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).
Comparison of gearbox components and costs between Rolls Royce and Vauxhall models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 27th April 1939 | |
| 1260 PV c. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. ROY {Sir Henry Royce} /Les. DA. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} 1/G.27.4.39. Handwritten: cost & No of parts Handwritten: operations GEAR BOX COSTS. Referring to ROY {Sir Henry Royce} /Les.5/ER.18.4.39, Item 2 of "Components still too complicated". We suggest that the figures given for relative numbers of pieces in RR. and Vauxhall gear boxes are not an accurate comparison, and secondly that the form in which they are given is liable to be definitely misleading as regards relative costs. In the figures for RR. gear boxes, components such as the clutch casing, engine tie rod, damper control etc. are included, which are not included in the Vauxhall figures, and also the needles in the bearings are entered separately and ignored in Vauxhall. This causes the actual numbers of pieces quoted not to be a fair comparison. As regards the form of the figures, we think there should be a distinction between highly fabricated pieces like the gear wheels, shafts etc, and the standard 'K' parts, like nuts, studs and washers. The attached table has been prepared to shew this, and it will be seen that on this basis, the number of costly non-standard pieces is 30% greater in RR. than in Vauxhall, for which increase we give three synchronised speeds instead of two, and a helical 1st and Reverse instead of plain spur as in Vauxhall. The RR. box also gives either overdrive or standard ratios for only two different pieces. If the comparison were made with the present standard 25 HP. Vauxhall box with three speeds, it would be even less favourable to the Vauxhall. We are not suggesting that nothing need be done about it, but that the figures given should be fair and useful. DA. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||