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 discussing testing and performance issues with Smiths speedometers and windscreen wipers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 51\3\ Scan014 | |
| Date | 15th March 1926 | |
| X.4367 S/W. {Sales / Derby Works} Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Sg {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} 30/BM/15.3.26. Re: Smiths Speedometers. Referring to the above and the instrument which we specially obtained some months ago from Smiths for test - and also to our conversation during the Olympia Show, when you agreed that the least we could do, was to test them, - I should be glad if you would let me know what has happened during the intervening period. You may - or may not - be aware that CWB. had one to try on 11.EX. and turned it down as unsatisfactory, chiefly because of the handle waiving too much between certain speeds. It may, however, be a case of "one swallow does not make a summer" and I shall be glad to know the result of your tests and whether anything has been communicated to Smiths on the subject, who do not seem to have worried about it lately. Re: Windscreen Wipers. You will remember that in November last, you told me you were trying about 6 different makes. I shall be glad if you will let me know whether you have come to any conclusions - and in particular, what results you have obtained from the Smith. One or two people here have suggested that the Smith wiper, whilst excellent in most respects, has the disadvantage of working rather too slowly. CWB. suggests that its rate of movement should be increased by about 50%. Smiths are prepared to do almost whatever we suggest in this direction. I shall be glad to have the benefit of your experience as quickly as possible, as we shall shortly be taking the matter up with Smiths. Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} A.F.S. [Signature] | ||