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).
Experimental work, issues, and delays related to Bentley brakes and axle control.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\2\ scan0233 | |
| Date | 17th December 1934 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} BENTLEY BRAKES. I have gone over the experimental work on Bentley brakes and a point which we think we have done badly on is not giving more attention to the juddering of the front brakes. I find that as a result of Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}3/HP.23.2.34 we did get one of Mr. Coverley's draughtsmen to get out a temporary scheme fixing the axle control at the end of the axles. It was found however that the scheme got out fouled the steering and was never made. There was a suggestion that the shock absorbers should be fixed at the front of the frame in order to make the clearance but from that time the job faded out. I do not want to make any excuses - it has been neglected. When Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} took this job up again a short time ago he had not seen Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}'s note Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}3/HP.23.2.34 as he did not return from U.S.A. until the end of March. As regards the 14" brake drums, so far these have not been detailed but.By is doing them now and on Thursday we shall be able to let you know when we expect to have them running. I was responsible for the delay in the 14" brake drums. The reason for this is that the purpose which they were originally designed has never arisen as a complaint from a customer. We would like to submit to you in future that at conferences held at Derby we pick out three or four of the worst features on the cars and aero engines and the progress is reported at every meeting. A scheme like this was introduced several years ago but it was very difficult to carry out at that time because of the separation of West WitteringHenry Royce's home town and Derby. As long as the list is not allowed to get too big and we only deal with the urgent problems I am sure such a scheme should avoid certain complaints getting neglected. ,Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||