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).
Ordering and testing programme for Rudge-Whitworth and Dunlop wheels for 20 HP and 40/50 HP chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\7\ scan0107 | |
| Date | 9th April 1924 | |
| BJ. from ROY. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ---------- X421 ROY {Sir Henry Royce} 7/MG9.4.24. ---------- Road Wheels - Rudge Whitworth and Dunlop BJ3/W.4.24 - ROY {Sir Henry Royce} 3/MG2.4.24 ---------- X421 X3725 BY, Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and I have discussed this question to-day in line with your note. In the first place the augmented programme issued by CJ since RCY2.4.24 was sent you, whereby the output of both 20 h.p. and 40/50 h.p. Chassis is increased to 12 each per week, has altered the position materially, and we would report as under. 40/50 HP. WHEELS There is little doubt we should be perfectly safe in ordering up to 200 sets in all of 40/50 HP. Dunlop Wheels, for the following reasons: (a) It is expected the Rudge-Whitworth three sample sets will be here early May, and for the R.R.Company to test same and the Rudge-Whitworth Company to get into production. Should the tests prove satisfactory would mean that bulk supplies would not be available until early October. (b) The last Chassis against the 75 "U" Series, plus a further 125, making 200 in all at 12 per week will be due to Road Test about the end of October. The Wheels and Hubs for same should be on the ground some weeks prior to this. 20 HP. WHEELS Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} states, as already reported, the sample Rudge-Whitworth set has now run over 10,000 miles, and satisfactorily; and he proposes circularising a Standardisation Sheet. BY does not associate himself with this proposal, and thinks we should carry on with the 20 HP. as Dunlop. With the revised programme for the 20 h.p. Chassis, it would appear necessary to order at least 100 sets of Dunlop Wheels at once, and I suggest you agree this, and I will ask Colonel Matthew to make his Rebate Scheme retrospective, i.e., if we order up to 200 sets of 20 h.p. Wheels, the 100 sets I now suggest you release will be considered as part of the 200. I have not yet had any further news from the Rudge Whitworth Company as to their final figures, but will report immediately these come to hand. As you will be in Derby on Monday, perhaps you would care to bring the whole question up for discussion then. ROY. {Sir Henry Royce} | ||