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).
Engine tests, brake materials, customer complaint analysis, and production plans for the Wraith model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\2\ scan0015 | |
| Date | 13th October 1937 | |
| - 5 - WRAITH considered to be due to hammering on the cams, and an engine is now running on the Test bed in connection with this trouble. (1) As regards a Wraith engine of final design, one of these will be running in about 2 weeks' time. If this test is successful it is expected that the next car will go to France with engine of final design, in the same chassis as previously went to France, not later than the end of November. (2) Brakes The same remarks on the respective merits of cast iron and light alloy drums apply as are recorded under P.III. It was agreed that six sets of alternative cast iron drums and steel shoes should be made for the first 6 Experimental cars which are to be produced over here. The oil leak from rear engine bearings is receiving special attention. The full remedy has not yet been found. (3) Complaints Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} raised the important question of avoidance of complaints about this car which have occurred with 20/25's and 25/30's. With the knowledge now available it should be possible by close investigation to ascertain the nature of the complaints in the past and the remedy applied, with a view to seeing that a recurrence was impossible. on Wraith. Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} was instructed to study this question closely and to state reasons for believing that such action has been taken at W. as will not permit a recurrence of these known troubles. (4) First Six Cars. RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} said according to his view these will not be ready until about next March. This was considered too late. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} suggested two to be available in January, two in February and two in March. RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} will investigate the possibility of this. The point then arose about the bodies for these six chassis. Types must be decided and the order placed with the Coachbuilders. The grey car, 25-G-VI will be rebuilt to final design for Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s use. | ||