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).
Performance issues concerning the gearbox, servo motor, brake mechanism, and chassis components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0193 | |
| Date | 10th September 1937 | |
| 2. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/INS.3/RR.10.9.37. There was a tendency throughout the running for the top gear to jump out of engagement on the over-run. Towards the end of the mileage it became difficult to disengage top gear and at times it would not come out at all. Third gear also became difficult to disengage on occasions. No reason for this trouble was found when the gear box was stripped. It has not occurred on the other chassis. Servo Motor and Mechanism. LOP.GR.{George Ratcliffe}1412. Trouble was experienced with the brakes binding owing to the servo sticking. This was due to partial seizure of the centre spindle in the tube which was dry and had picked up. It was also found that the bosses for the screws fixing the flexible plate drive were fouling the inside edge of the serrated portion of one friction disc. The curved arm against which the driving peg works was tight in its bush. These are matters of attention to clearances and lubrication on assembly, and are receiving attention. When these faults had been overcome the servo gave no further trouble. It was smooth, powerful and effective, and good in all respects. Wear had taken place where the scissor lever comes back against the stop and a click on release was audible from this source. A rubber stop is required. The rubber stop on the servo reverse link was quite satisfactory. Change gear and Brake Mechanism. LOP.GR.{George Ratcliffe}1447. The freedom from vibration on the isolated change speed lever was a welcome change after the vibrations felt on the Phantom III. lever. The hand brake was satisfactory. Under certain conditions one to two notches clearance was lost due to heating and cooling effects in the brakes but there would appear to be sufficient sponge to overcome this variation. Frames and Fittings LOP.F4.926. LoC.5165 Petrol Tank suspension and stoneguard. These were satisfactory. | ||