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).
Order of preference for detachable wheels, comparing Michelin, Rudge-Whitworth and Dunlop designs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\7\ scan0050 | |
| Date | 20th December 1918 | |
| H.H. 235a (500 T) (S.D. 408. 26-4-17.) Bm. 2/156/13. R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. CJ c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. EH. c. EFC. X.421 December 20, 1918. BY2/P201218, X. 2565 - CHASSIS - RE DETACHABLE WHEELS. Referring to Mr. Hives visit to West WitteringHenry Royce's home town I notice that your order of quality in the question of design for wheel is:- (1) Michelin Disc wheels. X.3482 (2) Rudge-Whitworth X.421. (3) Dunlop Wheels. X.15. I have set on foot enquiries in regard to obtaining Michelin and Rudge-Whitworth design. There is, however, one point I would like to have definitely settled, namely, the question of whether you consider it advisable to adopt the Rudge-Whitworth wheel or the Michelin Disc wheel on the first batch of standard chassis. I am trying to obtain information as to how the wheels in question have stood up in war work, and if any definite information is arrived at will forward same to you. Before seeing your proposals in regard to wheels, I had arranged that we should carry on with the Dunlop pattern of wheel, but had instructed the C.O. in accordance with your request to enquire whether they could provide us with spokes in a reliable alloy high tensile steel - this point has not yet been definitely settled. In connection with the wire wheels there is further proposal which could be made, namely, to use stainless steel Contd. | ||