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).
Argument against a four-speed gearbox, advocating for a superior three-speed mechanism and a more perfect engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\1\ Scan229 | |
| Date | 12th October 1920 | |
| Contd. -4- R18/G12.10.20. inferior. In a few words "we cannot have a four speed box on the propeller shaft" because of the extra difficulty and complication of the change speed lever mechanism. For a central changr speed and brake position the four way (three speed) change speed lever mechanism is particularly well suited, and it is no use handicapping ourselves and driving us to another scheme of chassis because the crowd consider four speeds are necessary. I give my time th consider these matters, and I know all the "ins" and souts" and difficulties of design, and advantages of use, and the continually changing conditions, and consider that I am duty bound to follow my own judgment until it is proved unsound. This is a question of the best compromise, and mthe best way of spending money, and I would certainly father spend extra money on putting more work to produce a more perfect engine. By putting all time and money possible we should always end with a less satisfactory job with four speed box than a three speed, and I would not handicap our designers and works for ever for some slight advantages in sales. When the two schemes become well known I am sure the buyers would be for the chassis of the greater all-round perfection, rather than the extra speed that he rarely; if ever, really needs. Contd. | ||