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).
Testing and implementation of stronger front springs for four-wheel brake cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\3\ scan0055 | |
| Date | 11th August 1924 | |
| x9410 To [strikethrough]By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}[/strikethrough] from BJ. Copies to [strikethrough]Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}[/strikethrough] Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Re FRONT SPRINGS ON FOUR WHEEL BRAKE CARS. With reference to your memorandum EY14/H7.8.24, you will have seen our reports on the progress made in testing front wheel brakes. It is not quite clear whether you are now fitting all chassis with springs 25% stronger than standard, or whether this has been stopped, as we shall not be able to accept any springs more than 12½% stronger than standard. Can you please let us know how soon you expect the 10,000 mile test with these 12½% stronger springs to be concluded, as there might be some considerable risk in ordering a large quantity of these springs until we know whether they are satisfactory on the road. If we now ordered a large quantity of 12½% stronger springs and then found it was necessary to make them still stronger, could extra leaves be fitted to the springs on order? Will the 25% stronger springs be used up in manufacturing the 12½% stronger springs? So far as London is concerned, we feel that our tests are almost at an end, as we believe the 12½% stronger springs will be satisfactory on closed cars. A few more officials are testing these this afternoon. The 12½% stronger springs on the open cars have proved practically satisfactory, but we are just waiting to make the final test on 107-MG when fitted with such springs. We are waiting to hear from W. how soon this test can be made. One of the reasons we are somewhat doubtful as to the success of the 12½% stronger springs on the road is that one leaf of the front spring on 98-NK was found to be broken when we dismantled it here. With regard to 48-PK, we are arranging for this to be run as much as possible, both here and in France, by officials who have no special knowledge of front wheel brakes. We presume that there is no harm in doing this with the worm of the Servo drive unhardened? Could you send us a set of gaiters to fit to the springs, please, as we hope to run this car many thousands of miles as quickly as possible. We have finished with 98-NK, and presume that [strikethrough]the Haddocks[/strikethrough] Works will take this back with him, unless you want it at the Works immediately, in which case, it would be advisable for [handwritten]you to send for it, please.[/handwritten] | ||