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).
248.9-mile road test of chassis 12-EM, detailing performance, consumption, and issues encountered.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\4\ Scan032 | |
Date | 19th November 1923 | |
"E" C O P Y. X4601 BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} R.{Sir Henry Royce} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/NRC{N. R. Chandler}6/D19.11.23. Chassis 12-EM. Sunday November 18th. Run. To Southport via Buxton and Cat & Fiddle. Return via Leek. Total distance for day - 248.9 miles. Petrol used - 18 gallons. Consumption 13.8 m.p.g. This includes 4 starts from cold, and very heavy going through snow, mud and very strong head wind. Car ran very well throughout the trip. Vibration due to torque reaction rather pronounced when engine was pulling hard, or accelerating, at all speeds up to about 34 m.p.h. This was especially noticeable with hood up. Will be particularly interested to observe effect of vibration damper on this car with same body and hood. Springs are considerably too strong for the light touring body and 3 passengers, (chassis is sprung for 10. cwt. body and 6 passengers). Steering excellent and very steady. Car holds road well at all speeds. Footbrake smooth and silent, but requires considerable pressure on pedal to lock wheels even in snow. Dynamo hums slightly, especially when thoroughly warm. Gear box good. There is a distinct hum at 30-35 m.p.h., most noticeable on smooth wet roads, and least evident on thick mud. This suggests noise due to tyres rather than axle. One lady passenger was sea-sick on return journey after 100 miles in rear seat almost non-stop, with hood up all the time. It should be noted in this connection that rolling and swaying were almost non-existent owing to the strong springs and Hartfords. Smells or fumes were not mentioned by any passenger and were not noticed by the driver. NRC.{N. R. Chandler} | ||