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).
Design and manufacturing strategy for gearboxes on the American chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 137\5\ scan0019 | |
| Date | 20th November 1919 | |
| R.R. 235A (500 T) (S.D. 408. 26-4-17.) Bm. 2/156/13. To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} To Dn. from Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Copy to Mr, (Ck{Mr Clark}) By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X.3720 Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}4/W20.11.19. RE AMERICAN CHASSIS. X.3614 X.3720 As far as I can gather from correspondence between CJ. and R it has been settled that a 3 speed gear box shall be used on the American chassis, with, of course, right hand steering. I understand from R.{Sir Henry Royce} that he sent to Derby on the 13th. inst. scheme for this new gear box. I do not know how much work there is to be done on this at Derby before the detailing is started upon but it will be necessary to inform America when they may expect these designs and thus be enabled to start their preparations for manufacture. Mr. Johnson says that he thinks that we should advise America and instruct what time they will be in possession of the drawings which will enable them to make tools etc., and advise them what is our honest opinion as to the time at which these gear boxes will be fitted to chasses in America. It is not entirely clear to me whether all American built cars are to be fitted with these 3 speed gear boxes or whether some will be turned out with 4 speed boxes, and I think this point cannot be properly settled until we know when the designs will be completed and finally approved. I think it is intended that the manufacture of these boxes in America shall be proceeded with while the box is being proved over here. Will Mr. Day therefore after very careful consideration prepare estimates for the time of the completion of these designs and we will then cable Olley. Mr. Johnson is also anxious that any parts made in P.T.O | ||