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).
Decisions on foot warmers, fenders, luggage carriers, and starting handles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 183\M22\ img007 | |
| Date | 30th January 1919 guessed | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} -5- EL/G30119 Contd. Mr. Royce approved of the suggestion to leave a union of about .625" diameter on the exhaust pipe for this purpose. Mr. Olley will make enquiries as to what foot warmers are obtainable, and get particulars of their design. It was pointed out that the foot warmer may have to stand about 100 lbs. explosion pressure from the exhaust if the connecting pipe is large enough and short enough to transmit flame. The exhaust heated foot warmers unless properly fitted may become hot enough to destroy the boots or clothes of the passengers. Alternative water heated systems, and a system whereby the exhaust heated a small reservoir of water, were suggested. Mr. Royce would like Mr. Hives to experiment with exhaust gas and water heated foot warmers. The front seat footboards were considered to be sufficiently heated by the warm air from the engine, particularly on cars fitted with radiator shutters, which would still keep cosily warm in cold weather, by reason of the radiator shutters being closed. (11) FRONT FENDERS AND LUGGAGE CARRIERS ON AMERICAN CARS Mr. Olley pointed out the necessity for providing some protection from bumping of one's own and other cars at the front and rear of the chassis. In accordance with Mr. Royce's instructions, Mr. Olley will look into the matter of front fenders, and make some suggestions regarding how they should be applied to the R.R. since it appears that there are, or will be, American customers who will insist on having front fenders. The American practice of carrying spare tyres or wheels at the rear, as a means of protection, was considered inadvisable on R.R. cars, owing to the extra weight thrown on the cantilever portion of the frame. It was thought that the luggage carrier, if it folded down behind the petrol tank, might constitute some protection for this vulnerable part. The design work already done by us on luggage carriers, is to be looked up again with a view to completing it and supplying it as a standard fitting. (12) DETACHABLE STARTING HANDLE Mr. Royce approved of the suggestion to make the starting handle detachable for "after the War" 40/50 chassis, which are to be fitted with self starters. The car would then merely shew only a slightly projecting starting shaft with a cover over it at the front of the radiator, and the starting handle would be carried in the body. (13) OUTSIDE VALANCE Mr. Royce approved of the suggestion to cover in the rear springs and any other greasy parts, by an outside valance for the purpose of protecting the passengers clothes when (Contd.) | ||