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).
The Wraith model, discussing issues with roughness, the overdrive gearbox, propeller shaft, ignition coil selection, and camshaft rattle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\2\ scan0200 | |
| Date | 11th May 1938 | |
| WRAITH - 3 - Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}8/K/11.5.38. 3. (contd) per hour occurs at about 80 m.p.h. that is to say the roughness is apparent at about that speed, which it is agreed must be eliminated. 4. Overdrive Gearbox So far as this on Wraith is concerned it is agreed that it could only be possible when the E.50 frame and gearbox are available. (47 m.p.h. roughness) 5. Propeller Shaft Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} reports an improvement in this matter by tilting the axle so that it is in line with the shaft under torque. It is believed that the remedy will be effectively applied by such means. 6. Ignition Coil With regard to the decision to put the Delco coil on production RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} pointed out that in his view the R-R coil had not been given a fair test. He pointed out that special equipment had been purchased for the purpose of manufacturing R-R coils and if the Delco is adopted this equipment will become scrap. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} urged the immediate use of the R-R coil on all experimental chassis both R-R and Bentley so as to give it the necessary running, which may show it to be the equal of the Delco and therefore possible to be introduced on production. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} emphasized that he did not consider the Delco coil had run enough yet to justify it being adopted, and the position will therefore be reviewed in the light of further tests of the R-R coil. 7. Camshaft Rattle The improvement in this appears to have been effected by the use of Atwater fine grain material cam wheels which replace the fabroil timing wheel, coupled with provision having been made to fit the cam balancer if necessary. | ||