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).
Experimental information on steering and dampers for the 12-EX, exhaust cutouts for the 20 HP, and battery ignition points.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan038 | |
| Date | 19th August 1926 | |
| To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} x7430 x7940 The following is the experimental information in connection with the points given below :- (1) What is the position as regards the tests made on 12-EX in France as regards steering troubles, new axles, hydraulic shock dampers? Are we making them now? We have carried out sufficient tests and investigations in France to satisfy ourselves that there is no xxxx reason why we should not continue with the lightened type axle. The faults with which we have any difficulty in overcoming on 12-EX are not brought about by the new axle. We are satisfied that the hydraulic dampers are an improvement on the present standard friction damper which we are fitting. Since Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s visit to Chateauroux, we are not very anxious about the steering, in fact we feel confident that 12-EX can be made into a better steering that we have had previously. We do not expect of course to have reached the stage when it will be beyond criticism. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} is going to France again next week to carry out further tests on 12-EX car. (2) Exhaust cutout on 20 HP. R.{Sir Henry Royce} in his memo. R4/M25.8.26 stated that cutouts should be fitted to all 'D' steering cars. Although we ran an exhaust cutout 10,000 miles on the last 20 HP. car in France, we did not attempt to standardise it because we did not consider the advantages were worth the extra cost and complication. We think however it would be unwise to say that it is not required. With other modifications which are contemplated on the engine, the advantages with the cutout may be considerable. It would not save any money now if we cancelled the work on the cutout, as the design and the parts have been made. (3) Battery ignition points. There is a standardised scheme which can be applied to existing cars. When this is fitted we think that the average life of battery ignition points should be 5000 mls. before they are trimmed up and readjusted. contd :- | ||