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).
Letter to S.H. Grylls discussing front axle control, 12-cylinder engine costs, and crankshaft dampers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\4\ img015 | |
| Date | 13th November 1935 | |
| USA S.H. Grylls, Esq., The Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}12/KW.13.11.35. We are interested in front axle control with flexible springs by means of radius rods. We notice Hudsons have a very simple set-up - there is a sketch in "Automotive Industries". The only thing we do not understand about this is how they prevent the axle acting as a roll rod. Particulars will interest us. I am busy trying to prove that we can afford a 12-cylinder engine for the 20/25. I have got hold of some cost figures. We get the most extraordinary results. As an example, our slipper wheel and spring drive, which we have to admit is rather complicated, costs only 30% less than our crankshaft. This is obviously fantastic. Of course the 6-cylinder engine has brought about the development of this complicated piece of apparatus but it is certainly not necessary on the 12-cylinder. We should like you to bring back all the information you can on the rubber type of crankshaft damper, which I believe is used almost universally in the States. We should like to find out just how effective it is on the 12-cylinder engine, and what it costs. I think the best one I have seen is in a Packard, in which the hysteresis of the rubber is supplemented by dry friction. If you get hold of Walter Griswold he should be able to supply you with all the necessary dope. If possible we should like to get hold of one that has had about 3 years' service. We should also like to buy two or three different types which are at present being fitted to 12-cylinder engines. We should like to know what they cost. | ||