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).
Confidential memo on the decision to abandon the 'Stork' and 'Heron' models and progress with the 'Seagull' model.
| Identifier | Morton\M22\ img258 | |
| Date | 26th January 1923 | |
| R' - TO BE ABANDONED FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS To Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} & BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. BJ. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} STORK HERON CONFIDENTIAL. SEAGULL PROGRESS X.3548. For commercial reasons it has been decided to abandon the "Stork" and "Heron". This is a great disappointment from a technical point of view, but it is considered that if these were seen on the road they might cause some harm through being misunderstood, and it appears that the only alternative is to abandon the idea of making them, using such parts as we can - for instance, the front axle - on the "Seagull" model. This policy will have the advantage of leaving the Works in a position to make very rapid progress on the experimental "Seagulls". We expect to be able to send further important drawings this week. At the moment I understand BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} has in hand the front axle, the back axle, the crankshaft and crankshaft fittings, spring drive and slipper flywheel, oil pump and oil filter, oil pump drive, lower main oil connection, camshaft and bearings, and camshaft gearwheel, valves, valve rockers, and valve tappet gear, cylinder head and gasket, pistons and connecting rods. We hope to send this week the cylinder block, and the change speed box, and possibly the frame with its cross member. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||