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).
Comparing the performance of Watford, Lucas, and Thomson-Houston magnetos for cars and aero engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 57\2\ Scan203 | |
| Date | 21th June 1928 | |
| EFC. } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} } HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} } X5790 R1/M21.6.28. O.{Mr Oldham} to BJ. " " WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " " RG.{Mr Rowledge} X7791 MAGNETOS. X.8793 CAR. Mr. Lidsey's report on Phantom experimental cars says that Watford magnetos are quiet, while Lucas are noisy. This is different to the report by EFC., who judged the Lucas the better. You will remember that I did not wish to change to Lucas, principally for reasons of reputation, so that I am very pleased to hear that we are not forced to do so by any technical reason of silence or efficiency. The Watford magneto has several features which are preferable to the Lucas. (They add to the cost, but the price is now quite satisfactory - i.e. commercially OK.) It is understood that the sleeve type is better for the 20HP. AERO. Apparently Thomson-Houston are doing well on aero engines, and there is no reason for changing, so unless I hear to the contrary we shall be getting along with other work. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||