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).
Exceptions for the first American-built chassis, specifically regarding the adoption of a three-speed gearbox.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\D\December1919\ Scan1 | |
| Date | 6th December 1919 | |
| 2 EX, 10,000 MILES POST WAR 40/50, ALSO BASIC MODEL FOR THE 1ST RR of A SPRINGFIELD CHASSIS ORIGINAL IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS Copy. To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " " Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} " " Oy. R1/G.6.12.19. X.3614. RE AMERICAN CHASSIS. X.3720. The first chassis to be built in America I understand are to embody the following particulars. They are to be like the English right hand chassis 2.EX in every particular except the following. THREE SPEED GEAR BOX WITH CENTRAL CHANGE SPEED AND BRAKE LEVER. This was strongly recommended by me owing to the complication and bulk of the present four speed box which requires considerable care in making and fitting up, especially with regard to the timing of the change speed lever with the box. Its bulk prevents a starter of the ordinary pattern being used. The three speed box at present designed (the drawing for which has been sent to Derby) has many advantages in addition to its greater simplicitym, the change speed lever being self-contained on the box is not affected by the twisting of the frame. The lay shaft being underneath permits easier lubrication without rover-flowing at he driving shaft. It allows of an orthodox starter being geared to the flywheel. It permits of a larger pulley for driving the dynamo It is a unit that can be completed with its change speed lever in the fitting shops, the units comprising it can be assembled before being inserted in the box. It is on the lines of the old box, and should therefore be silent. It embodies a drive to the speed indicator of a ratio which can be modified for any reasonable indicator Contd. | ||