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).
Improvements to gearbox oil retention, suspension, and the lightening of the back axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\2\ Scan059 | |
| Date | 1st June 1917 guessed | |
| 2. cams, we think, would be of much use. Regarding the gear box, I should be glad to know if you and Mr. Bailey are impressed that this is satisfactory from an oil retaining point of view. It is quite remarkable how much cleaner 49GB is in respect of dropping oil opposite the owner's gate. Regarding the springing of 7 CA, you will remember that last year this was decidedly bad, and on the undulating Pen roads it was impossible to drive at high speeds. This (X.762) strongly suggests the use of shock absorbers, but we fear those made by Truffault are impractically heavy. I should be glad, however, if Mr. Hives will test these, connected and disconnected and see in which way they are of any benefit and in which way they are a positive disadvantage. I should also like him to test our ordinary standard shock absorber. X.2651 It was understood that everything possible was to be done to lighten the back axle, so that it should remain on the road without undue weight in the back of the car. Every ounce of inertia that can be removed from it should be. The back axle tubes require to be lightened all that is possible, but want to be of the improved pattern at the ends The back axle should be strapped and the parts laid out for criticising. Suggestions of how to lighten each part should be sent to me on the piece drawing, Mr. Clark. Mr. Stent or Mr. Olley should look into this with Mr. Bailey's permission, who need not be bothered, until we have found what can be done. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||