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).
15,000-mile test car report on a 25/30 HP model, detailing performance observations on the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0296 | |
| Date | 1st February 1938 | |
| To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} CHATEAUROUX. 2/I.2.38. 600a ALL TESTERS 26.G.VI. - 25/30 H.P. 15,000 MILES TEST CAR. This car was handed over at Boulogne yesterday and driven to Chateauroux for 15,000 miles test. It is at present undergoing routine inspection and attention to various troubles experienced on the run down. The following points have been noted, having regard to the criticisms when last in France. 1) The smoothness of the engine and general behaviour of the engine mounting show an enormous improvement and are considerably better than previous 25/30 HP. standard. The pedals and controls however require detail modification to isolate them from various effects of engine movement. 2) The transmission is good in all respects, and there is nothing immediately apparent that will require alteration. The isolated gear lever tube fouls with extreme engine movements, but we hope to overcome this by more careful alignement. 3) The steering is generally improved. The reduced castor angle has enabled lower front tyre pressures to be used with beneficial effect on the ride and the directional stability. At the same time it is lighter and this has permitted the use of weaker springs in the side steering tube which has overcome the joggles previously experienced. 4) Suspension is good, and contrary to what was expected, the range of damping appears quite adequate for Continental conditions with the setting that was found best for England. The ride is really very good, and we can find no adverse criticisms. We have not been troubled by hitting the front buffers as previously experienced. 5) Brakes. These are very good when used very gently. It is however far too easy to lock the front wheels and on wet roads dangerous front wheel skids were experienced with complete loss of steering control. The front brakes developed squeaks, groans, and pulling to the left, all indicating an excess of front braking. 40° servo cams to reduce this have been sent out and these are being fitted. Servo judders were also experienced. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Ivor Waller | ||