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).
Visit to supplier Jonas Woodhead & Sons Ltd. concerning front and rear spring requirements and design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 80\2\ scan0334 | |
| Date | 14th June 1920 | |
| Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to By c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Ms. X.4056 Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}8/NJ14.6.20. X.4056 JONAS WOODHEAD & SONS LTD., X.2628 I visited these people on Friday last, 11th. inst. I had already forwarded to them a list of the springs, both front and rear, which we shall require to balance up those which we have a surplus of, to enable us to equip the remainder of the first 1,000 chassis. The total number of springs required is as follows:- Front springs...... 113. Rear springs....... 143 The front springs are all of one poundage, namely, 1050 lbs. but the rear springs required are of six poundages, varying from 1800 to 2600 lbs. I gave Woodheads instructions that they were to give first attention to the following poundages of rear springs:- 1800 lbs. 2400 " 2500 " 2600 " They (Woodheads) are very anxious to learn the result of our tests of the new pattern of rear springs with parallel plates cut square with rounded corners and I promised that we would let them know this week and next week the results of our tests. Two experimental front springs without slots and nibs and with the plates ground all over are in progress and will be ready this week. One of these springs is 1100 lbs. and the other 1150 lbs. I was shown the leaves of one of the springs and certainly their appearance was very attractive. Woodheads explained that if we ultimately decide that all the plates of both front and rear springs shall be ground over all surfaces that the output will be limited; in fact grinding is at present the limiting factor at their works. They suggested that as regards the front springs we might be satisfied if the plates are buffed all over. This would be an improvement on todays' practice and would enable the output to be maintained. With regard to the testing of springs, Mr. Woodhead Contd:- | ||