An especially well-made shaper, the 10.5-inch stroke, 4-speed "Royal" was built in both early and late versions and intended for use in smaller professional workshops and training establishments. Also badged as a "Viceroy", it's only drawback - though common to similar sized machines from several other makers at the time - was the lack (on early models only) of a support bar under the front edge of the box to stiffen the structure under heavier cuts.
Manufactured by Realm Engineering of Croydon, Surry (not to be confused with the makers of Relm lathes) the machine stayed in production until the 1960s - the final decade where such machines were installed in schools and colleges.
Mounted on a robust, cast-iron stand (later welded steel-plate) and fitted with a expanding-shoe type clutch in its large driven pulley as standard, the machine had its 0.75 h.p. motor (optionally 1.5 h.p. on late models) mounted inside the base on a hinged plate that allowed the 2-step V-belt drive to slackened for speed changes - the drive also incorporated a 2-speed gearbox, the system generating four stroke rates of 43, 58, 88 or 118 and minute. Electrical control was by a no-volt release safety starter with a safety micros-witch on the motor compartment door that cut the power if it was opened. The wiring was all of the non-crushable type and both three-phase and single-phase (cap-start) motors could be supplied.
Both automatic vertical and well as horizontal power feeds appear to have been fitted - though the vertical - depending upon the year of manufacture - may well have been an extra-cost option.
Able to be swung 30° each side of horizontal and fitted with three 1/2" T-slots on the top, two on the right-hand side and a single, central V-groove on the left, the box table was 10.125" long, 6.875" wide and 7.375" tall. With its compact dimensions, the Royal could tackle work up to 10.75 inches wide and accommodate a job up to 8 inches high. The tool slide could be swivelled 60° in each direct from upright and with around 2.75 inches of travel it accepted tools up to 5/8" square. Although - apart from the clutch - of the same mechanical as earlier models, the last version of the Royal was given more up-to-date styling by squaring off the main castings, mounted on a cheaper, fabricated stand and given a front-of-table support. In this form it is usually to be found carrying Viceroy badges, that Company (Denford) having strong connections with the educational and training markets.
The Royal-Viceroy weighed approximately 581 lbs (264 kg) and occupied a floor space of 31" x 19" x 51" (787 x 483 x 1397 mm)..