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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 Pratt & Manley regarding the performance and adoption of composite steel brake drums.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 120\3\  scan0055
Date  3rd November 1933
  
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J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} PRATT.
GILBERT MANLEY.

PRATT & MANLEY,
CONSULTING ENGINEERS.

23 GUILDHALL BUILDINGS,
NAVIGATION STREET,
BIRMINGHAM.

TELEPHONE: MIDLAND 4130.

Your Ref:.. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/7/KT
Ours. WEB.

November 3rd. 1933.

Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd.,
Derby.

Dear Sirs, Re Composite Steel Brake Drum.

In your letter of Jun. 16th. you suggested we reminded you of the above subject, and in our letter of Jun. 15th. we gave particulars of severe tests carried out by Messrs. Ferodo Ltd., the results of which are summed up by the latter's Chief Engineer, Mr F.{Mr Friese} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Field as follows:-

" I now have pleasure in advising you that during the past week we have run the drum against different types of brake lining, and are very glad to say without a trace of abrasion. Needless, perhaps, to say the tests have been severe in character, but the metal has stood up remarkably well."

We would add that a considerable quantity of these drums have been supplied on a production basis, and for some time have been standardised on the Sunbeam "Speed 20", and are now standardised on the Sunbeam "Dawn", also on Aston-Martin cars. Further a number of firms are testing them out and so far these are giving entire satisfaction.

Drums under our own observation have now exceeded 20,000 miles under severe braking conditions, they are still in the polished condition, with practically no measurable wear.

If you could forward us drawings of your existing drums we should be pleased to put forward our suggestions for drums which would be interchangeable.

Trusting to have the pleasure of interesting you further.

Yours faithfully,
For Pratt & Manley,
V.{VIENNA} G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Baylis
  
  


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