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 to Joseph Lucas Ltd. regarding criticisms of their lamps fitted to a Phantom III experimental chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 167\1\ img117 | |
| Date | 31th March 1937 | |
| 6116 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wst.4/AP. 31st. March 1937. Messrs Joseph Lucas Ltd., Great King Street, BIRMINGHAM 19 For the attention of Mr.R.L.Neill. Dear Sirs, We have now had a report on the Lucas Lamps which were fitted to our Phantom III. Experimental Chassis at present running on the Continent. Apparently considerable criticism of these lamps has been made in France due to the fact that in the dipped position they definitely dazzle, and we are appending below the three criticisms made in order that you can reply to the same:- (a) The lamps should be fixed focus as it is considered the manufacturing limits are more accurate and not so variable as the human element in focusing the lamps. (b) The image of the dipped filament must always fall outside the reflector zone i.e. it should not be possible with a pair of field glasses, standing at a distance of about 100 feet from the car, to detect the image of the filament directly reflected from the reflector. This can occur more particularly when the glass of the bulb reflects the filament back on to the reflector. (c) The dip filament must be at least 36 watts. (d) The projection of the motif over the edge of the glass causes dirt to collect around the edges making the lamp look untidy after a short period. Furthermore, whenever the lamp is cleaned the chamois leather catches on the point of the motif and makes a tear. We would like you to make up a mock-up of the front of the lamp without the motif projecting over the glass to see how it looks. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. | ||