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).
Letter to Cadillac discussing gearbox development, including tests of Maybach jaws, synchromesh systems, and quiet helical gears.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\2\ img036 | |
| Date | 4th May 1931 | |
| Expl. Dept. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ. May 4th.1931. M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Olley, Esq., Cadillac Motor Car Co., Detroit, MICHIGAN. Dear Oy., We have just been through a series of tests with the idea of using the Maybach jaws to give us an easy change speed. The proposal was to use an epicyclic gear to give us a twin top. We have not been very successful. The Maybach jaws are alright for an expert on an open road but in traffic one has to think more than with an ordinary change. We are now thinking of going to the synchro-mesh. We have tried a Buick here and had our people out on it. We have also been in touch with General Motors, London, and have purchased from them a synchro-mesh unit out of a Buick. The point we should like to know from you is - what is the 'nigger' in the Buick synchro-mesh? Also, whether there have been any later developments since the Buick scheme. We were rather interested in a Warner box which was illustrated in Automotive Industries, which had four speed Helical third synchro mesh. It was supposed to be for a Graham Paige but we cannot find a Graham Paige on this side fitted with this gearbox. What is the progress in obtaining quiet helical gears?. We are astonished at the noise of the gears on the Buick. Are the gear Process Co. getting away with their scheme? We have just installed a Maag machine to grind helical gears. The results are promising but we have not had enough experience yet. We are flirting with all types of engines but we have not yet tried a multi-cylinder engine which does not have considerable buss and fuss at high speeds. One suggestion we have is to make an eight cylinder Vee for the small car 25 HP. I say that we cannot expect to do | ||