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).
Engine trouble and subsequent examination concerning Engine No. F.XI.MS/27 during the King's Cup Race.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 174\1\ img003 | |
| Date | 1st July 1929 | |
| X4511 EPB/HB.{C. E. Harcombe}7.29 re. KING'S CUP RACE. Engine No. F.XI.MS/27. From information we have so far been able to gather in regard to the above, the machine flew well and the engine ran satisfactorily as far as Newcastle. Radiator trouble was experienced between Lympne and Bristol; the radiator was temporarily patched up by Farmer at Bristol and the machine went on to Blackpool. The best possible job was made of the radiator at Blackpool and no further trouble was experienced in this direction. On arrival at Sherburn-in-Elmet, where Mr. Faircloth was stationed, the pilot reported the engine was running very roughly and had been gradually getting worse. Faircloth removed the cowling, tried the gear and it was apparent by feel that all was not well with the gear. As the pilot was already very late, he was not anxious to proceed unless Faircloth could assure him that he was not likely to be called upon to make a forced landing. After his examination of the engine, Faircloth was naturally not able to give him this assurance. The pilot, therefore, decided to retire. Mr. Archer, who was stationed at Castle Bromwich, received the above information from Faircloth. He got in touch with us at the Works, and it was decided for Mr. Archer to go to Sherburn-in-Elmet yesterday, with the necessary fitters and tackle, with a view to getting the machine away from Sherburn as quickly as possible. On examination, Mr. Archer found that by revolving the engine backwards he could feel something pick up, which appeared to be in the blower gear. This could not be felt on turning the engine in a forward direction. The tail bearing of the rotor was therefore dismantled and as a result of this examination it was decided to run the engine. Mr. Archer ran up the engine, and found that at the gate position, i.e. 1+ lbs. boost, he was getting 2100 revs, this being slightly more than when the machine left Heston. The engine ran quite well on the ground, and the pilot was persuaded to take the machine in the air for a short test, and as a result of this test subsequently left for Brooklands, arriving there at 5.30 last night. CONTD:- | ||