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).
Performance and criticism report on a car fitted with a 15/52 ratio axle, noting issues with the clutch, gear lever, and vibrations.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\2\ scan0257 | |
Date | 16th December 1924 | |
[Handwritten top left] 1 CJ 2 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 3 Js{Mr Johnson's Secretary} pr [Typed and circled] S E C R E T. [Handwritten] B.J. [Typed] E.A.C.II. [Handwritten top right] X8770 [Stamped] J S RECEIVED [Typed] CWB2/LH{Mr Haworth}16.12.24. [Handwritten] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} seen [Typed Body] In general, the performance and appearance of this car, as now fitted with a 15/52 ratio axle, is considered highly satisfactory. The following criticisms of points of detail are made for examination as to whether they are due to inherent questions of design, or merely to the particular adjustment of this car. (1) There is a clutch 'jagger' unless the clutch is eased very gently into engagement, particularly when the governor lever is fairly well advanced. (2) The withdrawal of the clutch demands more pressure than the 40/50 and it is considered this should be reduced if possible. (3) The gear change lever is very stiff - far too stiff. [Handwritten in left margin] also One has to depress pedals a very long way [Typed Body Continued] As regards performance, this is excellent. The whole car runs smoothly and sweetly at all speeds and gets away on top speed from dead slow very well indeed, particularly on battery only. As regards noises and vibrations, there is a very slight transmission period at both 20 and 30 miles per hour but if none of the Production chassis are worse than this car, it can be considered satisfactory. The over-run vibration round about 50 to 55 miles per hour and down to 40 to 45 is fair and the causes of this require closely investigating and watching, so that it does not become any more aggravated in production. | ||