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).
Issues with the Goshawk model's shock absorbers, spring shackle wear, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 46\2\ Scan055 | |
| Date | 29th March 1922 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} X4086 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/LG29.3.22. RE, GOSHAWK: X4219 X4086 We have received your two reports dated 24th. inst. which we have circulated as requested. We are sending you a copy of one of your reports together with our remarks which may be helpful in obtaining some decision. not sent. We are rather concerned with the toggling of the rear shock absorber and we are now about to make a test of the Goshawk rear springs on the bump test. We intend to take advantage of this opportunity to see what can be done so that more movement of the rear axle can be obtained without toggling. According to the present appearance of the shock absorber, the suggestions as made on your report could be embodied to advantage, but we do not wish to do anything unless we are quite sure that there is sufficient clearance to do this. Spring Shackle wear. You will see from our remarks on the attached report, that this matter is having our attention and their Mr. Cotterel who I interviewed at the Works here, after some discussion, seemed very emphatic on the fact that he could fix up some satisfactory covers for the shackles and the front dumb iron. I arranged for him to "got to it" and fix them on 6-Goshawk-11 which is now being done and we shall have a chance of seeing them at the Works this week-end. In view of your remarks we shall push this job and do all we can to obtain some satisfactory covering or let you know why such is impracticable. Steering. You will see from our previous reports that we quite agree with the fault in the steering and that it appears to be actually deflection caused when attacking a bump, and we should be glad to receive from you any suggestions or alterations that can be made as we certainly, at present, feel that this fault is of vital importance and one on which one must have an effective cure before delivery. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} is now pushing ahead with all speed with the plain bearing in the steering column as suggested by you. Although we have somewhat been able to damp out these shocks by friction in the front steering pivots or cross steering tube, it has in all cases, caused the steering to be less free to handle, and does not automatically adopt itself to self-centering. In sending these reports, we feel it is of the utmost importance that, as far as possible, we obtain R's information and confirmation of action - e.g. - obtaining of the spring shackle bush. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} would readily do this but requires R's approval. You will appreciate, I am sure, that the chief trouble in getting these alterations moving, is the approval by R.{Sir Henry Royce} and if you could start the job by obtaining this approval, you could rest assured that nothing will be left undone to get the job moving at this end. contd:- R.R. 199 (500) (H) 298. 15.8.17) M.P. 170549. | ||