B.R.M. Progress Report, No.3

We publish below another progress report on the B.R.M. Grand Prix team, issued by the Chairman of the British Motor Racing Research Trust Production Committee.

The first car is rapidly approaching its final phase. Towards the end of this month the few outstanding items that remain of many hundreds of parts and sub-assemblies will have been delivered to Bourne. Meanwhile the tempo of activities by Bourne engineers on initial assembly work has increased to keep pace. Substantial progress is also being maintained on the processing of components and sub-assemblies for the second and third car sets.

The first supercharger has undergone its second speed test up to peak revs, and after dismantling for inspection and calibration of test data, the performance results justify every confidence. There are one or two adjustments to be made of a minor character before arranging for final tests, but it is expected that this blower will be fully available after these further tests during the present month. Progress continues to be made on the various components for the second supercharger. Naturally experience gained on initial tests is being applied to the new units.

Many of the small precision components outstanding in our last report have now been completed. The machining of the cylinder heads has also been completed and this unit has been delivered to Bourne. The upper and lower crankcases, after various processes and tests, are now very nearly fully machined, after which they are to undergo special pressure tests. Should everything be satisfactory from these tests they are scheduled for lifting and assembly of bearings, crankshafts, etc., which units are available. Thereafter they are to be directed to Bourne for assembly into the first complete engine. It is planned to have the first engine in the test house during the period to the end of March-beginning of April. In the meantime the second set of engine details is being progressed from numerous sub-contractors in order that this set can be available to maintain continuity of progress along with the first engine. Excellent progress can also be reported on all gears. One complete set of car gears is now available and a considerable amount of fitting is taking place on the respective units.

Three sets of frames have been delivered to Bourne, and fitting of the various suspension units is being done on the first car frame. Preliminary outline on body details has been undertaken and the building programme for bringing together all units for assembly is being closely watched. The first set of gearboxes is now available. Fitting and assembly is well In hand. The second set of machine castings has been delivered to Bourne and machining continues on further sets. The propeller shaft is already at Bourne and the flexible couplings will shortly be available. The second, third, fourth and fifth sets of components are nearing completion for further assemblies.

The preliminary clutch test has proved most satisfactory and this unit is about to undergo very stringent tests which, if still satisfactory, will mean the first set being available for final assembly during this month. Coupling units, pedals and linkage will meet the scheduled date. The first steering box is now available at Bourne and work is proceeding on steering control units to programme. Although the brake unit has not been the subject of a previous report, the first set is already available at Bourne, well within the delivery schedule.

Radiator, oil and fuel tanks are at the moment schemed only, but they are planned to be available to meet the car assembly programme. This also applies to the body panelling.

The ignition distributer unit is now available. Technical decisions on high and low-tension systems have been investigated and appropriate action taken to ensure availability. Wheels, tyres, etc., will also be ready to meet the assembly programme.

The test house at Bourne is well advanced. All ducting, ventilation and insulation work has been completed and motive power for test has been installed. The gearbox unit is in hand and all equipment will be available in readiness for the first engine test.

It will be seen that the concentrated progressing of components on the first car set is almost complete. Succeeding reports will deal more specifically with progress and development at Bourne on the actual building of the first racing car. With a view to seeing that this is carried out to a target programme executive assistance is being laid on from Darlaston. Every possible effort is being made to keep to the programme in order to get at least one of the cars available for racing this year.