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 report concerning the manufacturing of front wing pressings by a supplier.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\1\ Scan068 | |
| Date | 5th December 1961 | |
| To: Rns c: GB JPB Tln/HPJ Handwritten: G824, T973 FS{F. Steele}/Bsp/1/PG. 5th December, 1961. Report re visit to Aircraft Sheet Metal Ltd., Sheffield, 4.12.61. As we had already been warned by Rns, we saw no pressings or tools comparable with the front wings. Some of the smaller pressings were well-made and showed evidence of good tooling, but none of the pressings, including any form, showed the standard of shape and finish we should require. We were shown an excellent sample of stitch-welding; they frequently use this technique on aircraft work. This is important as the front wing will be built up of four pieces. The following points were agreed with their Mr. Smart, Press Shop Manager. 1. They would start with two accurate hard-wood models. 2. Each individual pressing should be trimmed in a profile location jig to ensure accuracy of stitch-welding and final form. 3. They would provide a master receiver gauge for each hand. This must check front grill line, bonnet opening and front door line. 4. They would use steel inserts in the Kirksite Tools to emphasize bead lines, etc. 5. The final inspection should involve a wipe with white spirit under a good light to check shape and possible damage. I consider this firm will have under-estimated the tooling difficulties but have sufficient backing and technique to overcome them. They have on order a Press of sufficient size and capacity to do this work; it should be delivered this month. As this job is a first off I think we should be wise to add an educational period to their delivery promise. Corrections at Crewe should be avoided if possible. Obviously, an alternative firm of proven ability would be preferable if delivery promises were satisfactory. FS{F. Steele}/Bsp. Bsp | ||