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).
Brochure detailing the features and operation of the New Maybach Transmission.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\2\ scan0085 | |
| Date | 1st November 1931 | |
| During the short moment of gear change, this system offers all the advantages of the so-called “free-wheeling” without the disadvantage which this latter system presents during normal journey and the braking periods. The design of the new transmission may be seen from the illustrations and sections appearing herewith. The four silent gears form a particularly favourable combination of ratios without unduly large steps. The indispensable reverse speed incidentally provides a fifth reduced forward speed, brought into play by means of the reverse speed hand lever. Altogether, five forward speeds are therefore at the disposal of the driver. In the centre of the following diagram are indicated the ball lever positions for the engagement and disengagement of the gears for forward, reverse and 1a speeds, whilst on the right and left are indicated the corresponding lever positions on the steering wheel. Gear Shift Plan As in the case of the plain Maybach Overspeed Gear, the elimination of manual gear shifting in the present instance renders it practicable to avoid the hitherto customary compromise reduction ratio in the rear axle. With the New Maybach Transmission, the reduction of the rear axle can be so chosen as to give a very low ratio and accordingly a high speed (overspeed) suitable for travelling on level ground with the first of the two upper speeds, while the second makes a pronounced accelerating and mountain speed. As an example, where the usual type of compromise rear axle in large pleasure cars now has a reduction ratio of 4.3 : 1, it is possible with the New Maybach Transmission so to modify the rear axle drive as to obtain with the two highest speeds a total reduction of 3.5 : 1 and 5.3 : 1, respectively. In this, it is immaterial which of the two upper speeds is employed for the direct drive. The field of the new transmission not only comprises passenger cars of every kind, but embraces buses and other utility vehicles. With the former particularly, the new Maybach gear control is highly advantageous because it allows the driver to keep his hands on the wheel while changing speeds, and also because the silent running of the four regular speeds increases the travelling comfort of the passengers. The two outstanding advantages of electric control, silent operation and relief of the driver from manual effort, are thus made available by the New Maybach Transmission without the high cost and power loss attendant upon the electric system. With series production, the New Maybach Transmission may be built for any size of car. Any questions relating to installation, reduction ratios, or other details will be gladly answered by the MAYBACH MOTORENBAU G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} B. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN A.{Mr Adams} B. Seeblatt-Druck Friedrichshafen Printed in Germany [Stamp] ERNST SCHNEIDER MAYBACH MOTORENBAU SOLE AGENT. VICTORIA ST.{Capt. P. R. Strong} LONDON. S.W.1. VIC. 9636 THE NEW MAYBACH TRANSMISSION Four silent speeds conveniently selected at steering wheel without use of clutch pedal. The advantages of electrical gear shift control without its drawbacks. Maybach-Motorenbau G.m.b.H., Friedrichshafen am Bodensee Cable address: Maybachmotor, Telephone: 174, 230, 231, 283. Codes: Rudolf Mosse Abc 5th Edition 5 Letters. | ||