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).
Requesting an investigation into cost reduction options for the B.50 crankshaft.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 112\3\ scan0063 | |
| Date | 29th October 1937 | |
| 817. 1044 also 1260. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}4/R.29.10.37. CRANKSHAFTS. B.50 crankshaft is going to be exactly the same as the Wraith unless a very material reduction in cost can be obtained by some modification in the design. We should like to start this engine off with the crankshaft which we hope will eventually go into production. For this reason we should be glad to know whether as a result of your investigation into crankshaft manufacture you can give us the following information:- (1) Cost reduction by using a .4 carbon steel and Tocco hardening. (2) Type of balance weight required and cost comparisons. (3) Integral or loose balance weights. (4) Reduction in cost if crankshaft is not machined all over. (5) Any design modifications which will reduce cost. We should be glad if you could let us have this information as soon as possible as the engine is reaching a stage where shortly detail work will be begun. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||