| Author | Message | ||
     Mike Thompson Prolific User Username: vroomrr Post Number: 1082 Registered: 04-2019 |
The Tower Bridge of London is a Bascule bridge. It opens for the passage of ships. The Bascules are balanced to lift by means in the past by steam engines. All components of the Tower Bascule Bridge are in pairs with reserve systems for both. Tower bridge opened June 30, 1894. The question is, do you think that the redundant systems built into the Tower Bridge had the influence of prompting the redundant braking system in Rolls Royces?   | ||
| David Gore Moderator Username: david_gore Post Number: 3516 Registered: 04-2003 |
No - dual systems for critical applications where failure would create significant difficulties is common engineering practice. The Shadow was the first vehicle made by RRMC with a hydraulic braking system which replaced the mechanical system used on previous models. IMHO, the dual circuit system on the Shadow was a consequence of this engineering practice and not one specific instance. | ||
| Larry Kavanagh Frequent User Username: shadow_11 Post Number: 526 Registered: 05-2016 |
I don't think that "redundant" is a fair description of the Silver Shadow dual braking system. Mine still works perfectly having given 40 years of reliable service. Regular fluid changes and occasional flexi hose replacement is the key to extended reliability. All seals have been replaced within the past 10 years and new calliper pistons have been installed but that is routine maintenance on any old car. The use of DOT3 RR363 in the hydraulics wasn't a great idea but regular fluid changes counteracts the negative effects. LHM would have been a better option from the start. | ||
| Trevor Hodgekinson Experienced User Username: wm20 Post Number: 110 Registered: 11-2006 |
Stop & think about WHO the RR customers were Should the braking system fail and the occupants be seriously injured think about the financial consequences to RRMC. These both directly from being sued and of course the reputation of being safe as houses. | ||
| Mike Thompson Prolific User Username: vroomrr Post Number: 1084 Registered: 04-2019 |
Redundant in this case means: "In engineering, redundancy is the duplication of critical components or functions of a system with the intention of increasing reliability of the system, usually in the form of a backup or fail-safe" While I agree now that "dual systems for critical applications where failure would create significant difficulties is common engineering practice." The question is: do you think that the redundant systems built into the Tower Bridge had the influence of prompting the redundant braking system in Rolls Royces? Is far as I could find in an extensive search (albeit a google search) I could not find any redundant system used before this system in Tower Bridge. Although it was done not for safety as usual, but to make sure ship traffic did not stop, nor the reason for the bridge being built, to take the products from the ships to the city. So actually the broader question really is, was Tower Bridge influential in making Redundant Systems in general and later the Redundant System in RR in particular. A more scientific/historic question.  |
