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).
Conference memo regarding the standardisation of parts between the Derby and Springfield factories.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\2\ Scan070 | |
| Date | 11th November 1923 | |
| X3066 BY2-F1.11.23. SPRINGFIELD & STANDARDISATION OF PARTS. A Conference was arranged with the object of going over the various changes in design which we know from EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}'s visit have been incorporated in the American made chassis, as EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} wished to be advised what changes were considered most serious in view of his impending visit to R.{Sir Henry Royce} During the conference the question of Derby's relationship to Springfield in regard to such matters was considered most carefully and it was considered desirable that the following points should be brought to your attention in view of the fact that this subject is under your consideration at the moment;- (1) Standardisation of Modifications considered desirable by America to meet their conditions. a/- It is not considered desirable that Derby Works should figure at all in the question of signing standardisation sheets for designs which are essentially made to meet American conditions. If any one at Derby were required to sign such a sheet it would convey the impression that the Derby Works were trying to control Springfield. All that was considered necessary was that the consent of R.{Sir Henry Royce}(as Chief Engineer to both Companies,) and CJ. must be obtained before any departures were incorporated. b/- To keep matters straight standardisation sheets should be issued from Springfield for any proposed departure in design, full particulars in regard to the reason for the departure and the detailed account of the experiments which have been carried out to prove that the proposal met the conditions, must be incorporated in the standardisation sheets submitted to R.{Sir Henry Royce} and CJ. which must previously be signed & remarked upon by representative officials of R.R. Inc. Springfield and Experimental work. (2) Springfield and Experimental work. a/- The points discussed under heading (1) necessarily assume a department in America carrying out experimental work in regard to such matters which affect American conditions. We see no objection to this proposal, and as a matter of fact such a department appears to already be in existence at Springfield. contd. | ||