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).
Modifications and test results for pistons, auto advance, steering, front axle, and magneto systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\2\ scan0201 | |
| Date | 14th May 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} To DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} } EFC. V8470 R3/M14.5.26. PHANTOM. X. 8770 X. 8420 X. 8820 X. 8810 X. 235 PISTONS. We have modified the engine pistons in 3 patterns to get over some of the troubles and make manufacturing more straight-forward. AUTO: ADVANCE. X. 8685 Certain improvements to the auto. advance have been made. The timing instructions should be given in the book to set and synchronise in well advanced positions of the hand controls (not in the retarded position). We are sending Derby, amongst other modifications for this, a piston with metal rings (bevelled rings) instead of leather. STEERING. Support for D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} columns to be improved by clamp on tube, and stays to dash to form tripod with large tube will not be necessary when the cast dash is adopted, but may do much to steady columns reported to vibrate. FRONT AXLE. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} says we cannot do less than order 100 of the present ones, but it is thought wise to risk producing as quickly as possible 100 sets of the newer light axle in parallel with test bumping and 10,000 miles trial on EAC.S. (12-EX), the reason being that this axle has several features to reduce the tendency to steering wobbles. Hydraulic shock dampers are to go forward of the pattern already tested on 20 HP. 10,000 miles, and on bumping test, and many Phantoms, the broken lever trouble to be met by fitting the bolt and nut with spherical seating, because there is not the slightest doubt that it was the bolt which broke first, and it was because this particular one was less perfectly fitted, and increased from 5/16" to 3/8". There will be many to make - 4 for each 20 HP. and 2 for each 40/50. (this latter is to await adaption to the back axle). It is thought that upward damping will be found best at about 30% of downwards. MAGNETO. X. 8793 X. 8796 The Lucas was examined. It is a less costly machine to produce than the Watford, so that this is a reason for its less purchasing price. The Watford is quite satisfactory except for the slight noise of the contact maker, but I do not consider Lucas' scheme of reducing contd :- | ||