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).
Potential weight savings on the Silver Ripple chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 118\1\ scan0410 | |
| Date | 5th February 1944 | |
| 1022 To: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}/Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} (crossed out) c.c to Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} (crossed out) Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}/Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester}6/HM.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} 5.2.44. Weight Saving on Silver Ripple. Taking the existing chassis 1-RT-1 as the basis from which to start an apprisal of possible weight savings on Silver Ripple the following reductions can be effected :- 1) Shortened front end. 18 lbs. 2) Spare wheel accommodated at rear. 21.75 lbs. (No allowance for increased rear boot wt.) 3) Lighter tyres. (4 lbs. per wheel Sic Dr. McKay). 20 lbs. 4) Reduced petrol capacity. 16 lbs. 5) Alum brake drums. 28 lbs. The above are the officially proposed weight reductions, the following items might however also contribute. 6) Wheels. 1-RT-1 wheels weigh 24 lbs. those for Myth 13 lbs. it should be possible to save at least 4 lbs. per wheel. 20 lbs. 7) Seats. The front seats of 1-RT-1 weigh 40 lbs. each, those on the Lancia 21 lbs. A saving of 6 lbs. per seat should be possible. 12 lbs. 8) Bumpers. These items on 1-RT-1 weigh 38 lbs. (Lancia front bumper and number plate 7 lbs.) 10 lbs. should be pared off this at least. 10 lbs. Total saving by above = 145.75 lbs. against this saving should be debited. (a) stiffened front pan .080" to .104" say 8 lbs. (b) extra cross member at rear say 10 lbs. Overall saving. 127.75 lbs. The net weight of 1-RT-1 is 1 t - 12 cwt. 2 q. With the savings outlined this would be reduced to 1 ton. 11 cwt. 2 q. 13 lbs. The foregoing figures may be said to be the superficial weight savings achieved by adhering to the existing design specification, and do not represent any fundamental changes. They do not include any coachwork considerations which could best be dealt with by someone with specialised knowledge of the subject. It is felt that although further savings could be achieved by cheese paring analysis of the whole car, if it is to be dealt with as the smallest model in the senior range, rather than as an isolated chassis of 17 h.p. savings achieved by the redesign of any units would upset the standardisation of the range. (Handwritten Notes) REDUCED TOOL KIT LIGHTER ENGINE MOUNTING (Handwritten annotation: Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}/Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester}) ELIMINATE WIRING CONDUITS ALUM FRONT DAMPERS. (Handwritten annotation: Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} ✓) REDUCED RAD WT AND ELIMINATE COWL ALUM DRUMS. LIGHTENED CAST IRON MECHANICAL PET PUMP SMALLER PROPELLOR SHAFT LIGHTER EXHAUST SYSTEM? SMALLER BATTERY. LIGHT TOOL KIT. | ||