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).
Inspection of Dunlop wheels on car 7 CA and discussing alternative wheel options from Michelin and Rudge-Whitworth.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 181\M11\ img124 | |
| Date | 9th January 1919 | |
| To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to WOH. " EH. 9th January, 1919. THU. R6/09119.AD RE WHEELS ON CAR 7 CA. On Tuesday I took off all the wheels from 7 CA. to examine the state of the hubs, which are Dunlop detachable redesigned by us. I have no knowledge of how long these wheels have been on this car, or the number of miles run since they were fitted, and I assume that the wheels have been recently removed for cleaning. I find them quite easy to detach, and in good condition. In screwing up, one could see that it was desirable for the lock to have more notches, but I should not suggest any modification at present, if it is found that in service these wheels have done well. It would appear that on the bulk of the cars at the Front, of our make, both those used by the French Government, and by the British Government, and by the armoured cars, have been fitted with wheels and hubs of the same pattern, and I do not remember any complaint against them. As this would appear to be a better record than that obtained by the Rudge-Whitworth self locking type, I suggest that for the present we continue to make as standard the Dunlop to this R.R. design. The only alternative wheel that we should fit as standard, would be the Michelin, and we ought at once to prepare drawings for hubs for carrying the 120 and 135 sized wheels, both of which have the same hubs. We can then order a set of wheels comprising 120 for the front wheels, and twin 120 for the rear wheels. As an alternative for ordinary light cars, we can order for use with the same hub, a set of 135, using single tyres all round of the full dimensions lately produced by the Dunlop people. We can also have a few extra wheels which could be used on the back of a heavy car, making the back tyres twin 135. Let these wheels be ordered at once, and the drawings and hubs be put in hand by Mr. Bailey, and submitted to me. Will Mr. Johnson kindly advise us if he does not approve of these arrangements. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||