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).
The condition and failure of Steering Pendulum Levers from various chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 153\4\ scan0123 | |
| Date | 4th May 1943 | |
| Handwritten top: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Woyman Should ask a Lab report on condition of material of Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1300 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}/C.Lee. c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} Stamp: RECEIVED MAY 10 Handwritten: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} Steering Pendulum Levers. With reference to the failure of the Steering Pendulum Lever on 3.B.50 Chassis. The Pendulum Levers, Side Steering Arms and Centre Levers on the following chassis have been dismantled for inspection and crack tested. The Steering Levers on the B.V.'s operated by Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and Lp.{Mr Lappin} have been inspected by Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Dd. and with the exception of a cracked Pendulum Lever on 12.B.V. chassis, passed inspection, and were re-fitted. The replacement Pendulum Levers were Brinell and crack tested before fitment. We attach hereto, photographs shewing the faulty levers, with the exception of the one off 10.B.V. chassis which was removed at the Hythe Road Depot, and has not yet come to hand. Chassis Pendulum Lever. Condition Mileage Now Fitted. 8.B.V. FB.3687 Passed Inspection 83,800 Re-fitted. 9.B.V. FB.3687 Passed Inspection 52,700 Re-fitted. 10.B.V. FB.4155 Cracked 30,000 New one fitted 12.B.V. FB.4290 Cracked 66,878 New one fitted 1.B.50 FB.3779 Cracked 65,000 New one fitted 3.B.50 FB.4388 Broken 72,800 New one fitted 30.G.VII FW.1878 Cracked 120,000 New one fitted 1.RT.1. FB.4113 Passed Inspection 17,440 Re-fitted. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}/C.Lee. Handwritten bottom: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} I suggest that the multiplicity of cracks on these levers indicates material or treatment fault. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||