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).
Report discussing vehicle performance issues including radiator 'jellying', vibrations, and braking.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan035 | |
| Date | 3rd January 1930 guessed | |
| -2- I was surprised that Segrave has taken so much notice of the "jellying" of the radiator of this car because although we are all quite aware that a certain amount of this movement takes place, it does not happen to be excessive from our point of view on 1-WJ, and less in fact than on the chassis supplied to the Prince of Wales, and of course altogether less than was the case when the cross was in the frame. I do not consider that the amount of "jellying" which we know exists with this car would justify its being condemned, having regard to the conditions under which the 40/50 H.P. car is usually expected to run. R.R. owners are mostly glad to tour at speeds well below 65 m.p.h. making use of the extreme speeds only for demonstration or exceptionally, and consequently this flexibility does not tend to assert itself. I should have felt less surprised if Segrave had referred to the torque-reaction vibrations from 18/25 m.p.h., which, with our present method of engine support appear to vary in inverse ratio with the amount of "jellying" which can be allowed. I am aware that there are certain experiments instructed with a view to dealing with these two points, and I should be glad to know whether you are able to make any statement at this moment which would justify our feeling encouraged that this "jellying", plus torque-reaction trouble is likely to be reduced in the near future. As to the crankshaft-period referred to. Do you take the view definitely that with the new low-inertia slipper-wheel, this trouble can be greatly reduced whilst not risking running into the "bus" knock? Because if so we ought to consider the desirability of fitting the device to our "Phantom II" trials car. You have certainly demonstrated on certain chassis to me at Derby, and also to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and me in London recently, that a crankshaft so fitted was altogether an improvement in this respect. BRAKES. You will note under this heading that Segrave appreciates that our system of braking is very excellent. But what the report does not disclose is the fact that Segrave rang up Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and informed him that he had only to decellerate from say 85 m.p.h. three times in succession, in order to render the brakes quite inoperative, until the brake pulleys etc. had been given time to cool again - when the brakes became once more effective. This is a condition which, if established might not be discovered by 80% of our owners. | ||