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).
Test report on the performance of the gearbox, axle, and brakes for Chassis 1.E.X.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\1\ scan0086 | |
| Date | 28th July 1919 | |
| Contd. X3426 Chassis 1.E.X. Gear Box. En5/W28.7.19. contd. Gear Box And Axle. The Gears are very good, the side shaft being quite quiet, and all of the gears as good as any I have ever tried. These are very much better than 49-GB. The reverse finger plate on the change speed lever is very liable to trap ones finger if the lever is handled carelessly in pulling it from reverse to neutral, and this inflicts quite severe cuts owing to the sharpness of the edges of this little pressing. If it is worth while doing, we might carry the reverse stop on the quadrant right along the reverse slot. This will then operate in the same way as 49-GB. One is apt to handle this lever lower than is intended, owing to its length and the position of the seats. I find the general feel of the change speed lever mechanism in operating the gear improves very considerably with use, from its new state. When I took the chassis away my impression was that these parts had been badly fitted as they appeared unduly slack in places and too tight in others, but it is evident that they improve by wear. The rear axle was moderately good when I took the chassis away, but on completing the run I found it to be decidedly bad. It gave a powerful note but no vibration. This is on forward running, on over running or retard it is still good. BRAKES. The brake lever was too far forward for comfort and with this position of seats should be set back. Both brakes are extremely good. The hand brake not being fitted with Ferodo, made the usual noise. They are both very powerful and quite adequate. In Devonshire and Cornwall I was able to appreciate fully the comfort to be obtained from really satisfactory brakes. Contd. | ||