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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).
Pros and cons of fitting a 14-tooth axle to Phantom cars, suggesting weight reduction as an alternative.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 66\4\  scan0344
Date  28th April 1926
  
To B.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} CWB.
c. to FN. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}

X8350

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG28.4.26.

14-TOOTH AXLE - BJ/H27.4.26.

We understand that Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} has definite objections to the producing of quiet 14-tooth axles. The Experimental Dept. hold the view that fitting 14-tooth axles to the Phantom cars will tend to slightly reduce the quality of the car in all respects except acceleration and hill climbing. It may be however that customers value these two features more than anything else.

We can imagine that the Phantom fitted with a 14-tooth axle makes a much better demonstration car in which a customer only goes for a comparatively short run, but we do not think the 14-tooth axle makes a nice car to live with.

The fact that Springfield have asked for 14-tooth axles should not influence our policy.

Instead of reducing the axle ratio, we ought to try and reduce the weight. If we can reduce the weight on the average car by approximately 3 cwts. we should get an equivalent performance to changing from the 15 to the 14-tooth axle.

MADE AT CROYDON Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
  
  


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