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).
Trip to the U.S.A., detailing observations from the New York Motor Show and a visit to Curtiss Wright Corp.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img102 | |
| Date | 26th January 1934 | |
| COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM R.C. IN U.S.A. DATED 13.1.34. To Ag. from hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/R.C. C. to W.R. C. to RE. C. to Ly. C. to Lu. C. to P. C. to Lp.{Mr Lappin} After landing on Tuesday last, we spent some time at the New York Motor Show. Apart from independent front springing which has been introduced on most cars, and general improvement in body work and streamlining, there are few design changes. The arrangement of front springing (or Knee Action) as it is termed are two independent units (entirely different and much more simple than scheme fitted experimentally to 27-X). As arranged, however, springs and mechanism are too much exposed; therefore requires design changes in that direction. The Chrysler had a very novel exhibit on the 'Air Flow car' with complete streamlining at front, and is a drastic departure from the orthodox, but they are apparently taking a chance and have put same into production. On Thursday we went to Curtiss Wright Corp., at Patterson, N.J., where we were met by Mr. Vaughn, President, Mr. Chilton and others. They are in much the same position with regard to valve trouble as we are on air cooled engines; they have passed their type approval tests on 3½ - A.C.C. lead but not 6 C.C. lead and are now struggling with the latter. With regard to Conqueror valves, even with 4 C.C. lead position is such that production is stopped. The fight between the Army and Navy Departments over merits of air and liquid cooled engines has resulted in a victory for air cooled, on grounds of improved performance and reliability, consequently Government has laid it down that no orders will be given until valve troubles have been solved using 6. C.C. lead on liquid cooled engines. Position is, therefore, so serious that Wrights have decided to spend $100,000 or £20,000 approximately per month on intensive research until valve troubles have been solved, the Company bearing the whole of this expenditure. | ||