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).
Critique and comparison of rear shock absorber anchorage, rear brakes, and gearbox components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\1\ scan0254 | |
| Date | 20th November 1935 | |
| -12- Doing duty for a rear shock absorber anchorage is a rough fishplate. This plate is fastened to the lower spring plate by the four legs of the spring clips. The overhanging portion of the fishplate is drilled to receive one end of the rear shock damper connecting links. The design of these connecting links do call for the most serious attention, each consists of a length of 3/8" round stock screwed at one end, a stirrup like fork or jaw is fastened at the other end for the purpose of connecting to the main shock damper arm. The rod may be welded to the stirrup, for we see no sign of the rod being rivetted. On the screwed end of the rod or link, it is noted that there are two rubber cap washers held on each side of the fishplate, these rubber cups masquerading as flexible mountings. We seriously suggest that, if the Packard links are effective, as our critics maintain they are, their opposite numbers of the R.R. type should be exhibited alongside them, and an enquiry be made as to why the difference is so great. REAR BRAKES. These are operated by an hydraulic system, and not by servo. This contributing greatly to a reduction of hand work. GEAR BOX. The efficiency of this unit appears to be unquestionable, yet for shape, appearance, weight and multitude of parts such as our R.R. Gear Boxes possess, it cannot be compared with ours. Of short squat like dimension, and, we believe made of cast iron, the outer casing is plain and unpretentious. The material from which it is made and the size assists, in our opinion, the attainment of quietness. The interior is fully disclosed upon detaching the top lid{A. J. Lidsey} or cover. This operation could not be more easily done as the removal of six screws is all that is necessary. An important feature of the cover is that it is the anchorage of the selector mechanism and gear lever operations, and not merely a lid{A. J. Lidsey} to cover the box. The withdrawal of the selector mechanism with the attached forks complete, when the cover is removed must be an advantage when making an inspection or adjustment. | ||