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).
Decision to use tungsten for battery ignition contact points.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 35\6\ scan 248 | |
| Date | 24th February 1927 | |
| X2194 To EFC. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} }FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} }(At Le Carmel) DESPATCHED FROM WW. 24.2.27. c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} RG.{Mr Rowledge} Ds. BATTERY IGNITION CONTACT POINTS. X.2894. X.4041. X.4652. X.4284. I am very definitely in favour of tungsten points, on the condition that you are undecided for the following - (1) They are comparatively inexpensive, so that car can carry ample spares. (2) We do not ask drivers to file up because they do it badly, and one never knows how much platinum is left - (own experience.) (3) If possible, we make it interchangeable with Delco points for convenience of ourselves and all garages. Any alteration to the contact maker will not affect this decision (as far as I can see) to make platinum preferable. Such improvements should be done promptly, otherwise our reputation may suffer. The grestest asset the Co. has is its reputation, which we have fought for for so many years. Off-set contact maker design very urgent also - E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} kindly note. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||