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).
Design considerations for C.I. engines and the future of diesel-electric locomotives.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img227 | |
| Date | 14th June 1932 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/UD. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to RG.{Mr Rowledge} F.{Mr Friese} re. C. I. UNIT. 84433 We were very pleased to hear that our original unit has not given much trouble as regards the non-experimental parts. We should not think of departing from it as regards bearings, except that we are adding another crank which demands another bearing. As originally stated in my memos. I naturally prefer the simple mushroom type valves, for the exhaust especially. We only propose using the sleeve type so as not to be limited in the shape and type of combustion chamber. light It is clear to me that what we want for a/C. I. engine is a two stroke, and a fundamentally strong engine, without which we have little hope of getting under 3 lb.s per HP. I have got the impression that C. I. oil engines (diezel-electric) for railway locomotives will never be used in England, as Col. Fell gives their first cost as very much higher than I had imagined, and the distribution of electrical energy should be making rapid progress so that it will be available everywhere in this country, and our natural fuel is coal. In sparsely populated colonies, and abroad, the situation may be entirely different. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||