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).
Proposal to change the material for rear axle casings from Mild Steel to 3.5% Nickel Steel following reports of collapse.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\1\ Scan111 | |
| Date | 11th December 1919 | |
| X.3457 To R. {Sir Henry Royce} from Bn. {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Copy to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " " By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} " " Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} " " Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} " " Ck. {Mr Clark} Bn {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} 8/W11.12.19. X.3457. - RE MATERIAL FOR REAR AXLE CASING. X.3769. We have recently received reports from France to the effect that the rear axle casing has been found on some chasses to collapse slightly, so that the axle tubes are no longer in line, and the rear wheels look inward at the rear. Detailed information on these reports is being obtained by the repair shop, but in the meantime Mr. Bailey has ascertained that he can obtain this casing in standard 3½% Nickel Steel in lieu of the present Mild Steel. We feel that it is desirable to effect this change in material as soon as possible and we shall be glad of your views on the matter. The increased cost is only 6/- per stamping. Do you think it would be safe to make this change immediately, or should we obtain samples for test? It will of course be very difficult to prove any difference except by destroying two axle.s [Faint reversed stamp: REAR AXLE WORKS] Bn. {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} | ||