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).
Outlining the war-time experimental testing programme, prioritising work based on fault finding, vehicle improvement, and cost-saving.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\5\ scan0067 | |
| Date | 6th October 1940 | |
| [Handwritten] Letters conference 1373 [Typed] Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Sym. from Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /AG. c.Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /FJH. {Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /CTS. {C. Trot Salt - Carburation} c.Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /RC. {R. Childs} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Clm. {D. D. Clapham} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /WHR. {Mr Wheeler} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Col. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1/NL.6.10.40. Our war-time Experimental programme of testing must necessarily be limited. For this reason it is imperative that, as far as possible, we deal with the work we can tackle in order of importance. Generally speaking, the development work to be done can be divided into three Sections. (a) Tests necessary to find causes for the faults that at present exist and are likely to impair the reliability of the rationalised cars as represented by 3.B.S0. and 30.G.VII. (b) Tests necessary to improve the desirability of these same cars. This would cover improving comfort, smoothness, economy, durability, tractability and performance. (c) Tests and modifications to save costs on future senior range cars. In all cases at present, our tests must be limited by the parts which are available, since we can get nothing manufactured. Dealing with the Sections in order :- SECTION (a). 1. Gearbox side shaft bearing failures and rattles on the pick-up. 2. Water pump bearings. 3. Servo judders and brake wear. 4. Clutch thrust races. - Continued - | ||