigh potential opponents before flipping them over. This was intended to act primarily as a safety feature when fighting lighter opponents, enabling Cassius to throw them at a similar height and trajectory as it would against a full-sized heavyweight.

"So, if it was a lightweight robot, it wouldn't throw it up any further than it would a heavyweight, because it would be downright dangerous. I could actually get that robot in the roof, or something stupid. So it has to be... safety must come first... you can't just do a thing all "willy-nilly.""

— Rex Garrod, on Cassius' self-weighing system and the importance of safety while testing its flipping arm

GroundHog was seen to require additional work to its electronics before its fight against Loco; both Graham Bone and Richard Manion were relieved not to have been drawn against Cassius at this stage. Loco's spikes proved decisive in allowing it to push GroundHog into Shunt, after which GroundHog struggled to escape and was eventually pitted by Matilda. Alex Mordue and Graham Bone had again aimed to attack Sir Killalot's hydraulics, though their machine was unable to do so and had sustained damage to its own cutting disc.

Cassius was next shown to fight Wizard, pushing the latter into the PPZ and ultimately attacking the House Robots in an effort to spare its immobilised opponent from further damage. A still-enthusiastic Ozzie Boulter reported a broken drive which crippled Wizard, though the overall damage was still extensive enough that he was not able to properly assess the drive's condition. An ever-jovial Rex Garrod reported only minor holes and scratches in the victorious Cassius.

Mat Irvine Segments[]

"Rex here is a fellow special effects guy, who I've heard rumours works with the Tellytubbies, but we won't hold it against him!"

— Mat Irvine alludes to Rex Garrod's career profession

Mat irvine loco — Mat Irvine assesses the 'deceptive' Loco

Mat irvine and rex garrod — Irvine with Rex Garrod

Considering Loco to be a 'deceptive' robot, Mat Irvine described its wheelchair motor drive and front ram, before briefly touching upon Rex Garrod's profession as a fellow special effects specialist. Cassius was explained to have much of its components reused from its Series 1 predecessor Recyclopse, as well as being in the process of 'frightening the life' of the House Robots as exemplified in each of its Arena battles.

Final[]

Highlights of the Heat Final initially focused on the tentative early movements between the two remaining competitors, along with Cassius getting underneath Loco opposite the PPZ. Finally, Cassius backed up and tipped Loco over using its wedge shape, before proceeding to lift Dead Metal up and flip Matilda onto her side in two simultaneous attacks. Shunt and Sergeant Bash jointly pitted the victorious Cassius, which Rex Garrod repaired afterwards using only a sledgehammer and a crowbar. While Richard Manion recapped Loco's demise and subsequent attack from Dead Metal, Garrod began cleaning the top-left of Cassius, which received dust and large burn marks upon being pushed into the pit.

"I'd better get on repairing this, I suppose, and sort of... clean the crud off it. Look at that! Look - look where the flash pod hit it when I went in the pit! All this is magnesium panels, as well... they've even singed my polycarbonate!"

— Rex Garrod begins to clean Cassius ahead of the Series Semi Finals

Trivia[]

Cassius' name, erroneously spelt as **Casius** during highlight clips

During highlights of both its Arena Semi Final and Final battles, Cassius' name was misspelt as Casius; an error also carried over into the equivalent highlights later shown in Episode 14.