Newsletter: The Flier
The Flier is the official newsletter of the Goshawk Society.
The following are three indices of the Flier.
One was manually developed from the first edition in 2009 through 2022.
The second and third were developed using Google’s AI NotebooksLM on April 23, 2026 and covers from the first edition in 2009 through February 2026 v26-1.
1. A manually produced index of the Flier from 2009 to 2022. It is an Excel spreadsheet.
2. The following table summarizes the edition, primary subject, date, and technical focus of each edition of the Goshawk Flier.
Note: on a mobile device, turn it horizontally (landscape) to see the full table. Even then, the format is a little sketchy.
| Edition | Primary Subject/Topic | Date/Volume | Topic Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 v1-1 Fall | Formation of the Goshawk Society | October 2009 | This inaugural issue details the creation of a society dedicated to pre-war Small Horsepower series Rolls-Royce cars built between 1922 and 1939. |
| 2010 v2-1 Spring | Maintenance and Society Updates | Spring 2010 | The issue focuses on specific mechanical maintenance such as hub lubrication, servo overhauls, and divider window motor repairs. |
| 2010 v2-2 Winter | Cooling Systems and Experimental Cars | Winter 2010 | This issue covers the history of factory experimental cars known as "Goshawk Indias" and provides technical guides for cleaning geriatric cooling systems using citric acid. |
| 2011 v3-1 Summer | Mechanical Geometry and Bearings | Summer 2011 | Technical discussions center on solving unusual brake concentricity problems and evaluating modern bearing alternatives for Small HP engines. |
| 2011 v3-2 Fall | Thermal Management | Fall 2011 | Mechanical analysis focuses on managing vapor lock and regulating engine temperature through the blanking of water passages in the head and block. |
| 2012 v4-1 Summer | Electrical Components and FTPs | Summer 2012 | This issue provides a technical breakdown of the Wraith ignition coil and investigates the causes of various "Failures to Proceed" during long-distance tours. |
| 2012 v4-2 Winter | Ignition Upgrades and Repairs | Winter 2012 | The mechanical focus includes converting Bentley ignitions to the Petronix variety and repairing expansion boxes on Wraith models. |
| 2013 v1-3 Spring | Chassis Identification and Hardware | Spring 2013 | This file serves as a technical primer for identifying pre-war Rolls-Royce models and understanding the standardized system of Unified Screw Threads. |
| 2013 v2-3 Winter | Brakes and Coachbuilders | Winter 2013 | Mechanical content details the adjustment of brake servos and defines the specific axial movement required for proper drum brake performance. |
| 2014 v6-1 Summer | Fluid Pumps and Generators | Summer 2014 | Discussions focus on diagnosing water pump failures and the mechanical intricacies of rebuilding 3-litre generators. |
| 2014 v6-2 Winter | Lubrication Fittings and History | Winter 2014 | Technical focus is placed on the maintenance of Enots lubrication fittings and the long-term ownership history of specific chassis. |
| 2015 v7-1 Summer | Comprehensive Owners Guide | Summer 2015 | This issue presents a draft version of a Small HP restoration and owners guide covering model evolution, specifications, and chassis mechanical details. |
| 2018 v10-1 January | Steering Phenomena | January 2018 | The technical focus explains "the wobbles," a steering shudder caused by road impacts, and provides procedures for setting correct friction tension in steering joints. |
| 2018 v10-2 November | Engine Rebuild Procedures | November 2018 | This file details the ground-up mechanical restoration of a 1923 20HP engine, including line-boring main bearings and rewinding starter armatures. |
| 2019 v19-1 September | National Meet Documentation | September 2019 | The issue highlights the technical review of Small HP cars on the judging field and provides administrative updates on Society dues and newsletter production. |
| 2019 v19-2 December | Cylinder Head Preservation | December 2019 | Mechanical warnings are provided against welding engine castings and instructions are given for blanking water passages to improve thermal efficiency. |
| 2020 v20-1 Feb-Mar | Historical Biographies | Feb/Mar 2020 | The focus is on the historical record of chassis GYL55, tracking its ownership and modifications from 1928 through the mid-20th century. |
