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).
Secret memo from a meeting at Le Canadel regarding steering with front-wheel brakes, front axles, and wheels.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\3\ scan0304 | |
| Date | 22th March 1924 | |
| X9430 To DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} & E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} SECRET. RL/M22.3.24. c. to CJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} RG.{Mr Rowledge} PN.{Mr Northey} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} C. MEETING AT LE CANADELHenry Royce's French residence (RG.{Mr Rowledge} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} & R.{Sir Henry Royce}) STEERING WITH FRONT WHEEL BRAKES. X.9420 X.9820 X.9430 FRONT AXLE. X.9420 Mr. Bailey's theory now understood and believed to be correct; accept our thanks and admiration. This confirms desire that pivots should be carried as near the centre of track as possible because the only good that can be obtained to reduce road shocks on steering gear is to move the pivot into the wheel. Inclination of pivots and centre point steering have no real effect to reduce road shocks. WHEELS. X.9820 These must be carefully standardised as far as our reputation goes. We must keep as near the pivot as possible, and not more than .5" away from centre point steering. We are as near in as anybody and nearer than Hispano. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} points out that the new R.W. wheel is possibly exactly what we want. Disc are good, present wire wheels next, then all known others impossible. Stop supplying all wheels which will throw the wheel centre away from the pivots. Centre-point steering is excellent and very desirable but for twisting the wheels while standing it is better to be slightly off centre, and the best compromise is .5" outside to get small amount of rolling. (To be confirmed by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) PRESENT PRODUCTION. We are nearer pivots than others, (including Hispano) trusting to the improvement of lower geared steering by 25% and longitudinal tube fitted with special buffer spring understood to be in Derby's hands, giving low rating and ample clearance. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||