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).
Springing philosophy and compromise for the 20 HP Chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\3\ Scan195 | |
| Date | 12th February 1924 | |
| c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 44261 BY2/DB. {Donald Bastow - Suspensions} 12.2.24. Re 20 HP Chassis - Springing. We are not in agreement with BJ's proposal as outlined in EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 5/H.11.2.24. The facts of the case are that the original 20 HP experimental cars, which were driven on the 10,000 miles trials in France, were all fitted with even lighter springs than our present standard, and yet they were driven quite satisfactorily and without, to my knowledge, any serious complaints with regard to springing. It is admitted, of course, that the springing question is one of compromise from beginning to end, as it is not possible to spring a car to be ideal for all conditions. The springing must of necessity be satisfactory for one type of conditions, and more or less unsuitable for others. The compromise we now have is the best that we know of, and whilst stiffening the springs might reduce certain complaints, it would certainly produce others in a different direction and perhaps more of them. R's ideas in regard to springing permit of occasional bumping, in fact they insist on occasional bumping, and unless this takes place, R considers that the suspension is too rigid. I think the foregoing clearly outlines R's present views, which have undoubtedly proved the best compromise in regard to fewness of complaints that we have had on springing during the time I have been connected with the Company. BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||