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 detailing the results and proposed improvements for a modified gearbox.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 137\5\ scan0089 | |
| Date | 25th October 1929 | |
| Btn-1 Oct. 25, 1929. CONFIDENTIAL To: Mr. Ross Cc- Mr. Bagnall Mr. Olley (Await return) Mr. Beaver Expl.Dept. Mr. Linnett Jr.{Mr James Royce} Mr. Humpston Mr. Buckley From: Mr. Burton Modified Gearbox Our first efforts at this gearbox cannot be considered a very great success, for the following reasons - 1. Quietness - Our impression is that the note in 2nd speed is considerably higher than standard, but in approximately the same degree. If anything, the tone is a little more pleasant than standard. 2. Sideshaft - Uneven. 3. Clutch - It will be remembered that to cure unevenness side-ways, the first box was built up with roller bearing in first motion shaft and approx. .030 end play controlled by the rear ball bearing. We are afraid that this end play effects the clutch action causes jaggering. 4. Gear Change - The sliding dog clutch does not appear to be an appreciable improvement over standard. The action of this box seems clouded by the experimental clutch on MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}-5, and we think it very desirable to make the second box - constructing the box taking advantage of the experience gained on the first - and fit on a chassis having standard clutch. We should therefore, push ahead with the second box which should be built up with the following features - 1. Nickel Steel 2nd and direct speed gears throughout. These gears should be just as accurate as we know how to produce and have no hardening distortion. We understand these are nearly ready. 2. Sliding clutch members, should be modified in accordance with prints attached to Mr. Linnett, by cutting away alternate teeth for a depth of .100. This is a stunt adopted by Reo and Pearson to get easy change. Use a grinding wheel .156 or .187 wide on parts already hardened. 3. 1st Motion Shaft on standard bearings with standard end play. - continued - | ||