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).
B.U.S.M. contract production issues related to a cradle design change from brass to aluminium.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\4\ scan0173 | |
| Date | 7th December 1940 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Ve. c. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} file (handwritten) 1212 (handwritten) Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/ML.7.12.40. B.U.S.M. CONTRACTS. When we were discussing the contract position with Mr. Gimson this week, he raised the point that they were concerned about the impending cradle changeover. He said that owing to the possibility of change in material and design, they had not produced any tools for the cradle, the result being that the production of this part was at present limiting output. Unless the design of the brass cradle could be released immediately so that they could get some tools in hand, they would continue to be in trouble with cradle production. Since we understand from Ve. that he has no objection to the cradle being made in aluminium alloy, having modest physical qualities, and the use of such alloys is not restricted since they are being extensively employed in tanks, etc., we suggest that the Admiralty are told that they must expect 250 of the 500 guns at least, with aluminium cradles. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||