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).
Alternative windscreen and instrument panel designs, considering screen wipers, radio placement, and driver visibility.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 138\2\ scan0242 | |
| Date | 28th October 1938 | |
| Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} of which we have particulars have fixed screen. The opening screen calls for a Cox or similar type of screen control to each screen panel fitted in the centre of the scuttle screen rail, in a position which must be occupied by the screen wiper blade spindle and the defroster duct. Also, a screen wiper on which the blades can be parked below the screen frame is necessary. It would appear that we shall be forced to retain our electrical screen wiper, and not to use a central screen control. These faults cause the top of the instrument panel box to be kept below the scuttle screen rail, which reduces the room in the box as compared with american equivalents. Fig.1 shews a central instrument patch, with radio control below and two cubby holes, the wireless set and speaker being on the dash. Fig.2. shews a central and integral wireless set and speaker, or speaker only, with an instrument patch on the R.H. side. We prefer the former as it provides good room and visibility for the instruments and a cubby hole for the driver, who needs one most. We shew an ash-tray on the top of the instrument board box, following some American designs. With a fixed screen this is permissable but with opening screen panels, the ash gets blewn into the car. We understand that it is Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s. wish that we should not go any further into the detailed design of this screen and instrument board but that Mr. Green and his department should produce the necessary designs, and instruct Messrs. Park Ward & Co. Ltd. to carry out the work to their detailed schemes. Parts of PL.218. are attached to copies and the original to that of Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/HH's. who will issue the scheme in the normal way and supply the usual prints. Enclosed - 1 print PL.218 to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1 print PL.218 to Mr.Green. Original to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/HH. | ||