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).
Proposal for the layout and illumination of dashboard switches and instruments.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168a\1\ img063 | |
| Date | 12th January 1937 guessed | |
| (2) (10) Cigar lighter. (11) Boa horn switch, if required. We should like to know if you think we should incorporate some of these items in the patch. We propose to put in the petrol pump switch to the left of the clock, but we think we could also cater for items 2, 3, 4 and 5 by simple push pull switches. These are of course at present supplied by the coachbuilder, and in so doing we should be increasing our own expenditure. The argument in favour of the proposal however is that it does make a more orderly scheme, it relieves the present confusion of switch arrangements which vary from coachbuilder to coachbuilder, and it renders much more possible having a cubby hole on the driver's side as well as on the passenger's. As previously mentioned we are keeping the instrument light switch in a distinctive position at the bottom of the facia board, and our object is to enable it to be easily found in the darkness. We may also make it if desired independent of the master switch on the switchbox so that light can be obtained without reference to the main switch. With regard to the question of illumination, this is the scheme for reflected light on black dials such as we use now. The group of four small instruments is provided with one centre bulb, while the clock and speedometer are illuminated by pea lamps disposed around their circumferences. We are proceeding to make up a trial model for testing the efficiency of the lighting arrangements, but in the meantime we should be glad to have your views on the proposed scheme. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||