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).
Comparing steering gear efficiency, discussing component manufacturing, and proposing tests for the Spectre model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 28\3\ Scan054 | |
| Date | 16th November 1934 | |
| -2- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/KW.16.11.34. The greater efficiency of the La{L. A. Archer} Salle appears to be attributable to their using ball thrust bearings at each side of the follower and a roller bearing on the column shaft. It would seem that if we provide for a high overall efficiency on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III steering box we can then reduce the overall efficiency if it is found to be permissible owing to the light weight on the front axle of the car. Personally, however, we feel that we shall not want a much lower geared steering than that at present on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III, nor one that is heavier to operate. With a view to getting a preliminary test of an English made double tooth type of Marles gear, we arranged with Commdr. Matravers to build up a gear with some parts he had manufactured to the attached drawing. This gear will be the right size for the Bentley, and we should thus be able to get an idea of its possibilities. It will be observed that this gear as being manufactured by the Adamant Company will not have ball thrust bearings on the follower, also it has a plain bearing in the bottom of the box to deal with the overhung portion of the hour glass shaft, which we consider is likely to be a cause of inefficiency. We prefer the American outboard roller bearing. If Ds. could modify this steering drawing to incorporate the features which he is introducing on the new SpectreCodename for Phantom III box, we could have the parts made with little delay, and thus get a preliminary run on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III design with English made parts. We inspected the manufacturing facilities of the Adamant plant. We should agree that the only part they could with advantage produce would be the cam track and follower. If we find that it is necessary to grind the cam track we think this job would be best done in the Works. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||