| 2020 v20-2 May | Valve Clearances | May 2020 | Technical advice centers on "cold setting" valves in aluminum heads to extremely tight clearances to achieve maximum engine silence during operation. |
| 2020 v20-3 August | Electrical Charging Circuits | August 2020 | This issue provides detailed wiring diagrams and technical analysis of the 20/25 battery charging systems across four distinct production chassis groups. |
| 2020 v20-4 November | Metal Fatigue and Survival | November 2020 | The mechanical focus explains the origins of metal fatigue in steel axles and provides a historical list of surviving GEN series 20HP chassis. |
| 2021 v21-1 February | Ignition Timing Debate | February 2021 | Using a cutaway demonstration unit, this issue settles the technical "Nose vs. Tail" debate regarding distributor rotor contact orientation. |
| 2021 v21-2 May | American Coachwork | May 2021 | The historical focus details the "Americanization" of 20HP chassis GRK27, featuring rare Haverhill lamps and a roadster body by Ray Dietrich. |
| 2021 v21-3 September | Mechanical Overhauls | September 2021 | This file reprints historical technical reviews and describes personal mechanical restorations of award-winning 20/25 models. |
| 2021 v21-4 December | Engine Removal Photo Essay | December 2021 | A detailed step-by-step photo essay documents the mechanical process of removing and inspecting internal engine components for a 1936 25/30. |
| 2022 v22-2 May | Interior Restoration and Touring | May 2022 | The focus is on the interior finishing of chassis "Ernestine" and the mechanical preparation for the Hudson River Valley fall tour. |
| 2022 v22-3 August | Slipper Flywheels and LEDs | August 2022 | Technical workshops focus on rebuilding Small HP slipper flywheels and converting vintage lighting to LED bulbs for modern safety. |
| 2022 v22-4 November | Dangers of Cast Iron Welding | November 2022 | Mechanical warnings detail why welding cast-iron heads and blocks is unsustainable and provides proper cold-repair alternatives. |
| 2023 v23-1 February | Digital Archiving and Carbs | February 2023 | This issue focuses on the digitization of technical literature and provides video instructional links for fine-tuning Small HP carburetors. |
| 2023 v23-2 May | Chassis GUL 52 History | May 2023 | The historical focus provides a detailed timeline and survival record of "Emily," a 1936 25/30 that spent its life in New Zealand. |
| 2023 v23-3 August | Modern Production and Shafts | August 2023 | Technical sessions discuss the availability of 3D-printed parts and the incremental adjustment of quarter-inch shaft couplings. |
| 2023 v23-4 November | Clutch Spring Packs | November 2023 | Mechanical focus centers on testing and reassembling clutch spring packs and refurbishing clutch arms through welding and rebushing. |
| 2024 v24-1 February | Historical Record Organization | February 2024 | The issue urges owners to organize historical documents into digital spreadsheets to help establish accurate ownership timelines for vintage chassis. |
| 2024 v24-2 May | Bijur Lubrication Repair | May 2024 | Detailed mechanical instructions are provided for identifying, repairing, and sourcing modern equivalents for Bijur system meter units. |
| 2024 v24-3 August | Knowledge Preservation | August 2024 | This issue details the creation of a digital repository on Facebook to collect and preserve technical Small HP maintenance information. |
| 2024 v24-4 November | Vintage Touring | November 2024 | The focus is on planning and mechanical readiness for the Vintage Tour of the North Carolina Outer Banks. |
| 2025 v25-1 February | Technical Literature Guide | February 2025 | Pierce Reid provides a comprehensive guide to navigating factory service sheets, GA drawings, and archival club magazines for technical research. |
| 2025 v25-3 August | Bearings and Fasteners | August 2025 | Mechanical warnings detail the catastrophic risks of using "Halls Metal" aluminum bearings and the historical origins of BA and Whitworth fasteners. |
| 2025 v25-4 November | Visual Documentation | November 2025 | The primary focus is the visual and logistical planning for the 2026 New Hampshire and Maine Vintage Tour. |
| 2026 v26-1 February | Recommissioning Workshops | February 2026 | This issue promotes a hands-on seminar focusing on recommissioning, retorquing cylinder heads, and repacking water pumps. |
Note: Entries for "2022 v22-1 January.pdf" and "2025 v25-2 May.pdf" are not present.
