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).
Design modifications and weight considerations for the flywheel, clutch, propellor shaft, brakes, and jacking system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\3\ scan0169 | |
| Date | 2nd April 1935 | |
| -3- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/KW.2.4.35. (12) Flywheel & Clutch. Instead of getting 20 lbs. off the flywheel and clutch we have added 10 lbs. We anticipated that we should be able to reduce the inertia but found that this brought up engine roughness. Design have been stiffening up the rear crankshaft bearing and fitting the Borg & Beck clutch, which will undoubtedly result in weight saving. (13) Propellor Shaft & Damper. The Hardy Spicer propellor shaft did not produce the weight saving anticipated. We are going into this. We have a new damped spring drive for the clutch centre which we hope will enable us to throw away the propellor shaft damper flywheel which weighs 12 lbs. The amount of weight added by the noise insulation is surprising. We are endeavouring to reduce this and are working with Park Wards with this end in view. The outstanding feature on S-E-IV which is now excessively heavy is the brake system, which weighs 2 cwts. We are endeavouring to lighten both the drums and the transmission. The Jackall Jacks were only fitted to the car with a view to testing the piping etc., so that if successful they can be standardised on the 20/25 and 40/50. We think that their weight is prohibitive for the Bentley. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||