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).
Failure of Phantom step-irons due to rough roads and weight, proposing several cures.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\January1927-March1927\ 118 | |
| Date | 8th March 1927 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} } TO BA. } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) Copy to BJ. " WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " IMS. " RG.{Mr Rowledge} " F.{Mr Friese} ORIGINAL REC'D & DESPATCHED FROM WW. R3/M5.3.27. 8.3.27. PHANTOM STEP-IRONS. X8380 X5380 During this second season here, and on the 10,000 mile cars, the step-irons have broken. As this does not happen in England it must be due to the combination of the rough roads and weight of the battery. There may be cases too where the spare wheel has broken them It will be realised too that when a heavy person steps on the floorboard, and also during the testing of the springing and damping, these fittings get a heavy load. What is the cure? (1) Test and see if soundly made of correct steel and physical condition. (I fear the possibility of cracks due to bending.) (2) Consider whether they should be made of thicker steel or deeper section, and (3) Fit more. On the short chassis there is only one behind the scuttle on the R.H. with battery on the runningboard. This is distinctly overloaded and should be corrected at once. Warning on coachwork drawings, and examine the 20HP. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||