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).
Desirability and urgency of designing sub-frames for 40/50 and 20 HP models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\1\ scan0172 | |
| Date | 22th April 1926 | |
| To W. from BJ. Copies to GWD. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X8380 BJ8/H22.4.26. SUB-FRAMES FOR 40/50 and 20 HP. X5380 X6630 It will be remembered that when we first considered the desirability of a sub-frame, the chief reasons were:- (a) to overcome noises inside the body; (b) to make it easier for the coachbuilder to get ahead with finishing the body. At a recent Sales Conference, this matter was again considered and it was agreed that a sub-frame was not nearly so necessary now, as the noises inside bodies were far less. Recent experience has shown that closed bodies on New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I and 20 HP. chassis are seldom noisy, presumably on account of a reduction in periodic vibrations. Also, it is very problematical whether in practice the sub-frame will really enable the coachbuilder to save much time, as he will have to paint the chassis, etc. after he receives it, however far he has got in finishing the body. It is also extremely problematical whether the coachbuilder will be able to save in the construction of his body the considerable extra weight caused by the sub-frame. We know that Daimlers have had, and are still having, very considerable trouble with the design of their frame. Under the above circumstances, the conference did not consider there was any real urgency to push forward with the design of the sub-frame, but that the experiments might be carried on at the convenience of the Technical Depts., to prevent the whole matter being allowed to fall permanently in abeyance. For this purpose there seemed no reason why cars starting on 10,000 miles tests might not be fitted with the sub-frame, if it will be of assistance to the Technical Depts., provided the sub-frame is not in any way likely to affect the other parts of the chassis which it is desirable to test. We are giving this information as we know what a large amount of designing and experimental work there is in hand at present, and we should like those concerned to be aware that the Sales Conference do not look on the sub-frame as a matter of urgency. B.J. | ||