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).
The ineffectiveness of 4-wheel brake systems on competitor cars like Isotta and Delage.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\K\October1923\ Scan82 | |
| Date | 26th October 1923 | |
| R.R. 493A (40 H) (SL 42 12-7-23). J.H., D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Exptl. No. 1059 REF: Hsl/LG26.10.23 To R from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to CJ. c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Rg.{Mr Rowledge} S E C R E T. 4-WHEEL BRAKES. X9940 X1559 From our experience a large number of makers fitting front wheel brakes dodge the troubles with them by making the front brakes very little use with regard to braking. We have yet to handle another make of car fitted with 4-wheel brakes which will equal the braking we can obtain on either the 20 HP. or the 40/50 HP. with 2-wheel brakes. The latest Isotta Car is a very disappointing example of 4-wheel brakes, yet this Firm has been selling cars fitted with 4-wheel brakes for eight or nine years. Actually, with the Isotta on a dry road we get slightly better braking if we disconnect the front brakes and use the rear only. The braking either on 4 wheels or 2 wheels is not as good as we get on the 40/50 Hp. or the 20 HP. The Delage car we had is another example of ineffective 4-wheel brakes. With our arrangement of 4-wheel brakes we are compelled to make the front brakes reasonably effective because when shunting, the front brakes will have to do all the braking going backwards (except for any braking we get from the little servo brake). It is essential to retain good braking each way for shunting. It frequently happens the car must be turned round in a narrow road and unless the brakes are positive, the results contd:- | ||