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).
Impossibility of fitting non-skid chains to the front wheels of the Phantom III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0159 | |
| Date | 2nd February 1937 | |
| 1189 To Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} c to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer}8/M.2.2.37. Non Skid Chains on Ph.III. Re your memo CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}10/KW.26.1.37, we agree that it is not possible to fit Parsons chains to the front wheels of Ph.III, and, when discs are fitted grips cannot be used. The general opinion of the test and experimental department is that it is unnecessary to fit chains to the front wheels. We have had considerable experience in the Alps and America without running into trouble with front wheel skids. On the Ph.III, loose chains would foul the cross steering levers and tubes and, in addition, they would probably foul the frame and lower suspension levers on full lock, and the wings on full bump and more than half lock. Therefore, to enable these chains to be used an extensive redesign of the front suspension would be necessary and it is almost certain that difficulty would be experienced in maintaining correct geometry of the cross steering tubes. In view of the above, will you please let us know whether you consider it necessary to pursue the matter. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} | ||