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).
Letter from Leyland Motors requesting information on synchro-mesh gearboxes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 140\3\ scan0125 | |
| Date | 4th December 1937 | |
| 1175 Wed 16th Leyland Manufacturers of Motor Vehicles. ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE COMPANY AND NOT TO INDIVIDUALS CUSTOMERS VEHICLES DRIVEN AT OWNERS RISK ONLY YOURS IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE: OURS VWP/HK.{Col. T. Harker - Sales} Tel:Ext:97. LEYLAND MOTORS LIMITED, BY APPOINTMENT Head Office and Works, TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS LEYMOTORS, LEYLAND. TELEPHONE LEYLAND 81400 (16 Lines) LEYLAND. LANCASHIRE 4th December, 1937. Dict. Btd. Personal. W. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Rowbotham Esq., Rolls-Royce Ltd., D E R B Y. Dear Mr. Rowbotham, As you probably know, some time ago I was abroad in Persia, and on return Mr. Spurrier Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} discussed with me the question of transmissions as applicable to our current range of public service vehicles. He advised me that your people had been up to the Works and had the opportunity of inspecting a four-speed two-layshaft synchro-mesh gearbox which we have produced as a means of carrying out some experimental work in connection with synchro-mesh gearboxes. I am writing you a personal letter on this subject as the time interval elapsing between obtaining test reports and when I have to report to the Designs Committee Meeting on the subject of synchro-mesh gears is extremely small, and I would very much appreciate hearing from you as to whether it is possible for me to obtain further information on the question of a gearbox of this type from yourselves. Mr. Spurrier Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} said that you had told him that you have such a gearbox as fitted to one of your cars and which is used in conjunction with an engine of approximately the same torque and B.H.P. output as our own. The main point which I am concerned with is, is it possible to produce a synchro-mesh gearbox having adequate gear sizes as would give reasonable life under town service conditions for bus operation, which is still so easily operable as not to cause fatigue to the driver? | ||