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).
Cost and standardisation of a new Smith electrical petrol gauge for a Bentley chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 167\4\ img091 | |
| Date | 10th September 1935 | |
| √6112. To HOK, from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} WST see me E.4/HP.10.9.35. c. WOF. HJW. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ust. Bentley Chassis - New type Smith Electrical Petrol Gauge with aluminium support, larger float and warning light contacts for reserve supply - Standardisation sheet X.6112. In connection with a scheme we have issued for carrying the electric petrol pump and petrol filter at rear of chassis Løc.4670, we shall definitely want the Smith petrol gauge with warning light. 'I do not however see personally why the new instruments should cost £2.4.0 more than the old one, the cost of the old one being £1.8.6, and the new one £3.12.6, and for this reason I have been holding up from signing the standardisation sheet. In response to our queries we now have your memo ROY.{Sir Henry Royce}3/MG.9.9.35 which still leaves us without information justifying the extra cost. Actually with this alteration to design cancelling the reserve petrol tap and its operation with the extra piping involved, we expected a saving on the aggregate amount instead of an increase of £1.3.2 per chassis. It is true that in addition to the warning light contacts added to the tank unit there has been improved die cast aluminium support and larger float incorporated, but it is difficult to justify an increase of £2.4.0 for these items. We provide the warning light and additional wiring ourselves as against Smith originally supplying the connecting wire. Hence these items do not enter into the increased purchasing price, but on the contrary there should be a small credit for the wiring. Summarising the position the saving we have effected by changes in design amounts to £1.0.10d. The loss we are incurring due to Smith's increased charge is £2.4.0. The net increase per chassis is £1.3.2. CONTINUED | ||