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).
Secret memorandum discussing the testing and procurement of springs for four-wheel brake cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\3\ scan0176 | |
| Date | 17th October 1924 | |
| To CJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} S E C R E T. x9410 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}9/LG1 7.10.24. SPRINGS FOR FOUR WHEEL BRAKE CARS. In reply to the telegram in connection with the above which we have received. At present there is one 40/50 HP. limousine car (weight 46 cwts.) running a 10,000 miles/test in France. The tests on the springs commenced on the 7.10.24. Up to the 15.10.24. the car had completed 4,200 miles. The daily mileage since the first day has been over 500 miles per day. The springs fitted to this car are Woodheads make 20% stiffer. We have on order from Messrs. Woodheads - 100 pairs of springs for production cars, and most of the springs to this order have been delivered. We are satisfied, from the bumping tests, that Woodhead springs when used as either 12½% or 20% stiffer, are as reliable as the springs we have used on the 40/50 HP. car in the past. We consider it might be possible to improve their reliability still further by modification to the bottom leaves but as the bottom plate failures are not at all serious, it is a matter which might be left until we have compared them with Firths springs. We have on order - 100 pairs of front springs to the latest design from Messrs. Firths. So far we have not received any of these springs. The first sets are promised contd :- | ||