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).
Letter from the American office to Derby regarding steering box temperature tests and issues on Silver Ghost and Phantom models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0035 | |
| Date | 25th August 1927 | |
| ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. Oy8-E-82527 August 25, 1927. Mr. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby, England. Dear Mr. Hives: Re Steering I am afraid that you will think I have suddenly lost interest because of the lack of prompt reply to your cable of August 10th. I handed this cable to Na.{Mr Nadin} for immediate confirmation of steering box temperatures, but the job was delayed until today by cooler weather. We find that - with air temperature at 70°F.{Mr Friese} - Engine temperature at 160°-170°F.{Mr Friese} - interior of box rises to 135°F.{Mr Friese} (57°C.) in ten miles. Test is continuing. Judging by the "feel" of the box after a long run in hot weather I have little doubt that with air temperature at say 85-90°F.{Mr Friese} and after 100 miles running the box will reach 150°-160°F.{Mr Friese} These are the conditions under which steering have always given us most trouble (both on Silver Ghost and Phantoms). But I am not sure whether the slow speed "parking" trouble in hot weather occurs simply due to increased temperature of the box, or whether dry, hot concrete and hot rubber may cause an increased coefficient of friction between tire and road. We will try to get comparative figures on this latter point, and will write further. | ||