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).
Steering tests and comparisons with a Lincoln and Panhard to address a wandering defect in company cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0106 | |
| Date | 21th May 1926 | |
| X8430 B 2 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} CWB3/GM/21-5-26. X3929 X8450 X1052 X8430 Re:- Steering. Reference Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG12526. I have available a Lincoln Saloon Car, which I could arrange to have sent to Derby for a day, or possibly two, if you think its inspection and test would offer assistance. The steering of this car, which is a fairly heavy car, its total weight being about 44 cwt, is decidedly good and I do not think road shocks are perceptible under any circumstances, while the degree of reversibility is satisfactory. It is geared very low. Perhaps you will let me know whether you would like to inspect and test the car. Regarding the Panhard, I have written to a friend of mine, who is also a friend of Mons. Weymann's, who I know possesses one of the big Panhard's, to ask him whether it would be possible to have a run in this car either in France or England, as I know Mons.. Weymann brings it over here at intervals and will let you know as soon as I receive his reply. I have read with interest your report Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/LG19526, but have a definite impression that the lack of close steering ability, which has been commented on in our cars, is not present in all of them. It is presumably a question of the exact setting of pivots etc, and possibly when these approach one limit this effect is more pronounced. To my mind it is the same defect as I have referred to as a tendency to wander. I have had on final test here to day two cars, both of which have a distinct tendency to wander and intense concentration on the steering is necessary at all times, which makes driving very fatigueing. I am trying the lighter steering tube springs in these two cars, to see whether this effect becomes more or less pronounced with the alteration and will report the result. CWB. [Signature CWB] | ||