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).
Visit to Messrs. Rubery Owen & Co. Ltd. to discuss the production of Wraith frames.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\5\ scan0052 | |
| Date | 15th June 1937 | |
| MARTINDALE Please note File 10 10 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} c.c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} VISIT TO MESSRS. RUBERY OWEN AND CO. LTD. RHO/TVT.{T. V. Turner} and myself visited Messrs. Rubery Owen yesterday in order to discuss various matters which had arisen in the production of Wraith frames. The discussion first centred round the question of cruciform members for experimental frames being delivered in material of various sections, and we were very emphatic that in future all cruciform members must be of consistent section. This was stressed as being extremely important. The question of delivery of the next three experimental frames was discussed at some length, and a special point was made of the fact that we should like to know all their difficulties experienced during assembly. It was pointed out to Mr. Sinnott that we had certain ideas of our own on the subject, but that we should appreciate any assistance he could give us towards making a very much simplified frame on a production basis. The question of production costs then came up for discussion, and at the outset it was emphasised that our own estimate of the cost of producing the completely assembled frame was £12, and we could not, therefore, understand why this figure should be exceeded. It was made clear, in fact, that in our opinion, with careful consideration of assembly methods, there is every possibility of effecting a still further reduction in price. During the discussion we went right on to the Shop Floor and the various Inspectors, Charge-hands, etc. were invited to express their views. It would appear that stretching is the chief problem, and it was therefore suggested that certain brackets now welded onto the frame should be deleted altogether and bolted brackets employed elsewhere, so that much of this unnecessary stretching could be eliminated. They were instructed right away to bolt all future cruciform members in position instead of spot welding as hitherto. In the meantime we are keeping in touch with the Design Office and are getting continued. | ||