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).
Page from 'The Motor' magazine reviewing the 1911 Olympia Motor Show, discussing worm drives and showcasing various mechanical features.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\4\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 14th November 1911 | |
| Z 524 14th November, 1911. 733 The Motor WORM DRIVE.—Contd. more widely studied, it is unquestionable that improved results will be obtained, and the use of the worm will be extended, though the benefit will probably always be with the manufacturer quite as much as with the public. As already indicated, the worm will save the present frequent changing of bevels before a quiet transmission can be obtained. Meanwhile, the conflicting opinions formed by manufacturers are very interesting. One firm that adopted the worm for 1911 has entirely discarded it for 1912, while others who have given the system an extended trial seem very well satisfied with the results attained. Thus it would seem that the question is still an open one, and future developments will be watched with interest. German Praise of Olympia. THE 'Berliner Zeitung am Mittag' begins a two-column review of the Show by complimenting the exhibitors on the forwardness of their preparations for the opening day, and then goes on to remark: 'One gets a magnificent view on entering the hall. The internal decorations are quiet and fitting, no charlatanic or loud advertisement offending the spectator's eye. What artistic taste and skill could produce in the construction of automobiles is here broadly exhibited in irreproachable style . . . The general impression deepens when the thousands of electric lamps are reflected in the bright metallic parts of the chassis, and in the lacquer on the bodies. The characteristic traits of the Show may thus be summarised: new sleeve-valve engines, noiseless running of motors and accessory machinery, cheap four-cylinder cars for people of moderate means, increased accessibility of parts, a more extensive application of electricity for lighting up the cars, several exceptionally ingenious automatic starters, and greater improvements in detachable rims and wheels. The beauty of the carosseries as well as the luxury and roominess of the big cars delight the average spectator most . . . In the motor department, every maker has something new to show—trifles mostly, seemingly inconsiderable improvements or novelties in constructional parts; but in every case these 'trifles' serve the purpose of increasing the accessibility of the mechanism, of facilitating the keeping of the car in order, and of simplifying the handling as much as possible. Yet numerous remarkable novelties are also on view, and open up new prospects for the further development of the automobile.' Mechanical Features Observed at Olympia. [Diagram captions below images] Humber 20 h.p. model. Setting-out of side of frame, and method of carrying change-speed lever on gearbox, the brake-quadrant on side of frame. Straker-Squire. Switch on steering column. Vulcan cars. Universal joint on shaft of change-speed lever. The sector and bracket are broken away to show means of moving the shaft laterally. 12 h.p. Sizaire-Naudin. Foot and hand-brake arrangements. The silenced "cut-out" on some of the Wolseley models, the relief being through an unbaffled pipe in the silencer. B19 | ||