Rolls-Royce Archives
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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 discussing the design of a mechanical dipping headlamp control mechanism, including a diagram.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 61a\1\  scan0353
Date  15th October 1928
  
EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}6/15.10.28. cont.

The operating rod could pass through the fixing sphere of the lamp, as you suggested. Unless one used Bowden Cable control, (which we know Mr Royce would not like) it would be necessary for the hollow lamp standards to be always vertical and straight. It might be better, therefore, if the control came out of the lamp thus:-

[Diagram of a headlamp mechanism with handwritten annotations]
Spline
Sphere
THIS TRAVEL TO BE SMALL

ALTERNATIVE It is understood that we provide the controls from the driver to the lamp.

We note with interest that you anticipate using electrical operation on the lamp eventually. We are rather disposed to prefer the mechanical operation, whereby the lamp is positively pulled down, and is returned by a spring without toggle action, because it permits the driver to graduate the angle of dip to suit the conditions. In fog this is of great value

We shall be glad to hear from you that we may expect to be able to have a pair of these lamps in black finish by Nov. 30th.

We also wish to confirm that you are sending us a pair of special streamline side wing lights for this particular car.

We will arrange that an official order be forwarded to you in due course.

Yours faithfully,

for ROLLS-ROYCE LTD.
  
  


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