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).
Suggestions to reduce costs for the Wraith model, covering the dynamo drive, steering box, connecting rod, and gearbox.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0087 | |
| Date | 6th December 1938 | |
| 1260. c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} BY.21/G.6.12.38. WRAITH. RE: SUGGESTIONS TO REDUCE COST IN RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/MD.15.11.38. Dynamo Drive. We have already produced a scheme which has been instructed experimentally, by which we use a rubber type flexible drive with the rubber sandwiched between and vulcanized to, two steel plates; this scheme includes a one piece pinion and shaft design, and eliminates the spider pieces and the flexible shaft. It therefore represents a greater economy than any scheme so far proposed. Steering Box Mounting. We are trying out S.CD.476 with the object of using it, if successful, on all chassis. It is not as good from the point of view of rigidity or stiffness as the present scheme, and has been adversely criticised as the result of tests. We are considering a simplified scheme on the basis of the present Wraith. Coined Connecting Rod. This depends upon a really good sample of a finally 'coined' forging being produced free from folds or cracks. It is probable that certain simple machining operations as suggested by RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} may be the solution. Gearbox proposals. We agree that the points raised are economies, but they will have to be tested where they are arranged i.e. on new universal box, as we cannot face a new design of box at this stage, it would hinder real progress. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||