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 and layout of instruments on the dashboard for Bensport and Peregrine models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 62\2\ scan0175 | |
| Date | 10th February 1933 | |
| X6141 WST To De/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hg. For. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} De. HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} E.1/HP.10.2.33. re Instrument Panel - Bensport and Peregrine. Referring to the instrument panel which we are developing to fit the scheme of instrument board in which the speedometer is carried separately in the position opposite the steering wheel with its own source of illumination, and in the case of Bensport is combined in the same mounting with the tachometer, we originally started out with the idea that the damper and starter carburetter controls should be in the panel as shown on RR. scheme 334, of which we attach a blueprint. We think now however that this is not a logical construction. It had the advantage of combining all the controls in one panel, but strictly the presence of the damper and starter carburetter controls is undesirable in the instrument patch and necessitates the use of a combined water and oil gauge, which is not considered a satisfactory instrument. There is also the question of finding a place for a damper gauge if such an instrument is found to be required. We are, therefore, proceeding on modified lines as shown on the small blueprint marked 1. In this scheme the damper and starter carburetter controls are separate from and arranged on each side of the instrument panel. The petrol gauge and ammeter are arranged on the left to be as far away as possible from the disturbing influence of the speedometer. Oil and water gauges are separate and the clock is made to balance a further opening in which we have shown a combined warning light, instrument light switch and inspection lamp plugging. Should it be found that a damper gauge is required we propose to insert it in the hole balancing the clock as the warning light, instrument board light switch etc. can be easily disposed of in other positions in the patch. We have considered disposing of five instruments symmetrically relative to the switchbox but this involves placing the clock immediately beneath the switchbox, somewhat as shown in the upper view on blueprint marked 11 on the | ||