06-05-2021, 06:43 PM
A recent generous donation to the Archive has been drawings of a couple of gearboxes that have caused a bit of head scratching. They are, without doubt, genuine Austin drawings dated 1929, though these versions were issued by the Austin Service Department to a 750 MC member, John Watt, in 1947. So far, enquiries amongst a few people 'in the know' have drawn a blank.
You will see from the example I am posting, it is described as a Silent 3rd, 4 speed Austin 7 gearbox. The other drawing I have is for a Silent 2nd 3 speed gearbox. The silent 3rd gearbox is described by Bob WYatt in his History of Austin book, though he doesn't suggest any possible use. They seem to be 'robust' in the extreme, with more bearings than normal for starters.
I offer them for further discussion and extravagant speculation amongst the crowd here...
Hugh
You will see from the example I am posting, it is described as a Silent 3rd, 4 speed Austin 7 gearbox. The other drawing I have is for a Silent 2nd 3 speed gearbox. The silent 3rd gearbox is described by Bob WYatt in his History of Austin book, though he doesn't suggest any possible use. They seem to be 'robust' in the extreme, with more bearings than normal for starters.
I offer them for further discussion and extravagant speculation amongst the crowd here...
Hugh