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).
Difficulties and proposed design changes for petrol tank fittings in response to U.S.A. complaints.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M1\8\ img010 | |
| Date | 14th July 1921 | |
| ORIGINAL. To R.R. of America Inc. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} (For the attention of OY.) Copy to CJ. Belknap. * WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} * HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ✓ * EH. * DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} * BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} * EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} [Stamp: FO RECEIVED JUL 14 1921] X3719 RE U.S.A. COMPLAINTS. PETROL TANK FITTINGS. X3457 We notice that there have been so many difficulties in complying with all the conditions that you have given up the idea that they shall all be incorporated, that you no longer wish for the two-level device, that you do not mind if the petrol filler fouls the luggage, that the petrol level indicator can be on the top of the tank, and not easily seen when there is a spare wheel or luggage carrier behind. Regarding design A.552, I wish it was lighter, less expensive, and more elegant. Apparently from a reliable and economical point of view the simple form of petrol gauge could be used right on top of the tank. This is the one with the float on the spiral guide moving the magnet. This is a lighter, cheaper, and more efficient scheme of indicator if the top position will really do. Regarding the central fitting, since you now only require two pipes and comparatively small out-going filter, one would think that the whole of this might be reduced to less than half its weight and bulk, and cost. The scheme as shewn has not much logic, as it reduces the hand hole so much, and if it is only needed to be of this size, a much smaller size of fitting can be used. Perhaps a larger hand hole could be used, which was rivetted and soldered up, or bolted and soldered up permanently after the work inside the tank had been done. (Contd.) | ||