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).
Letter from S. Smith & Sons discussing the performance and design of electric clocks and heaters.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 164\1\ img262 | |
| Date | 11th January 1940 | |
| S. Smith & Sons (M.A.) Ltd. The Clocks Telephone: Gladstone 3333 Telegraphic Address: Speedofac, Phone, London. Cricklewood Works, London, N.W.2. 11th January, 1940 W.A. Robotham, Esq., Rolls-Royce Ltd., Derby. Dear Robotham, Many thanks for yours of the 6th, reference Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/ML, just received, with report on the behaviour of the Electric Clocks we submitted for test which is most interesting. It appears from the data furnished that for this type of Clock which is designed mainly with the object of producing a reliable article where price is important, the performance is satisfactory. Regarding the observations in your Test Engineer's report, 6th paragraph, I would like you to continue your tests if possible, if only for the purpose of further enlightenment on the point raised. I can tell you meantime that from my long personal experience of this type of clock on Bentley Cars the results have been consistent under ordinary running conditions during a period of five years. As you know, I have been quite candid about the merits of the type of clock under notice and we are working on an improved design which will, however, be necessarily more costly. In clocks more than any other item you get what you pay for. Am glad to learn that you have installed the heaters which we recently had the pleasure of submitting. These, of course, are our standard design with no pretence to cater for your special requirements. We would very much like to have your detailed criticisms; meantime you will be interested to know that the modifications we have introduced recently have resulted in an improved and more efficient unit. | ||