3. This table provides an overview of the newsletters, identifying the primary topic and providing a summary of technical topics and a summary of photo captions and image descriptions for each edition, sorted by their publication date.
Note: on a mobile device, turn it horizontally (landscape) to see the full table. Even then, the format is a little sketchy.
You can view a PDF version of this table here:
| Document Title | Primary Subject/Topic | One-Sentence Technical Summary | Photo Captions & Image Descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 v1-1 Fall | Society Formation & Tours |
This inaugural issue chronicles the Society's founding and addresses mechanical challenges like vapor lock. |
Proper Motor Cars (PMCs) entering the Superdome; Howard and Andrea Krimko with their 1938 Wraith; Dick and Lynn Coombs in GYD44. |
| 2010 v2-1 Spring | Maintenance & Resources |
Reports on Society activities and documents the wedding use of a 1931 20/25 alongside recommendations for owner handbooks and service manuals. |
Cover: GPG23 at Diablo Lake; Mermie Karger and Colin Hughes at their wedding in GOS8; French-language chassis plate for GBJ68. |
| 2010 v2-2 Winter | Cooling & Experimental Cars |
Details technical procedures for cleaning cooling systems with citric acid and provides a history of factory experimental "India" chassis. |
Harry Tucci and son with chassis 9G III/GXL 82; before-and-after photos of a rusty hood hinge cleaned with citric acid. |
2011 v3-1 Summer |
Brakes & Bearings | Discusses mechanical solutions for drum brake concentricity and engine bearing alternatives while documenting a tour of California’s Lost Coast. |
A church structure in Bodie, CA; PMCs gathered at a beach stop in Northern California with members Kristi and Helen Heath. |
| 2011 v3-2 Fall | Thermal Management | Technical discussions focus on persistent vapor lock, procedures for cleaning engine block clogging, and methods for regulating engine temperature. |
Technical Director Wally Donoghue with a 20/25 engine block; Rob Manderson and Ralph Curzon inspecting a Wraith engine. |
| 2012 v4-1 Summer | Ignition & Coils | Provides a technical breakdown of the Wraith ignition coil and investigates engine failures caused by melted distributor rotors. |
Prize-winning blue 20/25 saloon; Failed rotor with a melted center; Hooper tool kit and Nesthill foot pump; Wiring diagram for a Wraith coil. |
| 2012 v4-2 Winter | Modern Upgrades | Features technical guides for converting vintage ignitions to modern electronic systems and provides instructions for repairing Wraith exhaust expansion boxes. |
Photos illustrating an electronic ignition conversion on a 1924 3-Litre Bentley; mascot measurement chart; "Happy Birthday" cartoon. |
| 2013 v1-3 Spring | Identification & Hardware |
Provides a technical primer for identifying pre-war models and understanding the standardized system of Unified Screw Threads. |
William Downs' GHO8; Gary Phipps' WMB16; Bob Wright's GTZ28; mahogany valve component keeper. |
| 2013 v2-3 Winter | Brakes & Coachwork | Covers the mechanical adjustment of brake servos and highlights coachbuilding history alongside reports on driving Small HP cars in winter conditions. |
View from the driver's seat over the radiator driving through snow; historical reports on the "Wraith Fraternity" and California tours. |
| 2014 v6-1 Summer | Pumps & Generators | Mechanical articles focus on diagnosing water pump failures and the intricacies of rebuilding 3-litre generators while exploring Lucas electrical systems. |
GLK2 next to a locomotive; PMCs on the judging field; 1929 Duesenberg next to a Model T; Todd Nagler’s 1926 Springfield Silver Ghost. |
| 2014 v6-2 Winter | Chassis History | Details the multi-generational ownership history and technical documentation of a specific Hooper-bodied 20/25 chassis (GPG70). |
Front view of a PMC decorated with a Christmas wreath; Judges David Neely and Tom Clarke inspecting a car; GPG 23 on open roads. |
| 2015 v7-1 Summer | Owners' Guide Draft | Presents a draft version of a comprehensive manual covering model evolution, engine repair, chassis lubrication, and authenticity details. |
