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 the rear axle oil pipe and poor performance of the rear brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\4\ B001_X 100a-page112 | |
| Date | 5th December 1932 | |
| To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. Handwritten notes (top): By RECEIVED 84057 Please return Handwritten notes (left margin): H/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Noted Copt for B L we will alter pipes reference to Hotel de France, Chateauroux, FRANCE. REAR AXLE. The bijur pipe line as shown on the sketch, has been completely flattened out by stones and grit. The oil supply to the ball end consequently cut off. The inner down pipe and the banjo are being eaten away by the sandblasting effect of small grit. On the N.S. at this point the main feed to the axle is connected up. The two banjos are almost sand blasted away, and do not look like lasting very long before there will be an oil failure. These parts are exposed to the full force of water, sludge, grit, etc., and the designers should realise this point. The pipe shown could just as easily go down the back of the tube and would be protected. The banjos exposed should be made of steel or have a protection. REAR BRAKES. Since cutting out the pilot shoe, the rear brakes have developed a high pitched squeak. We are, therefore, releasing the pilot shoes. We have so far been unable to obtain good braking. We are, at the moment, bedding all the shoes as they were not solid. We are also going over every part of the system to try and get over the sponginess. At the present the brakes are useless in medium moving traffic and high speed, our only safety lies in quickly engaging third speed for retardation. Handwritten note (bottom): G.W.H. There does not seem to be any reason why the pipe cannot go round the other side of the axle? Should like to know what can be done. HHancock. | ||