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).
New arrangement for side change levers and a servo-assisted gearbox for front wheel brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\6\ Scan125 | |
| Date | 14th December 1922 | |
| CONFIDENTIAL+ X.4488. X1559 BJ8/H14.12.22. To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} } from BJ. To OY. RE SIDE LEVERS. X.4428. X.3462. The following is a copy of a memorandum we have received from R.{Sir Henry Royce}, which he has requested shall be circulated to you. B.J. COPY. To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} R2/M7.12.22. Re. Side Levers. I am pleased to say we have now found a satisfactory arrangement for side change levers on both our chassis. The greater part of the detail work is arranged. The new change speed gear box embodies the Servo system for front wheel brakes, and is a little more complicated than would be necessary if the Servo system was not used, but I think it is advisable to make it only in this form so that the front wheel brakes can be fitted or not, as desired. It would appear that 6 months hence we ought to be able to supply a few cars of either the 20 HP. or the present 40/50 HP. with this combination fitted. This particular change gear box in the form we have it is not suitable for central change speed levers with the Servo system of four wheel brakes, but it is possible from the designe work we have done, to supply cars with or without front wheel brakes, and with side or central change. The difficulties would be that much confusion would arise in the Works in making the car up with several designs of gear box, etc. and the maintenance of jigs, tools and patterns for the small number of each, would entail capital expenditure for which I fear there would not be an adequate return. Naturally one thinks that if anyone could make their cars up in several forms, we ought to be able to, because of the high price and small numbers that we make, but such a system should not I think be encouraged, and personally I endeavour at every opportunity to simplify and reduce the parts and varieties that we supply. contd:- | ||