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).
Letter to supplier J. Lucas Ltd. giving feedback and requirements for a new headlamp design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61a\1\ scan0243 | |
| Date | 30th August 1926 | |
| X1357 COPY HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} "CAMACHAHenry Royce's office in West Wittering" WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town CHICHESTER. 30th Aug. 1926 Messrs. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Lucas Ltd., Birmingham. For attention of O.{Mr Oldham} Lucas Esq. Dear Sirs, Re Headlamps. X.1357 X.1369 X.4291 X8800 Our Works inform us that you are designing a new headlamp. This interests us very much as we are frequently asked by customers to give them a stronger light, a more scientific instrument, and a more expensive looking article. Customers generally ask for the Zeiss lamp, and this we feel is something on the lines of what might be expected, in that it is beautifully made and is a scientific instrument, an endeavour being made to control and reflect the whole of the light. Apparently the bulb of this lamp consumed 35 watts, and that of the Stephan Grebbel 48 watts. This latter lamp we are told gives a more powerful but very dazzling light, possibly on account of the power consumed. The mirrored glass optical reflector of the Zeiss lamp would seem to have distinct advantages over a metal reflector, which in contact with the atmosphere, and heated by the lamp, must eventually deteriorate. We should be very interested to see either a sketch or a model of your lamp. Theoretically speaking the outer casing should not be any larger or technically essential, but appearance is of importance. We do not think there is any need to go in for a larger lamp casing than your RB.{R. Bowen}70 type We agree that the shape is possibly quite good, though the fixing of the front is rather difficult to operate, and is not always watertight. We suggest that for this de luxe model a very fine adjustment should be provided for focusing the light. With respect to anti-dazzle devices we know of no accepted cure, but ourselves prefer to dip the beam by any suitable means, revolving either the lamp or the reflector about its centre of gravity, so that its controls are right to operate. We apologise for offering our views and shall await your remarks with interest. Yours faithfully, for ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||