Modifications to the pendulum lever and wheel offset for easier parking and improved handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0069 | |
| Date | 3rd January 1929 guessed | |
| - 2 - PENDULUM LEVER (For easier parking, etc.) Derby now have a 10" pendulum lever replacing our 11", i.e. a 9% increase in "mechanical advantage" of the steering - and we shall follow suit at chassis 2401. With this increased leverage the softness of the side steering tube springs becomes relatively more objectionable. Therefore, when we try this lever on MX {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} -3, as we shall do shortly, we should try it with both types of side steering tube, 3500 lbs./in. and 1500 lbs./in. Apparently it is felt at Derby that a compromise of about 2000 lbs./in will be finally reached. WHEELS. The note about 1/2" greater offset on the front wheels, to give a 1.750 departure from center-point in the steering, is very easy to try out on MX {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} -3, and would be an easy change in production, since it is all done in the spoking of the wheels. Mr. Ross is asking the Wire Wheel Company to make two of the new 20" D.C. experimental wheels with 1/2" greater offset than standard (2-1/16" against 1-9/16"). We can then try the difference in handling on MX {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} -3 between these wheels and those having the standard offset. In case there was a marked improvement all the wheels would be so altered. This alteration could also be made without great trouble on standard wheels in service to cure wobbles. One important advantage would be 1" more width for the rear seat in coachwork. The only alteration in production which would cause us any trouble is moving the discs of the spare-wheel carrier 1/2" inward towards the frame. There are 1/4" aluminum packings behind these discs which can be removed, moving the hub 1/4" inwards, and the remainder will come out of the width of the tire-well. OY. F. {Mr Friese} | ||
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).