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).
Expressing dissatisfaction with Lucas dynamos and cutouts, and considering alternatives from Smiths and Bleriot.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 36\4\ scan 215 | |
| Date | 18th June 1921 | |
| To EFS. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to Mr. Mon. [Stamp: RECEIVED 18 JUN 1921] X3014G R10/G14/6/21. X4165 RE LUCAS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. X4352 X295 X3014Z My instructions are that we do not fit any more lucas equipment other than just enough to continue deliveries until they give us something satisfactory, and that we do not accept deliveries of any for stock. The fact of their having supplied us with several dynamos shows that we have given them time to put the matter right, and they have never up to date, supplied us with anything which we could possibly accept. The idea of making a longer machine was suggested to them by us long ago. In the meantime we have received from Smiths a dynamo of quite moderate dimensions and weight, which has passed our criticisms. This may be wrong, but it is the best we can do, and the responsibility of passing this dynamo lies with Mr. Clark and Mr. Hives. X4215 x5770 Regarding a cutout, my impression is, from the two samples I have received, that the Bleriot cutout is the better, and very good, working with vigour and reliability. It has been a perfect treat to have this fitting instead of the lucas cutout, which requires a good deal of hammering on the instrument board. It will also be remembered that when running fast the lucas fuses blow and put the dynamo out of action, or make it change very late. Whether this is a fault of the scheme or a defect of the fuse carrier, or fuses, I do not know, but it seems chronic. I have done with them until they shape better. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||