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).
Test driver's log from a continental trip detailing issues with tyres, piston rattles, and ignition, plus future journey plans.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\3\ scan0130 | |
| Date | 6th August 1919 | |
| -2- R.R. 235 A (100 T) (S F.{Mr Friese} 846. 6-8-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460. Handwritten notes in margin: X.3144 (crossed out) X.984 (crossed out) and this was straightened out at Paris. With regard to tyres blowing off the rear wheels it was decided by BJ. and B. that some other make ought to be tried and finally it was arranged to fit Michelin Special 895 x 135 (which equal a 150 mm tyre) to the rear wheels including the spare. These tyres are being fitted to all new chassis coming to Paris Depot. Dunlops have been responsible for several accidents out here - so Paris say - through coming off the rims. Wednesday - March 3rd. Handwritten notes in margin: X.2894 (crossed out) X.1818 (crossed out) X.3129 (crossed out) Started off this morning with a good load of luggage and three up. Piston rattles have been very bad today, when pulling hard either on the level or climbing, with water temperature over 80°C. These rattles seemed to be much worse during the heat of the day than in the evening when the air was much cooler though the water was still between 80° and 90°C. I had to continually be easing up on account of these rattles and on opening out they would return at first very slightly then gradually getting worse until the throttle had to be closed again. BJ. says he has noticed the same Rattles on PN{Mr Northey}'s Car. After making a stop today the battery ignition refused to work and it was found that the tungsten point had come off the blade, so I fitted the platinum blade and screw. Arrived at Roanne about 8-30 P.M. Thursday - March 4th. Left Roanne for Avignon. Piston rattles about the same as yesterday and except for them the car has run very well. At Avignon BJ. sent a telegram to CJ. re the pistons and suggested that they get a report from PN.{Mr Northey} who has just arrived on the continent about his pistons and their behaviour. I have suggested to BJ. that I run the engine to a standstill either out here or better still bring the car home and do it in England nearer the works, but BJ. says that as the car will be coming back at the end of the month, and arrangements have already been made for Sir Edward Goulding to use the car while it is here, I had better nurse it a bit until I return and then, if necessary, the car should be taken on Brooklands. Present arrangements are that I take BJ. to Barcelone on Monday March 8th. and then return towards the end of the week so that I can meet Sir Edward Goulding - Contd. | ||