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).
Complaints about A.T. speedometers and the decision to test alternative Smith speedometers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 33\4\ Scan018 | |
| Date | 16th April 1925 | |
| B/W (BX). Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} [Handwritten]: X1756 Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}8/FP.{F. Potts}16.4.25. Re: Speedometers. Arising out of complaints of A.T.Speedometers, CJ. asked for some information as to the percentage of complaints, and also for information regarding what was being done about other types, - also why we standardised the A.T. In giving him the information I reported that some 8 months ago we decided to test Elliott Speedometers of the new type, but that this had been given down for the reasons given by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} I mentioned that I had recently suggested that we might test the Smith Speedometer, which I have good reason to believe is satisfactory, with a view to having "a second string to our bow". CJ. agrees that this ought to be done, and in view of Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}'s recommendation that in future we should buy such instruments instead of obtaining them on loan, I have obtained a quotation from the Smith Speedometer people for two instruments [Handwritten above line: @ £4.0.0.] each, [Handwritten over 'each': (with their] complete with flex to couple up to our gear box drive, and with black finish and black dials, like the Smith clock. [Handwritten in left margin: per box] Will you please send them an official order, marking it for the attention of Mr.Buckland, and giving them the necessary information to enable them to make the end to fit the drive. We do not know whether you will deem it advisable to obtain two for 40/50 or one for 40/50 and one for 20-HP., or two of each- this we leave to you. It is hoped that the test will be proceeded with as quickly as possible, bearing in mind that if the complaints of the A.T. Speedometer were to become more numerous we might want to change over quickly to something else. [Signature] | ||