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).
Letter to Wellworthy Piston Rings Limited correcting misinformation regarding bearing materials and their properties.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\5\ scan0183 | |
| Date | 18th November 1938 | |
| 1020a Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 18th November, 1938. F.{Mr Friese} Blackith, Esq., Wellworthy Piston Rings Limited, LYMINGTON, Hants: Dear Mr. Blackith, With reference to the copy letter which you forwarded to us, we are not quite sure whether this is serious, or whether it is a leg pull at Fiat's expense. We feel however, that it is dangerous to circulate incorrect information, and would point out that the following errors occur in this letter:- (1) Rolls-Royce have not run a test on an aero engine and proved that R.R. bearing alloy can be used with half the width of bearing of a lead bronze. (2) This bearing was not used throughout 1937 by E.R.A. for their racing cars. (3) The material is not able to absorb quite an amount of abrasive material without in any way damaging the bearing or crankpin. As a matter of fact, it is highly sensitive to foreign matter, and that is why we recommend first-class filtration. We attach herewith a list of qualities which we consider this bearing possesses, and we suggest that before crediting it with other desirable attributes it would be as well to refer to us to make sure that the claims can be substantiated. Yours sincerely, | ||