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).
Confirming a phone conversation about proposed alterations to the Phantom model to address complaints.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2October1926-December1926\ Scan069 | |
| Date | 20th November 1926 | |
| TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to BJ. " WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} PHANTOM COMPLAINTS. R2/M20.11.26. XC417 X8430 X8770 X8440 X8140 Confirming our 'phone conversation of this morning. In the memo. I have already sent to Derby I have recommended altering all Phantoms on the road as soon as ever possible. As regards steering, by fitting the .940 worm and the latest approved longitudinal springs. We cannot expect a cure less than this, and though expensive it is not disastrous. I should prefer that the steering were 10% slower still, which would mean/.875 pitch worm. the Regarding the springing we have nothing to add to our present standard, and the only further improve- ment we can make is to fit hydraulic instead of mechanical friction dampers, because, to my mind the change in the dampers definitely improves the springing, making it steadier, with less harshness than the mechanical dampers. Regarding the governor it is now definite- ly agreed that the roller bearings in the throttle are an immense improvement, and these should be fitted to all back number Phantoms as quickly as possible. Apparently the easiest way would be to send a man weekly with a number of altered and tested carburettors, returning the old ones to the Works for conversion. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} is confirming as to whether it is necessary to fit ball bearings to the governor shaft also. This item gives a combined cure for the engine control, and a considerable reduction in the banging in the exhaust. The uneven running of the engine mentioned in this complaint refers I understand to the effect of the autovac. The elbow is not a complete cure, but should be fitted. AUTO-ADVANCE. Another item which has markedly improved the Phantom is the correction in the auto- matic advance. This should be re-fitted if possible at the same time as the above on all chassis. The cost of the various items per car cannot be very heavy, and in any case I believe it is the best money we can spend in advertisement. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||