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).
Issues with a new magneto drive, comparing it unfavorably to the previous design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 37\4\ scan 171 | |
| Date | 24th October 1917 | |
| S.F.C. from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} o.{Mr Oldham} to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} o.{Mr Oldham} to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EH. X3048 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}15/F241017. RE. MAGNETO DRIVES - X.3048. With reference to your memo. EFC2/T23.10.17, I consider it ought to be put on record that the present drive has given trouble. As previously reported, the chief trouble is that the ends of the plate, which are bent over, and which come in contact with the drum, frequently invariably break off. Whilst on this matter, I would again like to bring more forward the fact that the magneto timing is much more awkward with the present drive than with the preceding scheme, it being necessary, in order to obtain the correct timing, to dismantle the driving drum attached to the magneto, whereas on the preceding drive, this was not necessary, but sufficient accurate timing could be obtained by the correct engagement of the serrations, these being an "odd number", and although I have brought this matter forward on previous occasions, I have yet to be convinced of the advantage of the present system over the old one, and whatever disadvantaged the old system may have had, I certainly think that we could to advantage still retain the odd number of teeth, which allows us to get correct adjustment to 2 or 3 degrees. [Handwritten note] There is also the awkwardness of fixing the Magneto, unless the stator plates are vertical & as demonstrated to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} GR{George Ratcliffe} | ||