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).
Selection of an R.R. distributor, comparing designs and considering cost implications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168\3\ img146 | |
| Date | 19th April 1939 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 6119 BY.9/G.19.4.39. R.R. DISTRIBUTOR. Broadly speaking I agree the facts are as outlined in Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/R.15.4.39, but you are describing the scheme as on Wraith; this, however, had to be used as it stood due to urgency. There is another head which was instructed over six months ago, which ought to be available, and this has all the advantages by design of the Delco and other points i.e. ball bearings, which should make for better durability and reliability. I am referring to our scheme for a three lobe cam with two breakers, and this is the one I intend to specify for B.V. and the Silver Ripple. The only new part is the three lobe cam, the breakers are the same pieces as we are using, and I see no reason why the new head should not have been running experimentally three months ago. I have made up my mind to use our own type of distributor, there is still ample time to put it through if a dozen sets are called for, and all Bentley V's fitted with same, and Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs} given a number for bench testing. With the exception of cost, all the other points enumerated have been covered in the design referred to, and another further development has been instructed to introduce lighter breaker levers. In regard to cost, the car cannot be brought down to projected figures or anywhere near them, until the Works really get down to reducing production costs on actual operations, this they will have to do or we will fail, and when the Works reduce production (i.e. manufacturing costs) these parts will benefit. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||