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).
Design and material choice for instrument dials, specifically comparing porcelain and silvered faces.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\July1927-September1927\ Scan043 | |
| Date | 8th August 1927 | |
| BY: HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to -- BJ RECEIVED ORIGINAL R2/M8.8.27. INSTRUMENT DIALS. (GROUPED INSTRUMENTS.) X 8530 X46626 +4308 I still have the impression that if we can obtain commercially a porcelain enamelled and transfer marked dial it is the best one possible for all our instruments. It was concluded however that we should have to be contented with a silvered face with black letters. We ought to find out how so many inexpensive instruments - watches and clocks - can have porcelain enamelled dials. Naturally they must not be hand painted dials, and they must be produced in wholesale numbers inexpensively. Regarding grouped instruments, it is possible that the grouping may have to be reconsidered if it is desired to use certain instruments of large size. There is nothing however that need be large except the speed indicator, and this is generally difficult to read through badly arranged figures and trip counters. Perhaps if less markings were put on the face the instruments need not be so large. Regarding the A.T. speedometer, although this has many good qualities I fear it is of the type in which change of the reading is easily brought about, and that in time it tends to read lower, and lower, owing to the loss of magnetism in the permanent magnets. I think it is worth while looking at some other types which are less liable to change. EFC. might help to select and test good instruments, and be responsible for their technical correctness. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||