A 20/25 saloon driving down a tree-lined narrow road; historical "Dust Bowl Migration" photo; cartoon "HA HA" face. |
| 2018 v10-1 January | Steering Mechanics | Technical articles explain the "wobbles" steering phenomenon and provide procedures for setting correct friction tension in steering joints. |
Two views of GRC50, a Thrupp and Maberly saloon; diagrams of steering systems for 20/25 and 25/30 models. |
2018 v10-2 November |
Engine Restoration | Chronicles the mechanical restoration of a 1923 Twenty ("Bluebelle") while documenting roadside vapor lock issues. |
Doug and Mary White’s rebuilt engine; "Bluebelle" by a Blue Bell Lane sign; GWN10 at Mirror Lake Inn; White family visiting the Carlsons. |
2019 v19-1 September |
Rebuilds & Seminars | Reports on technical engine rebuilds of 1935 coupes and provides details on driving schools and technical seminars for Small HP owners. |
Judging John Rogers' 1936 25/30 (GXM19); Tim Jayne discussing brakes at a tech session; Harry Benedict’s 20/25 shooting brake GAU2. |
2019 v19-2 December |
Engine Preservation | Focuses on mechanical warnings regarding the terminal damage caused by welding engine castings and provides plans for a battlefield tour. |
Simon Curzon presenting a trophy to the Rogers family; detail shots of fender bodywork during restoration. |
2020 v20-1 Feb-Mar |
Historical Biographies | Features a detailed ownership biography of a 1928 Barker tourer (GYL55) and provides checklists for seasonal mechanical preparation. |
John Pierson checking a map during a 1964 night-time rally with GMJ75; Bluebelle parked by the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. |
| 2020 v20-2 May | Safety & Valvetrain | Provides technical instructions for retrofitting safety belts and setting valve clearances to achieve maximum engine silence. |
Comparison of Tom Murray’s cars (20/25 and 25/30) parked together in a driveway. |
2020 v20-3 August |
Electrical Charging | Categorizes 20/25 charging systems into four distinct production groups and provides detailed wiring diagrams. |
Detailed wiring diagrams for Group 1 (single rate) through Group 4 (regulated systems). |
2020 v20-4 November |
Metal Fatigue & Survival |
Analyzes the origins of metal fatigue in axles and provides a census of surviving 1929 GEN series chassis. |
Close-up of steering ball joints showing stress points; the "mess" of a mess-radiator before restoration; GEN 33 strip down. |
2021 v21-1 February |
Ignition Timing Debate | Uses cutaway models to settle the "Nose or Tail" rotor debate and documents Field-Marshal Montgomery’s Wraith limousines. |
Field-Marshal Montgomery in his Wraith (WHC43) with King George VI; cutaway demonstration distributor unit showing timing. |
| 2021 v21-2 May | American Coachwork | Details the modification of a 1924 Twenty featuring rare American Haverhill headlamps and Dietrich-designed coachwork. |
Engine parts for GRK27 ready for assembly; new wood framing being fitted to the body (1965); painting parts in a driveway. |
2021 v21-3 September |
National Meet Records |
Highlights from the Lake George meet including personal mechanical restorations of award-winning 20/25 models. |
Group lunch at Adirondack Brewery; GDX41 Connaught touring saloon; GYH62 drophead coupe on the field. |
2021 v21-4 December |
Engine Removal | A step-by-step photo essay documents the mechanical process of removing a 25/30 engine and inspecting internal components. |
GWN 76 engine removal sequence: strap placement, rockers removed, crankshaft journals, reassembled engine on stand. |
2022 v22-1 January |
Centenary Projects | Highlights the 100th anniversary of the Small HP range and tracks mechanical progress on several 1920s Twenty restorations. |
GDX41 chassis plate; finger pointing to internal engine components (pistons/rods); centenary project participants. |
| 2022 v22-2 May | Centenary Events | Focuses on celebratory planning for the 100th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce Twenty, including dedicated seminars and tours. |
Dennis Somerville and Nathaniel with ribbons and GRC12; Goshawk car body undergoing professional painting. |
