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).
Comparative test report on different steering types for the Goshawk III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\3\ scan0096 | |
| Date | 19th August 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/AJL. c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to RG.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Handwritten: X5430 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/AJL1/LG19.8.26. GOSHAWK 111. STEERING. Comparative tests between the following types of steering. Handwritten: X5450 (a) The original India and present standard steering. (b) Conversion steering to N.sch.2062 i.e. .700 lead large diameter worm in standard steering box. (c) As (b) but with side steering tube fitted with stronger and equal buffer springs as used with the latest outside pendulum lever steering. Direct comparison tests between the original India steering (a) and (b) show a very definite advantage in favour of the lower geared steering. At high speeds over rough roads, the shocks transmitted to the steering wheel are very definitely decreased but are not eliminated. A long test over very bad winding roads, on loose surfaces and potholes, showed up the advantages of the lower geared steering (b) - there was greater immunity from road shocks, easier steering when shunting or cornering on highly cambered roads combined with an increased general stability were definitely appreciated. When travelling at high speeds on wavy or highly cambered roads, the steering (b) has a tendency to wander, constantly requiring checking; it is scarcely positive enough in this respect. This fault is not glaringly bad, but is sufficiently in evidence to cause the driver slight uneasiness if he contd :- | ||