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).
Feasibility and costs of adapting a Wraith engine for use as a marine power unit.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0009 | |
| Date | 12th October 1938 | |
| To. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..........From RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} 1260 RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/MC.12.10.38. c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. By & Rmn.{R. M. Neaum} MARINE POWER UNIT Enquiries have been instituted regarding the particulars and costs of "Meadows" marine engines, and according to the catalogue supplied this firm produce a 4 1/2 litre engine of similar proportions and power output to Wraith unit, but fitted with a 2 speed marine type gearbox. The selling price of this engine is £268. 0. 0d. less 25% trade discount, which means that the manufacturers would receive £200. 0. 0d. per unit. Wraith engine to a comparable specification but without gearbox, has a Factory Cost of £140. 0. 0d., but it would be necessary to fit a marine type gearbox and also carry out certain modifications such as to the water circulating system, where aluminium parts would have to be replaced by bronze castings due to the coolent used. It should be possible to produce a suitable 2 speed gearbox for marine duty costing in the region of £20. - £30., bringing the total cost of Wraith power unit to £160. - £170., and assuming a similar selling price and trade discount to the "Meadows" engine, there appears to be a potential profit of £30. - £40. per unit. If this market could be entered, the resulting increased output of Wraith engines would have the effect of reducing manufacturing costs, as distinct from any direct profits on marine sales. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} | ||