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).
Steering reversibility tests and gearbox modifications, including a cross-sectional drawing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\3\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 15th February 1925 | |
| -2-contd- lacking torsional rigidity in itself. This would affect the reversability of the Steering. We therefore took the precaution of turning the Wheel slowly so as to ensure consistent results. The tests of the greatest interest are the INPUT and OUTPUT. We went up in stages to the load mentioned -650 lbs on Pendulum lever. The INPUT and OUTPUT was measured as shown on Sketch Fig.1. We then took Reversability Test. This was done by applying a load on Pendulum Lever and measuring on Steering Wheel what load it took to unwind, and it will be seen on the graphs enclosed that 40/50 Steering is the most efficient. It will be seen that on the R.A.C. Column we have taken comparative tests with the short worm (which was originally instructed) and the long worm. G.III - Gear Box. BY has given instructions for certain modifications to be made on the 2nd Motion Shaft. You will no doubt remember when the 1st Speed Gear was chamfered out and the keys cleared away on the sides but the keys dug into the Shaft. We have now turned out the keys and fitted a brass bush and also turned off the splines and fitted a plain bush on the end of shaft. (See sketch below) A car was taken on test with these modified parts on Saturday morning. [Drawing annotations] PHOSPOR BRONZE BUSH PRESSED INTO GEAR & LIGHTLY PEANED OVER. HARDENED STEEL BUSH PRESSED ON TO SHAFT RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} P.S. Mr.Stent has arrived at the Works, and I understand he is to stay here until this Gear Box is right. He has got several experiments, one is - relieving of the Splines on the 2nd Motion Shaft .010 on each side, as instructed by Mr.Royce. This we are carrying out and working from 1sC. The next one is the solid Reverse Shaft with plain bearings. We are also pushing this along and working from 1sC's. without waiting for D.O. instructions. The first experiment will be fitted to-morrow Monday. Mr.Stent is also asking us to fit larger 1st and 2nd Speed Pinions, and fit these regardless of the other gear ratios for the time being. This of course will follow the first experiment. | ||