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).
Various mechanical issues and proposed solutions for the Wraith model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\2\ scan0313 | |
| Date | 24th November 1938 | |
| - 2 - WRAITH 3. Propeller Shaft This item is dealt with fully in Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/MH{M. Huckerby}17.11.38, which was read by BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Briefly larger joints are required and adequate lubrication for those joints. The larger joints have been tested on a P.III satisfactorily and the production Wraiths are at present fitted with a joint which is likely to give trouble and may ultimately require changing. The new joints can start on "C" series Wraith, and the old shafts removed can be fitted with new joints by Hardy Spicer for 13/- a time. As regards existing cars, it was decided that a Depot Sheet should be circulated regarding periodical lubrication, and that the results of this would indicate whether any further action was necessary. 4. Wraith Gearbox - Broken First Motion Shaft Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}5/MH{M. Huckerby}181138 deals with this fracture and indicates that a modification has been designed to eliminate future failures. BY.recommends changing these shafts on production as soon as possible but not until a figure of merit has been obtained from tests. The fracture has been reproduced on the dynamometer in two instances one in 10 1/2 hours and the other in 18 hours. It is anticipated that a figure of merit from further tests will be obtained by the end of next week. RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} pointed out that we were committed to the existing design of shafts for the whole of "B" series. Before a decision is taken as to what is to be done finally in this matter a further discussion will take place. 5. Engine Vibration This matter is now cleared on production, but further tests are in hand of rubber blocks of the original hardness but of twice the diameter. 6. Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}'s Report on 27-G-VI BY.1/N22.11.38 contains a summary of Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}'s work, in which certain items are still outstanding for further attention :- | ||