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).
The preliminary test of front wheels with increased off-set to eliminate tramping and snatchy steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\7\ Scan006 | |
| Date | 23th July 1928 | |
| C O P Y. July 23rd, 1928. To Mr. Beaver. Mr. Knapton. Mr. Ross. Co. to Mr. Ainsworth. Mr. Soutter. Mr. Darling. Mr. Nadin. Mr. Bagnall. Mr. Poole. Mr. Hives. England. WHEELS. From OY. Preliminary test of front wheels with 1/2" increased off-set on 364-FM give great hopes of this simple change to eliminate tramping and 'snatchy' steering (which is the preliminary to tramping and wobble). 364-FM has always snatched at speeds above 40 m.p.h. and tramped at 55 m.p.h. upwards so badly that I have seldom had it up to speed. It has never broken into an absolute wobble but the reaction of the severe tramping on the rear passengers has been sufficient to be very disagreeable. Now with front wheels off-set an extra 1/2", the tramping is practically gone, the snatching has gone except at high speeds on very bad road surfaces, and the car can be taken up to full speed without any fear of trouble, and with only 35 lbs. in front tyres. There seems to be no compensating disadvantage except a slightly increased tendency to 'tuck-under' when turning right angle corners very slowly. This could be overcome by a slight increase in pivot lean. An circulating Experimental Order D.3624 for trying this out on three more cars with front brakes and one standard S.Ghost (preferably a confirmed low speed wobbler). This seems a desirable and simple change considering the results achieved and from our point of view, definitely better than the soft spring side steering tube. (I have wired Mr. Ross at Buffalo to hold orders for 20" wheels (except for show job) until we can advise re increased off-set, and to have the show job wheels made with increased off-set so that we can run a test here with the smaller wheels with increased off-set. OY. | ||