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).
Test report and feedback on the S.S. Chassis, models 21-EX and 22-EX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\3\ scan0030 | |
| Date | 12th June 1929 | |
| X7720 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H12.6.29. re. S.S. CHASSIS. Further to my EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H7.6.29. Having now tried 21-EX and 22-EX, I am able to make the following comments for your further consideration. Generally my previous remarks on the S.S. Chassis still hold good. 21-EX, however, is rather a disappointing engine and has the throbbing and bus knocking features, and slight crankshaft periods. These features are not bad, but compare with the troubles we are now having with the Phantom and it is upsetting, in so far as one feels we shall have to spend some considerable time in obtaining the best "adjustment" of the slipper drive etc. It rather suggests that R's improved slipper drive should be pushed, and if satisfactory embodied on this chassis as soon as ever possible. In the meantime I suggest that some experiments might be made with the spring drive. There is a certain amount of movement of the crank pinion which is undamped due to the end play, caused by the action of the skew gears. I suggest that on 21-EX the end of this pinion is definitely taken up so that only rotary movement can take place, which will normally be damped by the spring drive. Springing. The springing of this car is good compared with the Phantom, but it has the distinct feature of rolling with any quick action of the steering. This is a feature I feel sure will be complained of from customers who are used to driving Phantom Cars, as it is very objectionable, especially for high speed work. The steering of this car was poor. It did not float nor was it self-centring, and one had to be continually steering the car. It rather suggests too much friction in the steering. The brakes still squeak, although I understand this car is fitted with the latest type "Ferobestos". Spitting in the exhaust on retard on this car is very bad, and even worse than 19-EX. This is a feature which should have attention before being run by Sales Dept. CONTD:- | ||