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).
Difficulties with the 'Bensport' synchro-mesh gearbox and recommending a change for sports cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\3\ img036 | |
| Date | 5th March 1932 | |
| SECRET. To Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Ha/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/WJ.5.3.32. c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} 'BENSPORT' GEARBOX Replying to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}1/W29.2.32. We have again tried out the difficulty experienced with changing into 1st. gear on the synchro-mesh box. This necessitates, of course, speeding up a stationary reverse shaft. Reasonably quiet changes are possible at all speeds provided one understands the situation in the gearbox and moves the gear lever rapidly into the first speed position when only a slight crunch is heard. It is almost impossible to engage first gear by feeling it in, i.e. by the method employed by most people uncertain of a good gear change. We asked Mr. for his opinion without telling him of any unusual difficulties of engaging the gears. His view was that whereas he had no objection to the scheme on the 25 HP. owing to the very rare number of occasions that 1st. gear is used; that if first gear were often used in hilly country or on a car with a high first gear frequently used, then our scheme would be a definite inconvenience. We recommend, therefore, for a Sports car, that all the forward gears be free of the reverse shaft. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/H.Grylls. | ||