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).
Improvements and stock levels for road springs on the 40/50 and Goshawk models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\3\ Scan167 | |
| Date | 23th October 1922 | |
| for c. Wd. {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} (crossed out) c. BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Roy. {Sir Henry Royce} X4261 Ho 2 EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 3/H23.10.22. [STAMP: RECEIVED 24 OCT 1922] ROAD SPRINGS 40/50 AND GOSHAWK. X4261 X.2628 (crossed out) We have read with interest Wd {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} 's memo WD {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} 6/NJ18.10.22, and the papers attached thereto. We certainly think there is considerable room for improvement in regard to the question of road springs. It alarms me to think that it is possible for the Goshawk springs to be dealt with in the same way as is now being done with the 40/50. We have scarcely ever been in such a bad state for cars coming on test with the wrong springs, owing to shortage of thin leaf springs of the correct poundage. The points I wish to lay stress upon in connection with this job are as follows:- 1. Under the circumstances I agree with Wd {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead} 's suggestion that cars built for stock should come on test with any springs which it is convenient to fit, and that the springs should not be changed for springs of the correct poundage until the car is definitely allotted to the customer and the definite specification is available. This should mean only one change and one test, whereas we are at present often having to make two or three changes and consequently two or three tests. With regard to the question of springs which are changed by the Test Department, even though springs have originally been fitted by the Works in accordance with Drawing Office instructions, this is only quite a small percentage. Such cases have been necessary owing to faults in the frame etc. which have necessitated special springs to bring our clearances within the agreed limits. [Handwritten note in margin: cambers etc.] 2. It is of the utmost importance that sufficient stock of springs should be kept in order that cars, the specification of which is definitely settled, can have springs of the right poundage fixed before the cars come on test, as I do not feel we are doing our duty to the customer, or to the car, unless the car can go through its tests with parts fitted which will ultimately be despatched on the car. 3. In regard to the Goshawk II cars, I certainly feel that we should avoid a large range of springs, and I think in this case probably three types of strength of springs should be sufficient to cover the whole range of bodies required. This is a point on which I feel the opinion of other officials should be obtained. EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||