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).
Design modifications and finish changes for various components, critiquing cost-saving measures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\2\ Scan074 | |
| Date | 1st November 1922 | |
| BY2-F1.11.22. contd. - 5 - (3) Piston. The length of the piston has been increased with the object of stopping piston knocks and seizing up. We did not consider the lengthening was beneficial in any way. We do not think the extra weight is noticeably detrimental, but certainly feel the trouble with the pistons was due to the faulty work which Springfield thought they could counterbalance by having a longer skirt. (B) Modifications made apparently with the sole object of cheapening production. (1) The ratchet lock for the dismantling nut on the end of the throttle has been omitted. We consider this omission undesirable, our practice tending to lock more and more instead of taking locks off. (2) The trigger mechanism on the Change Gear Lever has been eliminated. This was fitted by H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} to prevent the reverse gear being picked up in error in the dark. We still consider this fitting desirable. (3) Carburetter finish. The highly polished finish for the carburetter and parts in connection with same has been replaced by a sand blasted finish - this is not considered desirable as the finish of these parts is a contributory factor to high class appearance. (4) Finish of Dash. Sand blasted again instead of polished. (5) Rear Axle. The oil filler has been taken off the axle box with the object of reducing cost of dies. There is no method of putting the oil now into the box except by dismantling the rear cover. This rear cover in turn has had all machining on the outside of same eliminated. (6) Central Portion of Rear Axle. The profile milling round the central axle boxes has been eliminated - a plain circular finish being substituted. To reduce the weight added in consequence of this change the thickness of the flanges has been reduced. This we consider to be a distinctly faulty decision, as it increases the weight at the worst point in the axle and in addition weakens the metal by reducing the thickness of the flange. contd. | ||