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).
Testing parameters for the Goshawk chassis, balancing rigorous testing with reasonable care and avoiding neglect.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\I\May1922\ Scan80 | |
| Date | 23th May 1922 | |
| R.R 935A (100 T) (S L) 798. (10-12-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2947 Policy for continental testing / 6 of To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} & EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. c. to Wom. c. to PN.{Mr Northey} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} RECEIVED 25 MAY 1922 ORIGINAL (CHix) or R RS{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary}/M23.5.22. no neglect of normal servicing R criticism Hy{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}'s continental testing programme etc RE GOSHAWK. X4219 It should be realised that this chassis has limitations, both as regards body capacity, and resistance to rough treatment and neglect. I do not object to it being run at high speeds on rough roads so as to break any parts which can be strengthened. As regards the attention I certainly think that considering the speed, the roads, and the weather, the car should receive all reasonable attention as it would get if it were a London 'bus or taxi, belonging to a respectable Company. It will be understood that we are out to get some cars made and that the test should not be one of wilful neglect and destruction but a test of strength and wear with reasonable care. If it was purposely intended to neglect a car for lubrication and examination we could fore-tell the results without going to the expense of going to France, so that I maintain that the car under test should be run as Mr.Johnson suggests, namely continually, and at it's highest speed over the roads on which it is likely to be used in practice, but that it shall have reasonable inspection, ample lubrication, and as much protection from road grit as it would reasonably receive. As I before pointed out I objected to sending it without proper leather gaiters to steering joints etc, and I now learn that lubrication was somewhat purposely neglected, but in my judgment this latter is a decided mistake. (1) | ||