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).
Use of cast hardened mild steel versus nickel steel for wearing plates on rear springs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\3\ Scan007 | |
| Date | 10th December 1920 | |
| /2628 To OY. from Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Mr. Manning. Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 2/LG4.4.21. WEARING PLATES ON REAR SPRINGS. I have just received your cable asking whether the wearing plates on the rear springs can be made of cast hardened mild steel. These plates are instructed in cast hardened nickel steel. I cannot see why you wish to change. Is it because you can get them forged better or cheaper? Personally, I see no reason why mild steel should not be used, but I think it would be unwise to depart from the standard, unless you have good reasons. Mr. Royce has come to the conclusion lately that we do use expensive alloy steels in places on the car where it is not necessary. I think, any items you find which are extravagant in the quality of the material, you should write and give full particulars of the reasons why you recommend the change and the difference in the cost, it will then receive sympathetic attention - it is essential that you give reasons. For instance, in the cable, I have just received, I consider you should have given a reason why you wish to use mild steel. When I was at Springfield, I believe you were getting exhaust boxes on the engine made in cast steel - in Derby these are made in malleable iron. Can you say whether you are still obtaining these in cast steel, if so, what advantage do you claim? Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R.R. 235A. (100) H.S. 786. 10-12-20(C) 2047 | ||