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).
New lightened axle, clutch problems, and testing modifications for the 12-EX car.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\O\2April1926-June1926\ Scan178 | |
| Date | 29th May 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. RG.{Mr Rowledge} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} ORIGINAL. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/LG29.5.26. 12-EX CAR. X8300 X8770 The saving in weight of the new lightened axle is 42 lbs. The axle is also decidedly neater in appearance and the pivot pin bushes being much larger should reduce our troubles in that direction. One of the troubles we are having with 12-EX car is the clutch. This engine was built with the clutch which drives through the fabric - the fabric being built up on to duralumin discs. The clutch was not at all satisfactory; it groaned and squeaked on engagement, and jagged badly. We have since received from Messrs. Ferodo sample discs in which the friction material is moulded on to the light steel disc. They have supplied one of these to fit to this clutch and it is being tested. The moment of inertia of this disc is less than the present standard one. There are one or two modifications which have got to be carried out on 12-EX car before it can go to France for a 10,000 miles test. We will arrange that this car arrives at WW. on Monday the 7th. June. It will then be in a condition to cross over to France, if approved by you. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||