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).
Letter discussing the ordering and testing requirements for 'Goshawk 11' laminated road springs with supplier Thos. Firth & Sons Ltd.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 52\2\ Scan031 | |
| Date | 25th January 1922 | |
| By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Wd. {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} c. to War. c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Roy. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to Ms/Dr. X4429 RECEIVED X4429 "Goshawk 11" - Laminated Road Springs. In view of the remarks in By2/P24.1.22 and Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 4/LG23.1.22, I wrote Thos. Firth & Sons Ltd. on the 23rd inst. that we are very much afraid it will not be possible to make arrangements which will obviate the necessity of our placing an order for "Goshawk" springs with Messrs. Woodhead, and I followed this up with another letter yesterday, informing Firths that it would be quite impossible for us to carry out such tests of their springs as would convince and satisfy us in the space of a week, adding that we should require three months to carry out such tests, and two sets of springs would not be sufficient, at least six sets being required. I further remarked that in view of this Firths would no doubt consider it advisable to reconsider the whole question and if after doing so, they would like to discuss the matter with us here, we should be pleased to see Mr. Wortley Fawcett and Mr. Mark Firth at any time that will suit their convenience. In reply to our letter of 23rd inst. we have this morning received a letter from Firths, dated 24th instant, as follows:- "We thank you for your letter of Jan. 23rd, enclosing copy of Mr. Whitehead's report ref.- Wd {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} 1/NJ21.1.22, which correctly records the conversation which took place between Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Mark Firth, and the undersigned. "We have also received today two copies each of blue prints Nos. F.50881 and F.50886. We will hand these over to our spring designer, andwill write you in the course of a few days as to any suggestions or remarks we may have to make on them. "We also thank you for returning to us the four rear spring plates, and note that all the front spring plates have either been fractured or are still under test. "With reference to paragraph (d) re the ordering of the fifty sets of springs from Messrs. Woodhead's, whilst quite appreciating the new position that has arisen owing to us designing the springs, we would ask you as a favour to withhold ordering these springs from Messrs. Woodhead's for a few days so as to enable us to give the whole question very careful consideration, and to see whether it is not possible for us to make such arrangements as will enable us to deliver them to you by the first week in March." (contd) | ||