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).
Failure of wind tone horns in bad weather and considering alternative solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 166\9\ img068 | |
| Date | 5th April 1937 | |
| 6066 Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} C. Sn.{Mr Sanderson} C. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. Dn. C. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} C. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} C. Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} C. HV. RA/Wst.5/AP.5.4.37. RE: WIND TONE HORNS. We have had further talks with Messrs Lucas' technical representatives both at Derby and at their Research Laboratory. It is apparent that we have got to accept these horns with the disability of them 'passing out' when used in heavy mist, rain or snow. They hold out no hope of every curing this trouble which as far as we can see must always be a fundamental fault with horns fitted with a trumpet facing forward. The Delco-Remy horns have been tested in France and they behave exactly the same. As far as we can see the alternatives would appear to be:- (a) Revert to the original high frequency horns which gave us very little trouble and undoubtedly obtain a better response from heavy traffic than the wind tone horns. (b) Discontinue the use of outside horns and fit under-bonnet type. We have not had much success with these up-to-date. Two cars 32.AX. and 33.AX. have been fitted with these horns and in each case they have failed, but as these were the first hand made samples Messrs Lucas supplied, it is thought that the diaphragm adjustment is incorrect and they are being returned to Messrs Lucas for examination. In order to obtain the same noise penetration with these horns they will have to be more powerful. The horns on the Packard and Cadillac under the bonnet are very powerful. If the horns are removed from the outside the question of appearance will also have to be considered, both side and front. We would like to have agreement to carry on experiments | ||