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).
Integration of Lucas electrical components, specifically the starter motor and dynamo, for the Wraith chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\3\ scan0242 | |
| Date | 21th June 1937 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} FBC. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wst. 1204 BY/RD.3/B. 21.6.37. R.R. Electrical Equipment and Lucas Material. In order to establish which of the Lucas standard pieces could be used by us, a visit was made to Messrs. Lucas 17.6.37. Each section was discussed and a collection of drawings obtained to enable a start to be made on the R.R. - Lucas combination. Before making this start we need to fix a policy and decide just which Chassis is to be dealt with first, and I suggest the experimental sets be made suitable for the Wraith. STARTER MOTOR. Immediately. (1) We can use Lucas Carcase and Field Winding, Brush Gear and Armature complete with Drive. R.R. to make End Plates and assemble. Later. (2) The Lucas Cast Iron Driving End Plate can be used providing we can adapt the crankcase facing to suit. No Bush is provided in the pinion; the shaft is hardened and this is considered satisfactory. I think we should use the ST.900 Solenoid operated starter switch integral with the motor. DYNAMO. The electrical specification must be settled before the D.O. start this unit. We have :- (1) R.R. 24 slot machine. (On production). (2) R.R. 36 slot machine. (Running experimentally). (3) Lucas 4 pole 23 slots. (Running experimentally). (4) Lucas proposed 2 pole. (On paper). Can Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wst., offer any recommendation yet ? The armature bearings will be deep groove ball bearings at the driving end with an oil-less bush at the comm. end. A common mild steel shaft is used for the armature but as we need to drive the water pump, nickel steel is suggested. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||