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).
Benefits of a tie-rod for a new light axle and regretting the lack of prior testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 2\6\ B002_X 140 141 157-page065 | |
| Date | 8th April 1913 | |
| From F.H.R. to Mr. Bailey. Copies sent to: Mr. Johnson, Mr. Wormald, Mr. Nadin. Re Back Axles. In axles previous to the 1700 type the tie-rod shewed itself so enormously efficient that I am inclined to think that the new light axle would be much benefitted if fitted with one. It does not seem absolutely necessary but if it were convenient I think that it would be well worth the extra weight. Another alternative would be to make provision for a tie-rod but not to fit it unless we found on test that it was desirable. There is little risk of the axle being drawn out of line through over-tightening the tie-rod as the tubing and box are much stiffer and stronger in this design than in the earlier ones. You will realize that the bumping and other severe tests that I have suggested for axles were originally suggested especially for this light axle so as to prevent the risk of our turning out an axle with any weakness in it. I understand that this new light axle was sent out without any of those tests being made which is much to be regretted as it would have avoided the trouble with it out here and the risk of such a breakdown on the road. F.H.R. (Handwritten Signature) W.Wormald (Handwritten) X137 (Stamp) A RECEIVED 17 APR 1913 | ||