2022 v22-3 August |
Workshops & Flywheels |
Technical sessions focus on rebuilding slipper flywheels and water pumps while evaluating modern LED lighting conversions. |
Pierce Reid and Doug White machining a slipper flywheel; workshop participants working under a chassis on creepers. |
2022 v22-4 November |
Touring & Interiors | Chronicles a 22-car vintage tour through the Hudson Valley and provides updates on interior finishing and welding dangers. |
"Buttercup" and "Bluebelle" together; original color-coded wiring diagrams for GSR cars; burned contact in a switchbox. |
2023 v23-1 February |
Digital Archiving & Carbs |
Details the creation of a digital repository for technical literature and fine-tuning Small HP carburetors. |
Photos of carburetor disassembly: high/low speed jets, tubes, and the liquid gasket used during reassembly. |
| 2023 v23-2 May | Meet Preparation | Provides administrative and logistical updates regarding the Society's participation in the RROC Annual Meet in Gettysburg. |
List of Society officers; announcements for upcoming tech sessions and business meetings. |
| 2023 v23-3 | Modern Production | Technical discussions center on the availability of 3D-printed parts and incremental adjustment of shaft couplings. |
Three barrel-sided Twenties (Moran, Huckle, White); Tim Jayne speaking about digitally printed parts; shaft coupling diagram. |
2023 v23-4 November |
Clutch Spring Maintenance |
Challenges maintenance myths by detailing procedures for dismantling and testing clutch pressure springs on Small HP models. |
GA26 back on the road; bronze timing gear with pitting; line boring new main bearings. |
2024 v24-1 February |
Ownership Timelines | Traces the ownership history of a 1923 Barker drop-head (89K1) and offers advice on organizing chassis documentation. |
1923 Twenty (89K1) Barker Drop-head Coupe with Rick Otis Jr. leaning against it; chassis 523/89K1 order card. |
| 2024 v24-2 May | Lubrication Systems | Technical focus is placed on identifying and repairing Bijur central lubrication meter units using modern equivalents. |
Scott and Debbie Ammarell with their drophead; Bijur meter unit types (SOB, LOB, TOB) and original connections. |
2024 v24-3 August |
Knowledge Preservation |
Describes the creation of a digital technical repository on Facebook and documents car readiness at the Nashville meet. |
Instructions for using the Facebook Goshawk Group "Files" menu; car lineups and lunch at Nantahala Gorge. |
2024 v24-4 November |
Vintage Touring Prep | Focuses on logistical planning for the Outer Banks tour and the historical impact of prominent American women owners. |
Hilton Head display of Goshawk cars (GF15, GA26, GBJ65, etc.); photo showing FTP (Failure to Proceed) safety remedies. |
2025 v25-1 February |
Technical Literature | Details a 20/25 dynamo restoration and provides a guide to navigating factory service sheets and GA drawings. |
Investigating a non-functional 20/25 dynamo; rewinding field coils with a handmade jig and counter. |
| 2025 v25-2 May | Dynamo restoration Part 2 |
Covers the conversion of the 3-brush dynamo to a 2-brush system with a modern voltage regulator and Colorado meet planning. |
30019 regulator variable pulse vs. electromechanical regulator dense signals on oscilloscope. |
2025 v25-3 August |
Aluminum Bearing Risks |
Details the catastrophic failure risks of Halls Metal aluminum bearings and the historical origins of BA and Whitworth fasteners. |
Lynite logo cast into a rod; Duesenberg rod showing steel cap damage; measuring main journals. |
2025 v25-4 November |
Visual Documentation | Primarily focuses on the visual and logistical planning for the 2026 New Hampshire and Maine Vintage Tour. |
Maine shoreline landscape; breathtaking mountain views and delightful coastal scenery. |
2026 v26-1 February |
Recommissioning | Promotes a workshop for retorquing heads, adjusting magnetos, and repacking pumps while logging a comprehensive restoration. |
Restoration log for "Emma" (GPK-42): stripped body for TIG welding, woodwork inspection, and leather skiving. |