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).
Failure of two axles during a dynamometer test using a specific gear lubricant, placing an embargo on its use.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\2\ scan0241 | |
| Date | 29th April 1930 | |
| COPY. MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Sft.{Mr Swift} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. By/NW.{N. Walker - Patents} X4481 X. 7350 X. 4481 X. 967 X. 2066 BY.4/G.29.4.30. 40/50 HP. REAR AXLE - RE LUBRICANT: I have just heard that we have had two axles fail on the dynamometer test when they were being run with Price's Special Gear Compound. It is evident therefore that this oil is apparently not quite so good as Whitmore's. It is therefore of the utmost importance until we have thoroughly cleared up the position in regard to axle failures outside that no axles be delivered with any lubricant other than Whitmore's 'O'. If and when I am able to raise this embargo I will write further, in the meantime this instruction must be absolutely worked to. From the point of view of the axle test, it may mean that it is advisable to continue to test with Price's Special Gear Compound, as it may be picking out axles which might otherwise get away and then develop trouble. It is important to examine each axle after dynamometer test to make sure that there are no signs of bend surfaces picking up. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||