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).
Letter to V.W. Pilkington of Leyland Motors discussing the F. type engine, its potential, and development issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 140\3\ scan0184 | |
| Date | 1st July 1938 | |
| 1145 Rml/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 1st July, 1938. V.W. Pilkington, Esq., Messrs. Leyland Motors Limited, LEYLAND. Lancs: Dear Mr. Pilkington, We had a very interesting discussion with Messrs. Markland & Tattersall last Friday which we think was to our mutual advantage. Thank you for your report on the F.{Mr Friese} type engine which I have read with interest. We were interested to hear from Mr. Markland that you had formed a high opinion of the potentialities of this type of engine, because we ourselves had singled it out as possessing particular merit, and have carried out about 18 months single cylinder research to determine its limitations. We note that the particular trouble which worried you most on the unit was the exhaust valve burning, but feel that the specialised knowledge which we have, perforce, acquired on aircraft engines might to-day enable us to provide a solution to the problem. We ourselves are faced with an obstacle in getting favourable consideration given to this type of unit, because the last engine built by Bentley Motors before they went out of business was an 'F' head. This engine was never fully developed, and can hardly be said to have stood a sporting chance as it went into production more or less under the auspices of the Official Receiver. It is possible that your work on the 'F' engine will encourage us to do something more with it. At the moment we have only single cylinder results which we do not quote as we are often doubtful as to what they mean ourselves. We are much indebted to you for information re crankcase painting, and will work on the lines you Yours sincerely, | ||