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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).
Damage to a Bentley III caused by a pheasant strike, with several other noted issues and recommendations.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 97\4\  scan0064
Date  20th October 1938
  
To, Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
O.{Mr Oldham} HFS.

400b

CHATEAUROUX. 2/.20.10.38

8.B.V. - BENTLEY III.

You will note that the matrix has been damaged. A pheasant hit the dummy shutters. The support strip half way up collapsed and was driven like a knife into the matrix. The shell is not damaged.

We feel that it is reasonable to expect the shutters to protect the matrix, and not form an instrument which can puncture it. We therefore urge that the strip be strengthened and modified to a section which will be less likely to penetrate the matrix, should the shutters be pushed back.

While the radiator was removed for temporary repairs, we noted that the triangular stiffner at the base of the shell had fouled the starting handle bracket and the two top bolts which attach it to the pan. This requires modification.

We also noted that the support for the centre steering lever, in the top of the pan, was full of water. We have therefore made a drain hole in it, and recommend that this should be included in the specification for future cars.

The rods from the front brake idler levers on the frame to the idlers on the yokes do not line up correctly, so that there was a considerable side load between the jaws and the idler levers. The friction was sufficient to hold the brakes on slightly until shaken off by road movements. We recommend that this receives investigation. We have overcome the trouble temporarily by putting a slight double set in the rods.

Will you please send a new set of H.T. wires as we are troubled with short circuiting of the plug wires in the conduit.

---------

Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}

Frank. Waller
  
  


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