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).
Responding to a 'List of Worst Features' regarding vehicle faults and design issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan030 | |
| Date | 28th November 1927 | |
| To C. from Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Y4117 Hsl/LG28.11.27. LIST OF WORST FEATURES. 4118 We are very sorry to see that this list now appears to have been arranged in order to show the maximum number of complaints. In this form it loses most of its value. We realise that it is possible to complain about every part on the car, but what was agreed to was that we should set out the 6 worst features, and those features should consist of faults which were actually giving trouble on cars in customers hands; they should not include, for instance, suggestions for re-designing the chassis. Suggestions for improving the design of the chassis should form a separate list but we are of the opinion that the faults which are causing a considerable number of complaints from customers are the ones which should be dealt with urgently. We will briefly reply to your list and hope that you will be able to revise it and give us the 6 worst features :- 1. We agree this fault exists and it is receiving attention. 2. " " " " " " " " " " 3. This is a question of new design and should not be on this list. 4. This is much too vague. Piston knocks are included in No.12. Magneto noises are included in No.13. 5. We should like to know the number of the chassis on which this occurs because there was an improvement put through in the form of a stop in the cutout to avoid this trouble. 6. We agree that this feature should always be on the list. As regards adjustment for varying damping loads, this is a question of new design. 7. We consider that with all the improvements which have been standardised for battery ignition points, there is no need for this fault to occur. Battery charge indicator has no bearing whatever on this feature. As it is a question of a new design, it should not appear on this list. 8. We do not know how to make this better on the present engine. 9. We have no knowledge of this fault. We should like to have a sample shewn to us or perhaps when CWB. is at Derby he could try and shew us this fault on one of the experimental cars. 10. We see no reason why we should not use 14-tooth axles, if you wish, on the Phantom. 11. We admit this fault exists. 12. This fault exists to a certain degree. 13. Noisy magnetos - we are trying to reduce. A new magneto is now being standardised. As regards accessibility of the contact breaker, to alter this means an entirely new design and therefore should not be on this list. contd :- | ||