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).
Stock and supply issues of front axle springs from different manufacturers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\3\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 8th September 1924 | |
| c.c.from Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c.c.to D.J. c.to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c.to Py. c.to H.S. c.to F.R. X9410 Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}6/WJS.8.9.24. EAC.111 - Front Axle. I confirm mine Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}1/US.9.24. Today we have ascertained the number of 43¼" front springs in stock available for production. At noon today we had 38 springs of Woodhead's make of the 25% stiffer type which have not been issued to Works. We have also odd 43¼" front springs of Firth's make with their "A" type clip, these being of the 12½% stiffer type. Of course both Woodhead's and Firth's springs are not standard, but Woodhead's springs are being fitted temporarily in production with the full knowledge that they may have to be replaced. The position as it appears to me is as follows:- (a) We have no 43¼" front springs that can be used for changing over chassis and fitting the new front axle. (b) Three weeks hence we shall have come to the end of our supply of 43¼" front springs which can even be temporarily fitted in chassis to preserve continuity of output. (c) From the day that the design and stiffness of 43¼" front springs is decided and standardised, we must reckon 3 weeks before supplies in the necessary quantities are obtainable, whoever makes the springs; therefore it would appear necessary to order immediately more springs of the 25% stiffer type or more springs of the 12½% stiffer type to keep output going, even if they have to be fitted temporarily. The matter is so serious that I have requested Mr.Mark Firth to come here tomorrow with Firth's spring designer, Mr. Stansfield, to inspect the alleged defective springs returned from France. In the absence of Mr.Ortley Fawcett, I am afraid that Firths will not take immediate action on the report of Mr.Mark Firth and Mr.Stansfield, although I shall press them to do so, but even if the result of this examination of the alleged defective (contd) | ||