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).
Introduction of a new simplified gearbox for the Bentley III, weighing production costs against reliability concerns.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0045 | |
| Date | 10th September 1938 | |
| -2- Although the more simple type Gearbox will provide an eventual reduction in Manufacturing Charges, if it is allowed to commence on Production with known faults, any reduction in initial cost will be rapidly absorbed by correction of troubles which may occur on Test. A standard of silence and reliability has been established with the present Wraith Type Gearbox which must be maintained, furthermore, adoption of this Gearbox on Bentley III. apart from providing more time for development of the simplified Gearbox, will provide an opportunity of liquidating the already Heavy Tool Charges incurred on Wraith Gearbox. The statement is made in EY.4/G.10.9.38. with regard to the Semi-Floating Axle "what hope have we of avoiding trouble if we try to introduce on Bentley III. a design with which we have no experience whatsoever, and an absurdly short time in hand to cover development". Since the Gearbox presents a similar problem it is inly logical that it should be placed in the same category until proved thoroughly reliable. From a production aspect the new type Gearbox will undoubtedly provide reduced Manufacturing Problems and Charges, but it should be remembered that the reduction obtained in Cost of present Wraith Type Gearbox has also exceeded expectations. Therefore, if it proves impossible to introduce the simplified Gearbox at the commencement of Bentley III. Production, it is suggested that certain desirable features of this Gearbox, such as simplified Synchromesh and Servo Motor be applied to Wraith Type Gearbox during the transitional period and fitted to at least the first Series of Bentley III. Chassis. However, it is important that the position be made clear, and Material released immediately for the 50 Experimental Production Bentley Chassis, and that General Release for 'A' Series follows in February, 1939 if Chassis are to be ready for the Show of next year. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} | ||