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).
Replying to suggestions for a 10,000-mile test, discussing engine mounting options and the proposal to send a car to France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M19\ img182 | |
| Date | 28th May 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wbr. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} P.2 10,000 Miles Test. X.7770. X.7005. Replying to R.3/M22.5.31. If we carried out the suggestions contained in this memo it will mean that it will be several weeks before this car could be ready to go to France. At the present time we have not the complete designs from W.V. for the conversion scheme for Phantom II's to Diamond engine mounting and after it has been received there will be a considerable amount of D.O. work on the parts to be made before the car could be completed. Originally the idea of sending this car to France was to prove that the customers cars which are running with no rear engine feet are safe and likely to be reliable. The only way we have of overcoming customers complaints of booms is to disconnect the rear engine feet. The tests we have done on frame distortion show that the frame deflection is the same with the rear engine feet removed on Phantom II, as Phantom I cars with three point suspension and Diabolo rear feet (of which there are hundreds running about). You had a car at Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence with this mounting for two winters. If these tests are anything to go by, they also show that if we have trouble with removing the rear engine feet we ought to have the same trouble with Dia. engine mounting, as the stiffness of the frame is about the same in each case. We therefore still consider that we ought to send a 25-EX car to France because the tests out there may show that the Diamond engine mounting is not practical over very bad roads. To prove this point, we suggest it would be satisfactory to send 25-EX. car with the original W.V. scheme which is fitted. As regards balance weights we assume these will follow the 25 HP. scheme but we have no definite particulars. This scheme means new forgings. We also have to face the difficulty that with the eight balance weight scheme we shall be on the verge of the main crankshaft period. Continental sports cars will certainly get on to the period. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||