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).
Magazine page from 'The Motor' detailing wartime automotive accessories and services, including blackout light masks, gas conversions, and instalment plans for overhauls.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\1\ img084 | |
| Date | 18th September 1940 | |
| September 18, 1940. 139 The Motor NEW ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT Masking a Road Light A ROAD lamp which for many years has enjoyed considerable popularity is the Notek. This gives a wide-spread penetrating light with a cut-off beam which can be used as a non-dazzle lamp, but comply with the lighting regulations. The mask has been carefully designed to take full advantage of the optical qualities of the equipment. There is no objection to the use of a masked auxiliary lamp so long as the maximum light output does not exceed the stipulated 2.5 ft. candles. With the Notek this full permitted figure is obtainable, it is claimed, assuming a 36-watt bulb is used. The design is shown in the accompanying sketch. It comprises a single narrow slit aperture for the light. It not only projects a useful beam but gives also a wide spread of light across the road. It is designed also to prevent the ingress of dust and moisture to the lamp itself. Beneath the slit is provided a flap which, in the normal course of events, is clipped down so that no light is emitted. In the event of fog, when it is permitted to use an unmasked head lamp or full fog lamp intensity, this flap at the base of the Notek mask can be hinged up, thereby giving a greater spread and intensity, of light to meet the needs of the occasion. The mask is sold at 12s. 6d. finished in dull matt black. It is all ready for fitting to existing lamps, but for those who wish to buy a complete equipment, the Notek lamp and mask cost 72s. 6d. It is sold by Notek Electric Co., Ltd., 230-234, Brixton Road, London, S.W.9. Image Caption: The Notek fog lamp fitted with a special mask for black-out motoring. It can be used instead of a masked headlamp. Image Labels: MASKED LIGHT, FOG DRIVING FLAP auxiliary to the head lamps—in peacetime. Its full use at present is, of course, forbidden, the same as normal headlighting. Now, however, a special mask has been introduced for fitting to the Notek lamp so that one can still derive the benefit of the special features of the Black-out Safety Discs METAL discs, painted white, which can be fitted instantly and securely on the car body to act as black-out safety indicators, are sold by Wingard (M.A.), Ltd., 81, Church Road, Hendon, London, N.W.4. They cost 1s. each and can be supplied with rubber cups for section attachment to the body panels or rear windows or with metal strups for attaching to the bumpers. Conversion To Gas GAS conversions are carried out by Weathershields, Ltd., of 48 Moor Street, Birmingham, who are able to supply all the equipment and necessary fittings for the work. The gas bag they supply is completely enclosed in a protective container of a rigid nature and is weatherproof. Prices vary according to the equipment supplied and the car treated, but full details can be obtained from Weathershields, Ltd., at the address given. Winter Preparation AN electric car engine heater is listed at 7s. 6d. by Bulpitt and Sons, Ltd., of Birmingham. Current consumption is low, the cost for 10 hours' running being approximately 1d. Strongly constructed and fitted with copper gauze vents, the heater is safe for use under the bonnet. It is supplied complete with 12 ft. of three-core flexible cord and earthing. This concern markets also a variety of electrically heated devices designed for winter comfort. Paying for Overhauls by Instalments Scheme Facilitating Big Reconditioning Jobs Which May Be Necessary Now That New Cars Cannot Be Purchased YOU can now make easy payments for extensive repair and overhaul jobs, work which might easily involve an expenditure of £30 to £40, as motorists have got to make their cars last longer, and, consequently, will feel more disposed to go in for elaborate reconditioning instead of spending their money on a new car. This, incidentally, they cannot do even if they felt so disposed, as no new vehicles are being sold to the public except by special permit—and that permit will be difficult to obtain. Trouble-free Running An overhaul of a major nature may be desirable to put the car into that trouble-free running order to which they have been accustomed. Those who have been in the habit of changing their cars frequently have been saved service troubles. It is after a year or two's hard use that repairs become more necessary and urgent. The cost may be considerable, and to encourage motorists to have such work carried out, arrangements have been made whereby the charges can be spread over a period, and payments made on the instalment plan. A major overhaul can be financed so that the car owner pays, say, £3 or £4 a month. This can be done in one or two ways, either through your car dealer and service man or, if difficulties are experienced, by direct contact with the United Dominions Trust, Ltd., Regis House, King William Street, London, E.C.4, who have arranged to finance such work. Spread Over 12 Months Instalments can be spread over any convenient period up to 12 months by means of this U.D.T. overhaul finance plan. Whereas in the past it might have been considered the best policy to trade-in a car after it had done, say, 30,000 miles or so and buy a new one, it will pay the motorist now to have his vehicle reconditioned thoroughly and spread this expense over instead. Indeed, it will cost him less than the price of a car exchange, but in all probability he will pay for it in exactly the same way as he would have paid for his new car. Saving Roadside Delays One important point to remember is that after a certain period of satisfactory running small troubles begin to develop. They lead to periodic delays by the roadside, consequent service attention, and probably as much money would be spent in this way in odd payments here and there as in having a complete overhaul. This latter does ensure a roadworthy vehicle, which is essential for safe motoring. a3 | ||