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).
Front axle (G.111 Type) that was handed in twisted after a chassis incident.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\July1925-September1925\ Scan257 | |
| Date | 16th September 1925 | |
| R.R. 493A (50 H) (D.D. 31, 12-6-25) J.H.D. EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. REF: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TMW/LG16.9.25. C REPORT ON A FRONT AXLE (G.111 TYPE) HANDED TO US BY TEST DEPT. HAVING THE NEAR SIDE TWISTED. The chassis was being driven at a fast rate round a slight right-hand bend, in the centre of the road which is well but not excessively cambered - perfectly dry - tarred once but very little remaining - no traffic. To reduce the speed a little the driver applied his foot brake slightly but sharply, when the chassis took a dive to the left. Here is situated a steep bank rising abruptly from the road without a footpath or a ditch intervening. To avoid this he applied maximum pressure to foot brake, keeping it there until chassis was stationary; at the same time swinging the steering to the right. The steering here took charge, knocking the wheel out of his hands and slamming over to the limit right-hand lock. The chassis then skidded obliquely towards the bank (probably helped by the camber) with all the road wheels locked - the rear by brakes; the front by the combined action of brakes and their angular position to bank after skidding 5 yds. The near side front tyre struck the foot of bank, not violently, but sufficient to straighten up the front of chassis which came to rest 2 ft. 6 ins. after striking. Although, as stated, the impact was not violent, it can be confidently asserted, having regard to all the circumstances at the time it happened viz :- The existing strain on the pivot arm due to the heavy braking, the added strain to same of the contd :- | ||