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).
Recommendations for stiffer car springs for Australian conditions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67a\1\ scan0301 | |
| Date | 10th May 1927 | |
| To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Pt. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} CWB. c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} 48410 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/LG10.5.27. SPRINGS FOR AUSTRALIA ETC. With reference to BY2/H10.5.27. As a result of our accumulated experimental evidence on springing, we recommend the following springs for Australia. We have carefully considered the stronger stiffer spring which we suggested and which we have used with considerable success on fast experimental cars in England. From Pt's description of Australian conditions, we feel it would be a mistake to try and work to 4.125" buffer clearance over there, as we should want a 50% stiffer stronger spring to ensure that the axle did not hit the buffers. You will observe we propose to put .8" on the buffer clearance, which will not raise the car excessively, and then stiffen the spring up 25%, this will give us the same immunity from crashing as a 50% stiffer stronger spring and infinitely better low speed riding. We have never recommended stronger stiffer springs for the front because we feel the buffer clearance there has always been inadequate, also lifting the car .5" in front does not have a marked effect on the rolling propensities of the car. Our views on stronger springs at the rear have been somewhat modified since we larned from Pt. that he has never experienced a broken rear spring except of the thick leaf type. Under these circumstances, we are somewhat at a loss to account for the introduction of the 20% stiffer spring as freedom from liability to fracture appeared to be its primary virtue, and other attributes were sacrificed to attain this end. From the point of view of simplifying the number of springs in existence, we believe 15% stronger springs all round would satisfy Australia. If the best possible spring is thought to be worth while, then spring (B) outlined in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/LG10.5.27 should certainly be tested. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||