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).
Arguing against the use of cast iron crankchambers for the J.3 model due to concerns about weight, reputation, and sales.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan153 | |
| Date | 24th April 1931 | |
| [Stamped: ORIGINAL] [Handwritten: 15000.] HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) SECRET. R3/M24.4.31. ~~BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} RG.{Mr Rowledge}~~ } Copy to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. CAST IRON CRANKCHAMBERS. The somewhat doubtful arguments in favour of the above will not apply to J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3., except cheapness, (and even this can't be much when Austin gives aluminium.) I fear the weight in many ways. We in England do not keep castings down to weight, but like drop forgings they grow heavier. It certainly would not add to our reputation unless it were decidedly better in perfformance and repairs. (A bad bore means nearly a new engine.) Weight in this position is bad for steering and pitching. We must not lower our chances of sales. Personally I would not buy a first class car with a heavy engine. The matter will be carefully considered. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||