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).
Telephone message from R. regarding steering and axle modifications for Phantom models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0080 | |
| Date | 17th May 1926 | |
| 48430 Telephone Message from R.{Sir Henry Royce}, 17 May 1926. PHANTOM STEERING. We must have slower pitch worm on all cars going abroad. We must have large diameter worm on all cars. We must have lighter front axle on all New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM Is, and we must have cast dash board on Phantom as soon as ever possible. Steering column vibration should be reduced by new scheme sent on Saturday last to meet complaint on existing cars until cast dash supplied. Complaint of road shock can only be thoroughly met by large slow pitch worm. If axle properly lubricated and steering otherwise correct, I cannot believe difficulty of close steering. In comparing the Sunbeam (CWB's recommendation) and the Panhard (Sa's recommendation) obtain the loan of these machines as quickly as possible in England or France. If the Works fail to get them, will they ask Bales or Paris to help, and send an expert engineer to test (Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}). I do not believe more flexible longitudinal spring sufficiently drastic improvement. Do not spare expense in meeting this complaint. I do not agree to making 100 old type heavy axles even with hydraulic shock damper. I fear all tyres will occasionally get low pressure, and we have personal experience even with high pressure tyres and hydraulic damper, which may become ineffective due to neglect. Therefore the lighter axle with off centre steering is necessary. Test vertical pivot and castored stub axle like Panhard if this is of any benefit. All cars going abroad should be as perfect as possible. Where it is difficult to change to larger diameter worm, try slower pitch worm .940, and more flexible longitudinal spring. Do not attempt this cure where it is possible to change the box to larger diameter worm. You will see I condemn the policy of ordering 100 sets of the old heavy stub axle material, although I agreed under condition of necessity, but on further thought and information, I think it is preferable to await the lighter type, if it is found necessary to put Silver Ghost front wheel brake axle under the cars while at the coach builders. | ||