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).
Progress on engine and axle development projects codenamed 'China' and 'Japan'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\7\ 07-page059 | |
| Date | 11th November 1929 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From R.{Sir Henry Royce} COPY. K5258 R.1/11.11.29. c. to Sx. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Sy. "CHINA" AND "JAPAN". X.5770 X.5230 X.2056 X.5350 We are very delighted with the progress we are now making with "China" and "Japan". On Saturday last we sent you particulars of the cyl. head, and inlet and exhaust manifold, (LADs.2758/9) for the latest experiment with "China". The valves will follow early this week. The regret I have is that we are doing this job twice, and the difficulty will be to get the second edition of it, that is, the complete "Japan", and as this seems so superior in many ways, both in regard to detonations, distribution, and absence of firing in the exhaust, it will be very desirable to get this model pushed forward as quickly as possible, especially as it constitutes only a small portion of the entire chassis, and need not embarrass the sales as it does not effect the bodywork in the slightest, and no-one need know when the change is made until deliveries are commenced. Fortunately, the improvements to "China" do not effect the appearance at all. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} expressed the wish that we should get the hypoid axle as quickly as possible because it facilitates production. I particularly want it because it avoids cutting the woodwork of the floor in the rear portion of the body. The design of this hypoid axle left Ww. some months ago, and I believe is now moving in Derby. We are examining the "Japan" head, and may possibly change to cast iron if still thought advisable? The final design of valves for "China" leaves Ww. today or tomorrow. These have been brought right up-to-date - larger stems, heavier exhaust head, less gas scoring, H.R. Crown exhausts with caps, and silchrome inlets with hardened ends. The high rated stiff valve spring you have. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||