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).
Investigation of a supercharger, its construction, potential purchase for testing, and comparison with other models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\5\ Scan121 | |
| Date | 3rd July 1924 | |
| - 2 - The general construction of the supercharger and its application appeared to be quite sound, and one must certainly admit that for high engine speeds it has certain virtues. If it is desired to investigate this matter this car should be obtained so that Rg.{Mr Rowledge} can, as he suggests, carry out investigation work with the engine on the test bed. I have suggested that the smaller model, (11.9 R.A.C. rating) which is much cheaper, could be obtained as I understand from the British Mercedes people that a supercharger of exactly similar design is also fixed to this model, works similarly and gives the same effective results, in fact much better results as the engine has a much lower gear. If it is therefore a question of investigation of the supercharge, I recommend the purchase of the smaller model. I am not sure of the price of this one. The price of the one as above described is £1600. In discussing the matter with Rg.{Mr Rowledge} however, he is of the opinion that it would only be the larger model engine which would be of real service for investigations. In other respects, apart from the supercharger, I certainly do not feel that the car is worth purchasing, but there may be some interesting constructional details which could be taken advantage of, such as the steel cylinders with the welded jackets, monel plug system, overhead camshaft mechanism etc. The supercharger when in action is rather noisy and would be noticably so if fitted to the R-R car. It is brought into action by a plate clutch and is thrown in and out by the movement of the accelerator pedal as above described. Details of the supercharger have already been described in the Autocar, April 13. 1923. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||