Headlight configurations suitable for both English and Continental driving conditions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 167\1\ img233 | |
| Date | 13th January 1938 | |
| RC. {R. Childs} 6116 S/W. {Sales / Derby Works} BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. " SS. {S. Smith} c. " Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Cx {Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} 2/KW13.1.38. Headlights to Suit English and Continental Conditions. I am very interested to read your report on this question in BY {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} /RD.5/B12.1.38 and also Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 's memo RM {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 6/R12.1.38, and it does seem that as the result of these tests we are going to reach a very acceptable compromise. The three essentials enumerated by Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} seem to cover the requirements, and we seem very close to providing these in the following way - (1) A good driving light. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} states: "The driving light with the R.100 fitted with double filament bulbs was quite good". I share that view, and although one would like perhaps more driving light on the main filaments, I think we could accept this scheme in the absence of anything better, bearing in mind the other requirements. There is always the alternative of the white double filament bulbs to give a little more driving light if that is considered necessary. (2) A good dimming light suitable for both English and Continental conditions. You say in respect of the scheme as fitted to 3-BU-190 " This certainly did enable one to pick out the cyclists a good distance ahead." Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} says - " There is little to choose between the scheme we recommend and the scheme on the P.III under these conditions." I agree with you that the dim filaments plus a suitable spot lamp do fulfil the necessary requirements, and what is so important the scheme is entirely suitable for use abroad by merely swanging the spot lamp from left to right. | ||
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).