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).
Plans to lighten an engine for a chassis by changing parts, rather than a full redesign.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\October1925-December1925\ Scan133 | |
| Date | 8th December 1925 | |
| TO BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to OJ. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ORIGINAL R3/M8.12.25. EAC. 7. & 8. X7770 X7840 X8240 X.200 One of these chassis will have a lightened engine. I have arranged with E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} that we do not attempt to redesign the Phantom for extreme lightness, but that we change such parts as will not seriously interfere with the present jigs and tools, and he is sending you a list of these. We are not proposing at the moment to alter the pitch of the cylinder centres, or any serious alteration to the crankshaft, but merely to lighten the engine as it stands. It will be observed that with the exception of the crank-chamber, flywheel, and clutch, there is nothing much heavier than the Silver Ghost, but we think it will be such an advantage if we can reduce the weight on the front wheels that it will be worth while to go one better than the Silver Ghost weights if possible. You will remember that we have suggested that the radiator be very carefully watched for weight of brass castings, and unnecessary solder. I was very pleased to hear that you had the fan in hand for duralumin sheet instead of steel sheet. R.{Sir Henry Royce} RECEIVED HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DEC 1925 | ||