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).
Breakdown of chassis part standardisation and outlining a new plan for standardised testing by specialists.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154a\3\ scan0199 | |
| Date | 2nd February 1936 | |
| Copy To From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/MJ.2.2.36. STANDARDISATION OF CHASSIS PARTS. We think you should be aware that the whole of our motor-car production in the Works at the present time, that is, Phantom lll, Big Bore Bentley, and Big Bore 25 HP. is going through without any Standardisation sheets whatever. In fact, the Standardisation procedure has entirely broken down. Our own personal view is that the risk we are taking is justified. It must be remember, however, that the original purpose of the Standardisation procedure was to safeguard the products from the optimism of designers and the Experimental Dept. If, therefore, the Standardisation procedure is going to be neglected then it should be fully realised and instructions should be given of what it is to be replaced by.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Since the accident with Phantom lll car in France Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} and myself have given this matter considerable thought. It is obvious from the quarterly complaints that the tests in France do not give us the complete answer. On the other hand, the fact that our cars will stand up to severe punishment and hard driving with the minimum of mechanical failures we consider proves the advantage we have gained from tests in France. Recently we have sent GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} around the country on long runs and the conclusion we have arrived at is that although considerably more Standardisation tests can be done in England we cannot do away with the French tests. We have tabulated the various units on the cars and are getting out a standardised test procedure for each of these units. We are confident that by revising our methods we can improve on the 10,000 miles in France. The scheme we have outlined is as follows :- We have specialists for the various units on the car. They are divided up into sections - Leslie - Suspension & shock absorbers, frames, and bumper tests. Smith - Special engine problems, superchargers, and clutches. Hardy - Steering, gearboxes. Grylls - Brakes and special problems. Salt - Carburetter and induction pipes. Whyman - Air silencers, exhaust silencers, noise insulation, engine mounting. | ||