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).
Design fault in the 'SS' gearbox, specifically the difficulty in engaging reverse gear.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\4\ 04-page200 | |
| Date | 17th December 1928 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} From R.{Sir Henry Royce} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} X5310 R1/M17.12.28. 'SS{S. Smith}' GEARBOX. X.7310 X.5310 Mr. Hancock could not easily get in the reverse: evidently the sliding pinion was touching the stationary wheel first instead of picking up on the sideshaft wheel - 3rd. - well in advance of the grear wheel - 1st. This was foreseen in the design, and is correct in the 20 HP., but we get it wrong in this important case. Who's fault? It must have been through many hands who should know better. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||