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).
Persistent quality issues with cast iron brake drums from supplier Messrs. Lake & Elliott, leading to a search for an alternative source.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 101\4\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 14th March 1935 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c.Roy{Sir Henry Royce} c.Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} CAST IRON BRAKE DRUMS FOR CHASSIS - ALL TYPES. Ever since we standardised cast iron brake drums of Messrs. Lake & Elliott's manufacture, we have been more or less constantly in trouble in endeavouring to hold this firm up to the standard of product which they delivered initially and at a very low estimate, our scrap of brake drums from various causes is between 30 and 40%. We have had their representatives at these Works on numerous occasions and whilst they have promised to maintain the standard of the first experimental drums, they have not fulfilled their promises. We have had to reject drums for various complaints chiefly through softness i.e. the brinell of the drums was not up to the standard of the experimental drums and also we have had heavy scrap on account of porous and faulty castings and although it is less than six weeks since their people were here last, we are again in trouble due to drums they have delivered being porous and blown this time on the outside diameter which is an entirely new complaint. We have entirely lost faith in the possibilities of Messrs. Lake & Elliotts giving us the quality of product we require consistently. In view of these troubles, some time ago we obtained some sample brake drums from the Wycliffe Foundry Co, Limited, and in addition our own foundry have also produced sets of drums for experimental testing. We shall be glad therefore, if you can make some arrangements for the drums either of our own or of Wycliffe manufacture, to be tested out quickly so that we have an approved alternative source of supply. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Emfs Ry By EM. 20/25 Going to France shortly. Has R.H.C. any castings? | ||