Development and sales potential of an easy-change third gear and free-wheel mechanism.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\2\ 02-page096 | |
| Date | 9th June 1930 | |
| S/W. {Sales / Derby Works} Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ..from PN. {Mr Northey} Copy to Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} K523 PH.9/WTG.6.30. With reference to your Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 6/MJ.2.6.30. Easy Change Third Gear. There is no doubt that, whilst we are waiting for the two or three years which may elapse before any epicyclic arrangement can come into production, Sales consider that some simple method of assisting the gear changing, even if it only from top to third, would prove a desirable selling point, as well as a definitely useful device in many inexpert hands. I consider that an easy change between third and top with the free-wheel operating on direct drive only, or the free-wheel operating third-gear which could be easily put out of action when it was desired to use this car for braking purposes, would provide the sort of modification which would help us in this way. I cannot remember definitely the arrangement of the 20 H.P. car in this respect, which we tested here in London, but I do remember it had features of this nature. You say that the free-wheel has failed on the 20 H.P. car on test, but you do not indicate why this has failed, or whether steps are being taken of an urgent nature, to correct the weakness, in order that tests of this nature may continue. Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} is very keen indeed that everything possible shall be done in the development of a mechanism in this direction, and I shall be glad to have any remarks you may have to make on the position at the moment, and what, so far, you have arranged to do in regard to Experimental work along these lines. PN. {Mr Northey} | ||
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).