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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).
Axle design, comparing banjo-style with alternative constructions and re-evaluating cost figures for various models.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 114\1\  scan0051
Date  24th September 1936
  
(sheet 2)

be in the steel normally used for welded banjos.

In considering any alternative construction one point should not be forgotten in the banjo design which represents a convenience on production, and that is the bevel drive becomes a separate unit which can be tested for bedding and silence independently of the casing, and once set need not be disturbed. Sft.{Mr Swift} places considerable value on this point.

We do not wish the attitude of the Design department to be mistaken on the general question of axle design. It is admitted that our present axles from a structural point of view are a better job than any banjo axle, but there is no doubt that the banjo offers certain advantages with regard to convenience of construction and cost which must account for its wide popularity.

With regard to the cost figures shown on page one of Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}15/KW.24.9.36, we think these are somewhat misleading, for example, the 40/- quoted for the butt welded taper tubes is for a Bentley size only. This would have to be more for the Wraith, which is about intermediate between Bentley and Phantom III, also it is not a comparable figure with the two banjo costs shown, as these latter cover a complete axle structure, and also include road spring seats.

We have, therefore, re-drawn this table so that the costs of the taper tube axles include the end plates, fittings, bolts and retaining features, but not the centre casing, and no assembly charges or burden, and we have also omitted the Scott type banjo.

Type. Cost. Remarks.

(1) Wraith (similar to P.III design). £6.15.0 This includes axle tubes with end plates, fittings, bolts, retaining clips, etc, also spring seats, but no centre casing, assembly charges or burden.
  
  


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