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).
Progress report on the Spectre model, detailing developments in suspension, gearbox, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\1\ 01-page360 | |
| Date | 21th August 1935 | |
| To Ag. & Nor. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Ds. c. to HSY. c. to HWC. X300 RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Rs.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}S/KW.21.8.35. Progress of the SpectreCodename for Phantom III. The following is a summary of the progress of the SpectreCodename for Phantom III since the last report was issued, RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Rs.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}17/KW.11.4.35. Suspension. Road tests of experimental schemes on Autolock dampers are continuing, and we believe that designs for the parts are progressing satisfactorily. We have the latest scheme running on SpectreCodename for Phantom III 3, which gives more accessible valves and freedom from high press joints, so reducing oil leaks. We have had various seizing troubles on the damper cylinders of the front suspension, and these are being overcome. The two types of suspension which we have running about at present are the constant rate suspension on SpectreCodename for Phantom IIIs 1 and 3, with 5" front spring deflection and 7" rear spring deflection, and the variable rate suspension on SpectreCodename for Phantom III 2, with 10" front and rear deflection. It is proposed to send the first car to France with the higher rating springs, as these are likely to present fewer problems with regard to road holding, steering, etc. and more nearly reproduce the Cadillac. The lower rating undoubtedly gives the better ride, but we have to gain further experience with such flexible front springs. Gearbox. We have been concentrating our attention on chunking in the drive. The SpectreCodename for Phantom IIIs we are running about are undoubtedly worse in this respect than either the Phantom or the 2/25, and very much worse than the Buick. We shall shortly be issuing a report which should indicate where the trouble lies. We have not yet tried the 45° helix angle gearbox. The flexible mounting has been detailed. Steering. The second RR-Marles steering fitted in SpectreCodename for Phantom III 3 is a considerable improvement over the first. We are learning how to make the best of these steerings, and have obtained much information from the Adamant Engineering Company. | ||