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).
Report from Melbourne detailing various mechanical issues and potential improvements for 20 HP and 40/50 HP models in Australian conditions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\5\ Scan249 | |
| Date | 15th March 1929 | |
| Pt.2/EAP/15-3-29 -2- MELBOURNE. - 15th March, 1929 Hm. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} /Derby c.HE/Derby c.HS {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Derby c.EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} /Derby c.Whr. {Mr Wheeler} /London. So far as the damage to rear number plates and rear lamps is concerned, I have drawn your attention to this before, and can confirm that occurrences of this trouble are very frequent. I think that in the absence of Work's designed and fitted bumper bars or bumperettes, the name plate and lamps on 20 h.p. chassis are in a very exposed position, and I would suggest that consideration be given to moving these - preferably to a position over the off-side rear wing, and appreciably higher than the present location. My own opinion of the worst features existing at the moment is the leaking of oil at the waterpump drive on the 20 h.p. engine, even in recently landed Chasses. The proved weakness of the rivetting of the side flanges of the V type pulleys of fans of 20 h.p. engines. The breaking of exhaust pipe flanges on 20 h.p. Chassis, and the constantly recurring trouble of oil on brakes. It is all very well to say that this will not occur unless the axle is overfilled, but in this country, with a hot following wind, the small amount of oil which the axle casing is designed to hold, practically reaches boiling point. I think, myself, that for Australian conditions a lower level in a reservoir of double capacity would be much preferable to the present design. Another feature which I think could be improved upon is the knocks, rattles and vibrations which are set up in the foot pedals, largely due to the fact that these are supported at one end by the Chassis frame, and at the other end by the gear box, between which there is a very considerable amount of relative movement. I think it is very objectionable that one should feel these knocks in one's feet in a car so expensive as our own, when it is entirely absent in many cars of half the price, and it is a feature here which has been much criticised by both owners and drivers. So far as the 40/50 h.p. Model is concerned, the worst feature appears to be axle groans and periods, especially when cornering. We have been having some trouble with the earlier GoshawkAero EngineCodename for 20HP Car / Aero Engine after KestrelAero Engines fitted with sixty tooth Crown Wheels owing to pinions giving way. A fourth or fifth case has just arisen, and I confidently expect trouble with those remaining of this type. I should like very much an expression of opinion from you as to the advisability of stocking Crown Wheels and Pinions of the fifty tooth type, so as to be prepared for eventualities. I think, too, that these should be supplied free of charge, as there is no doubt that the old type fine pitch job is on the weak side for Australian conditions. Pt. encls. Reports -2- | ||