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).
Standardization of parts including a rocker shaft, radiator support bracket, chassis, and bevel gears, with an emphasis on avoiding scrap.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\2\ Scan055 | |
| Date | 19th November 1921 | |
| BY1-P19.11.21. contd. - 2 - It has just happened that Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} submitted this matter to me at the time I had completed an investigation of the position involved by standardisation of a strengthened Rocker Shaft in the Steering Gear. You will notice that in the memo I despatched yesterday that I have given you full particulars of the cost of this alteration if it is being brought in at once. I have pointed out that I did not consider this desirable personally, but in submitting it to R, I suggested that if he wished to bring it in at a position which would involve scrap, would be put his proposals before you. Whenever any part is standardised the above procedure is followed out. Generally speaking, quite a number of alterations are brought in without scrap, as for instance, the proposal to standardise a rubber connection in the top water pipes on the engine, my decision in this case being that it must not involve any scrap. For instance, bearing out the above are:- (1) Improved Radiator Support Bracket. made from a pressing in place of forging - no scrap to be made. The improved design was instructed to be brought in when present forgings are used up. (2) Longer type chassis. We were particularly keen when the longer type chassis was standardised to make it clear that it was only to be used when specially called for by customers, as otherwise scrap would be involved. Sales were warned of this and are working to this instruction. (3) Standardisation of 15/52 ratio Bevel Gears. The instructions I originally issue to the Works were, that we should use up all 16/52 Bevels. Later the position was reconsidered as the result of one of the Midland Conferences. We were requested to put full information in regard to the number of 16/52 bevels in stock and the cost of same before Sales, as you considered it desirable to improve the performance of the car at once. The full scrap costs involved were submitted and it was decided immediately to standardise the 15/52, and not to despatch any further chassis with 16/52 bevel | ||