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).
New York Motor Show, Chrysler's 'Air Flow Car', and meetings with Curtiss Wright regarding engine valve issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img071 | |
| Date | 13th January 1933 | |
| ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}RG.{Mr Rowledge}EB.LR.{Mr Ellor} F.LP.{Mr Lappin} HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} New York January 13, 1933 To: HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From: RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} After landing on Tuesday, last, we spent some time at the New-York Motor Show. Apart from independent front springing which has been introduced on most cars and general improvement in body work and streamlining, there are few design changes. The arrangement of front springing (or Knee Action) as it is termed are two independent units (entirely different and much more simple than scheme fitted experiemntally to 27-EX) As arranged, however, springs and mechanism are too much exposed; therefore, requires design changes in that direction The Chrysler had a very novel exhibit on the "Air Flow Car" with complete streamlining at front, and is a drastic departing from the orthodox, but they are apparently taking a chance and have put same into production. On Thursday we went to Curtiss Wright Corp., at Patterson, N. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} where we were met by Mr. Vaughn, President, Mr. Chilton and others. They are in much the same position with regard to valve trouble as we are, on air cooled engines; they have passed their type approval tests on 3 1/4 A.C.C. lead but not 6 C.C. lead and are now struggling with latter. With regard to Conqueror valves, even with 4 C.C. lead position is such that production is stopped. The fight between the Army and Navy Departments over merits of air and liquid cooled engines has resulted in a victory for air cooled, on grounds of improved performance and reliability, consequently Government has laid it down that no orders will be given until valve troubles have been solved using 6 C.C. lead on liquid cooled engines. Position is, therefore, so serious that Wrights have decided to spend $100,000. or 20,000 £ approximately per month on intensive research until valve troubles have been sovled, the Company bearing the whole of this expenditure. With regard to valve seat materials, air cooled engines are still using aluminum bronze inserts with heavy type sodium cooled valves, some of which have hollow heads of semi (not fully | ||