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).
Unsatisfactory brakes, including issues with rivets, squeaking, and material performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\4\ Scan090 | |
| Date | 29th March 1920 | |
| X 3578 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EFC EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}4/F29.3.20. X.3425 RE UNSATISFACTORY BRAKES. X.3578 I thank you for yours Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG27.3.20. I want you to dismiss from your minds the fact that the rivets are countersunk, although I admit there has been some controversy on this matter. Our definite instructions in the fitting of these brakes, which I have made sure have been carried out, are that the rivets should not be countersunk. "Realising that this is a point of controversy we have also circularised our various outside inspectors and depots with the importance of this, pointing out that it is necessary in order that they may conduct the heat and so avoid distortion of the shoes. At the same time, the question of squeak is a serious complaint, and our Depots do complain that this is prevalent, and make a statement that it is aggravated by the rivets coming in contact with the drums. We quite agree with your suggestion that the points require investigation, and we have now a chassis on test which has both diseases, i.e. brakes squeaking, also becoming less effective after they have been in continual use - chassis No. 12-CW. I certainly feel that the material we are now using for the ferodo brakes is not satisfactory as that we used before the war. It does not seem so hard, and at the same time, its condition seems to be much more affected by heat. [STAMP: EFC MAR 30 1920 RECEIVED] EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||