Jim,
In the latest issue of Robot Magazine Andrew Alter has proposed creating a “Mech Warfare” division for up to four legged bots.
There will be two classes: Airsoft and hardcore.
Presently the Airsoft class builders are using Airsoft cannons stripped from model tanks.
Maybe you might want to develop a Chinese source for the model tank Airsoft cannons so that they can be bought separately for building an Airsoft equipped bot for Mech Warfare.
Just a thought.
Regards,
TCIII
I’m aware of the competition and the airsoft guns. I already bought some fro the source in the mech war website. It was a little slow, but not a big deal really. I’ve got my hands full at the moment just keeping what we are offering on the shelf. 
So what can you tell me about this “hardcore” class?
Jim,
The description of the “hardcore” class was kind of vague.
Alter did say that the “hardcore” bots would use CO2 (or other pressurized gas?).
If this is the case then they will probably use BB cannons like the big scale model ships use.
CO2 powered BB cannons can be found at this website: battlersconnection.com/html/cannons.html
I have looked at several BB cannon manufacturers and Battlersconnection seemed to be the most reasonable and offer a large selection of kits and components.
Compressed air tanks for scale models can be found here: robart.com/. The prices are very reasonable for kits and components.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
TCIII
Hey guys,
We originally were sourcing them here:
toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp … =A02102962
They have a few different models from different tanks, all found in the parts section.
We also found a much cheaper supplier in Canada for just the gearboxes, which require you to add your own barrel.
matomart.com/prodview.php?p=458
Click these links twice to get them to work… its weird.
Sorry for being vague on the Hardcore class, but it is somewhat intended. The Hardcore class is pretty much an ‘anything goes’ class, with much more lenient rules concerning what weapons can be used. I only know of a handful of people building for it (I’m not doing it unless I can get carbon fiber armor made). It’s still not a ‘fight to the death’ type match, but I wanted to open up participants to use much more powerful weaponry, as we’re doing this enclosed within a combat cage anyway.
I’m working on a CO2 powered rifle system and also fuel based micro rocket launchers for my hardcore class entry.
Paintball gun shooting ball bearings might be a thought.
