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).
'Spectre' model, engine development, and ongoing issues with braking systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img033 | |
| Date | 14th February 1934 | |
| U S A.{Mr Adams} To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ.14.2.34. I am sorry we have had very little time to write to you. What with struggling with the job, the 'civil war', and changing round the shop, I rather envy the peace and tranquillity of U.S.A. We have forced the issue so that the Experimental Dept. and the Design side is more or less defined. At the moment, therefore, everyone is happy. The 'SpectreCodename for Phantom III' is getting through to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} and I should guess that in about two months time we ought to have an engine. They have started on the design of the 8 cyl. 4 Litre engine for the 25 HP. We are arranging to fit the Essex engine into a 25 HP. car using our own gearbox. We were interested in your remarks on the Bentley brakes because we are right up to our necks in trouble. We are running one car 10,000 miles in England with the new thrust bearing to the axle and with the old Ferodo Bonded Asbestos on the brakes. The Ferodo Bonded Asbestos does appear to have the advantages of not causing juddering and less susceptible to weight. On the cars which have been delivered and are on test we are relieving the toe of the shoes for about 1/4" which appears to overcome the juddering effect. We also have another scheme we are trying to prevent the water getting into the brake. The three faults we have are the juddering, diving when partially dried, and ineffective brakes when wet. We are pushing ahead with the 14" drums. The advantage we hope to gain from this chiefly is that we shall be able to use the Bonded Asbestos. As regards the car you are to purchase and bring back you should not hesitate if necessary, to recommend the purchase of two cars - I think we have got enough money in the till. Now that we are definitely going over to an eight I think that we ought to obtain a high class 8 cyl. as well as either a 12 or 16. Dick Summers has made one or two criticisms. I sent GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} up there to see him. His criticism on the springing we have left for you to deal with when you return. | ||