From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Report investigating weight saving on the 4¼ litre Bentley chassis by comparing it to the 3½ litre model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0189 | |
| Date | 2nd April 1936 | |
| x256 To EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}/Tnn. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Report on Investigation into Weight Saving on 4¼ litre Bentley Chassis. In view of EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}/Tnn.8/MH.{M. Huckerby}24.3.36, we have checked up the relative weights etc. of the 3½ & 4¼ litre Bentley chassis. On attached sheets (1) & (2) we show the total weights of a number of 3½ litre & 4¼ litre chassis, together with the average figure in each case. These figures were obtained from the Test Dept. Sheet (3) shows the relative weights of a 3½ litre engine and a 4¼ litre engine. The first was an engine removed from a customer's car by the Repair Dept., the second a new engine about to be stripped in the Test Dept. We would point out that these only represent one particular comparison, and that an average figure should be obtained by weighing a number of the new 4¼ litre engines and also a number of the old 3½ litre engines, either as they are built up or as they are removed from chassis by Repair Dept. Sheet (3) also shows a balance sheet for weight alterations on 4¼ litre chassis. Conclusions. From sheets (1) & (2) it will be seen that the 4¼ litre chassis is on an average basis 18 lbs. lighter than the 3½ litre. From balance sheet on sheet (3), the weight saving which can be expected is 32½ lbs., hence the discrepancy between these figures is 14½ lbs., and must be due to increase in weight of chassis. Summary. The Test and Repair Depts. should obtain the weights of a number of 4¼ litre & 3½ litre engines respectively, and the saving in engine weight should be checked in this manner. If the discrepancy mentioned above still exists, it will be necessary to determine what chassis parts have increased in weight. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/C.S.Steadman. | ||