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).
Steering feel, suspension performance, and lighting control systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\11\ Scan270 | |
| Date | 1st June 1928 guessed | |
| contd :- -2- by PN.{Mr Northey} with R.{Sir Henry Royce} this steering is considered quite satisfactory and its general feeling was liked. It is considered, however, that in the combination of any further alterations, either to the gear ratio of the steering, or the elasticity in the steering connections, we must not introduce any greater degree of sponginess or lack of selectivity than exists here. (3) SUSPENSION. On arrival here the tyre pressures were found to be somewhat higher than we use on our Trials Cars and the tyre pressures were reduced accordingly to those employed, i.e. 40 lbs. in front and 35 lbs. in rear. When the suspension was considered to be quite good and the degree of damping given by the shock absorbers to be adequate up to speeds of 60 m.p.h. Above this speed or on poor roads at even lower speeds more damping is required. (4) The special arrangement of spot light in combination with the head lights was given a very severe test and was found to be extremely satisfactory. It was found possible when about to pass another car under crowded road conditions with many cyclists about, to switch off the head lights with the simultaneous lighting of the spot light, without necessitating any reduction in speed. It is now thought that with a more convenient form of control for this changeover that the system is entirely adequate and it is suggested that this control should take the form of a changeover switch, which might be placed on the floorboards beside the clutch pedal, so as to be operated by the left foot, the switch being of the form which simply requires depressing to effect a change either forwards or backwards. It is believed that Messrs. Renault have developed a switch of this description which they fit to their 45 HP. car. Alternatively, a switch could be arranged underneath the steering wheel and fixed to the arm which comes nearest to the right hand about 2" inwards from the rim, which would be equally convenient. CWB. Note from PN.{Mr Northey} I am in agreement generally but feel that we cannot over-estimate this importance of being able to provide adequate damping also at the higher speeds. PN.{Mr Northey} | ||