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 conveying Mr Royce's opinion to abandon the free-wheel gearbox experiment due to unexplained breakages.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\2\ 02-page012 | |
| Date | 30th May 1912 | |
| Rolls-Royce Limited. Derby, 30th May 1912. AD9/MSO512. E.A.Claremont, Esq., Trafford Park, Manchester. Z 523 Dear Sir, Re Free Wheel Gear Box. In accordance with Mr Johnson's instructions I beg to convey to you Mr Royce's opinion concerning the free wheel gear box, as set out in a memorandum written by him on April 23rd. last, viz:- "I think the free wheel gear box experiment "should be abandoned...My reason for abandoning "this originally was that I had noticed on one or two "experimental cars fitted with it certain breakages "which I could not account for except by the sudden "engagement of the pawls. The effect of the car "over-running the engine except on a straight drive is "a rather serious matter, and I feel so strongly on "this question that I would like it to be clearly "understood that I cannot take any responsibility "of any cars which are fitted with it." Yours faithfully, | ||