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).
Methods to prevent hot air and gases from entering the vehicle's front compartment around the gear and brake levers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\5\ scan0060 | |
| Date | 20th September 1932 | |
| - 2 - " on 2.12.30 to Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}'s instructions we added a sketch to the " Coachbuilders chassis print showing the method of making " a gas tight joint round the change-speed gear. Alteration I2980 F.{Mr Friese} " Later under cover of HY{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}/HEB{H. Biraben}6/M3.9.31 we supplied a larger " scale drawing F.84035 showing these proposals in detail." but, as we have shown above, 84035 is called " Draught Shield Around Brake Lever Quandrant. Therefore, as you will understand we are in a bit of a quandary over this particular point, and would like you to try and clear up the question under this particular heading, so as to be able to give us for issue to Coachbuilders a special print which will help them to definitely close the apertures round both gear and brake levers. Now again in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/LeS5/KT2.9.32. there is a note at the end of the paragraph headed 'Gear Lever and Hand Brake Lever' signed by Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} which says " 58-GN is being fitted up with this scheme", the scheme referred to being F.84035. As 58-GN is with us in London we have naturally had a look at it, and it confirms that in our view N.Sch.84035 does not prevent hot air getting into the front compartment, and 58-GN is even now a definite offender in this respect. This again confirms our views that so far W. have not given us a scheme for Coachbuilders to deal with the point which is troubling us, i.e. hot air. With regard to the cars which we have examined, and of which 58-GN above referred to is one, the best example is 60-JS{Mr Johnson's Secretary} our late Continental Trials Car. This car is fitted with wooden blocks at back and front of quadrant, and suitably insulated from chassis and floorboards. No gases can now come up through quadrant, which was complained of when this car was originally put on the road. In conclusion, we still feel that this is a matter which the Works should deal with and not leave to Coachbuilders, and in pursuance of that a sketch is attached of a suggestion by Mr.Gale which throws some light on our requirements. Quite naturally this question being seasonable is not of pressing urgency now that the hot weather has finished, but we do not feel that we should for that reason neglect the (contd) | ||