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 from Vauxhall Motors discussing engine development, including the 'Iron horse' engine's performance and plans for a new C.I. engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\4\ scan0224 | |
| Date | 17th September 1940 | |
| Vauxhall Motors Ltd LUTON. BEDS. TELEPHONE NUMBER 2600 LUTON. TELEGRAMS CARVAUX, TELEX, LUTON 1097 WHEN REPLYING PLEASE QUOTE OUR REF: 289/AT/IF YOUR REF: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/ML 17th September, 1940. W.A. Robotham, Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Limited, Derby. Dear Robotham, Thanks for your kindly letter and invitation to call - I shall. Our "Iron horse" is working all right, as intended. We aimed at 350 h.p. at 2,400, and are getting it at 2,000. However, at 2,400 we get very little more - 368 h.p. We have been rather lucky in the way some of our speculations have come off. We use 6 to 1 compression ratio for a 5" bore and use Pool fuel without detonation, getting 114.7 b.m.e.p. which though not high, is all right for a side valve. As far as the blower is concerned, we want this for another engine which is promised for January 1st, giving 450 h.p. out of 22½ litres. We shall have to blow this - it is a C.I. engine. The bang at my office has made me wonder several times why I don't get the hell out of it - I guess I haven't the courage to leave. I and the rest of the civilized world pray daily that your goodselves will be able to carry on safely. Cont'd ............. | ||