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 to North & Sons regarding issues with Watford I.S.12 Aero Magnetos, including a note from Mr. Royce.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 43\4\ Scan082 | |
| Date | 22th August 1927 | |
| c. RY. c. RG.{Mr Rowledge} c. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/CEP. c. Mailing. X.4021 EFC2/T. 22nd. August, 1927. Messrs. North & Sons, Whippendell Road, WATFORD. For the attention of Mr. R.E. North. Dear Sirs, Watford I.S.12. Aero Magneto. We have a note from Mr. Royce, of which the following is an extract :- "Regarding magnetos for aero engines, it will be understood that owing to some trouble with the Air Ministry connectors, and perhaps some other small details, the Watford magneto had a setback, and the B.T.H. was used instead. Pressure of events did not permit us to return to the Watford magneto until recently, when it was found that the B.T.H. failed to reach the speed necessary for the overspeed of the high compression R.F. engine. We have therefore renewed interest in the Watford magneto, which we understand is the only one that meets the requirements of the high speed racing Napier engine. In the discussion with Mr. North the impression was formed that we did not return the defective magnetos to the Watford Co. because they were the property of the Air Ministry, and we could not move in the matter. Mr. North has the impression however that some of the magnetos have been paid for by R-R, and are our property, and we can therefore do what we like with these, and he suggests that if they are not entirely satisfactory they be returned to their Works with a report of their defects, so that they can put them right at their own expense without delay. Any way, I think we ought to act independently of the Air Ministry in this matter of getting some good magnetos for our engines, even if we temporarily steal some of the Air Ministry's machines from our stores so that they can be put right and available for test. Contd. | ||